In the spring of 2004 the Gulf Island National Park Reserve was opened. This Reserve protects one of the most sensitive ecological areas in Canada. Garry oaks and arbutus trees, tide pools, sea birds, orca whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions all live in and are protected by the Reserve which covers 33 sq. km (20.5 sq. mi.) of parkland on a number of islands.
The Gulf Islands produce a supply of specialty foods and farm products are available at local markets on most of the islands.
Hiking golf, tennis, scuba diving, fishing are all among the Gulf Island attractions. While each island is unique in character you may want to choose one island as a day trip or overnight getaway. Check each island for the type of accommodation available and be sure to book ahead, particularly in the summer season. There are several wellness centres and spas located on the islands, taking advantage of the restful ambience that each island provides.
Gulf Islands Accommodations vary from 5-star resorts to humble off-the-beaten-track Bed and Breakfasts that may just include teaching you a craft, perhaps forging.
The Gulf Islands are divided into North and South. Were you to look at a map of Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands are east of the distance between Victoria and Nanaimo, in the Strait of Georgia. The Northern Gulf Islands continue into the Johnstone Strait and into the Queen Charlotte Strait, covering a total of about 490 km (304 mi.).
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** Featured Listing **
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Quarrystone House is situated on 5 acres on a ridge, with stunning ocean & sunset views to the west & open pastoral views to the east. This dramatic yet peaceful setting creates the perfect escape where you can enjoy tranquil luxury and ensured privacy all year round. Relax on your secluded balcony or soak in your own Jacuzzi tub and enjoy the spectacular sunsets behind Vancouver Island.
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** Featured Listing **
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Our Bowen Island cottage offers an inviting getaway for two in a warm décor of natural wood, tile and stained-glass. Amenities include a small fridge, microwave, electric kettle, coffee maker, George Forman Grill and a two-burner stove. Guests are also welcome to dine in our covered ceremonial rock garden and have use of the outdoor kitchen and barbeque.
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** Featured Listing **
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Non-profit Hollyhock has a spectacular waterfront setting on Cortes Island. A stunning half-hectare organic garden is at its heart with veggies, flowers and herbs harvested daily used in all our locavore, buffet meals. Accommodations include ocean-front to forest cabins and tent sites. As Canada's preeminent lifelong learning centre, we offer a wide range of educational and leadership programs.
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** Featured Listing **
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Our B&B is tucked in a private, peaceful little corner on Denman Island. It's a cozy, all-season cottage - just the place to relax, retreat and unwind any time of the year. You are close to parks, trails, the beach and lake. We provide a continental-style breakfast with many choices in your own private setting. Choices include fresh roasted organic coffee, teas, organic juices and local produce.
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** Featured Listing **
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At Page's Inn on Silva Bay, we offer our guests spacious, private oceanfront accommodations in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. All our fully equipped suites and our new executive meeting room have stunning views across Silva Bay and the Flat Top Islands. Our spacious suites include either full kitchens or kitchenettes. Guests can comfortably dine en suite or cook-out on the nearby BBQ.
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** Featured Listing **
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Five acres overlooking Silva Bay on Gabriola Island: 1 & 2 bedroom Cottages with kitchen, comfortable living room, wood burning fireplace, large deck with view; campground with showers, laundry & picnic area; Marina with moorage & fuel dock; Activities in the bay include diving, kayaking, fishing, cycling & hikes; minutes from golf, groceries & restaurant.
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** Featured Listing **
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Set on 9 acres of private forest land on Galiano Island, Woodstone Manor is a magical place to enjoy a romantic getaway or family vacation. Our unique dining Room & Patio offers menus of food prepared by our executive chef! With only 12 rooms, it's the perfect size for an intimate wedding or to gather with family and friends for a celebration.
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** Featured Listing **
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Our family oriented camp-resort is on the bluffs above Lambert channel on the west coast of Hornby Island. We offer private, grassy, roomy, sun/shade campsites. We have a strict policy of No music (radios, car stereos, etc) - whispers after 11 PM. We are very busy in peak summer months. Think about coming to our beautiful location earlier in the spring or after Labour Day. We are open all year.
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** Featured Listing **
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Located on Mayne Island in the Gulf Islands, this resort features a full spa. An indoor pool and hot tub are also on-site. Panoramic ocean views are available from each room. The rooms are equipped with large windows allowing for plenty of natural light. A fitness center and steam bath provide guests with ample opportunity for relaxation. Barbecue facilities are available for guest use.
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** Featured Listing **
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The Laichwiltach people conceived and built a modern, full-service beach-front lodge on Quadra Island. It is one of the few lodges featuring authentic Pacific Coast native architecture, art, and culture based on traditional Kwagiulth historical values. The lodge exudes the warmth of west coast wood construction and features the design of a Kwagiulth "Big House" as the main foyer and lounge area.
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** Featured Listing **
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Just 2 1/2 hours north of Campbell River and a 30 minute ferry ride will bring you to the start of your Island Escape. Orca Lodge offers private and exclusive beachfront accommodation in sunny Sointula on Malcolm Island. Your suite at Orca Lodge is so close to the water that at high tide you will feel like you are floating on a boat. At low tide there is an abundance of sea life to discover.
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Distances To...
Downtown Sointula: 1.8km
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Offering beautiful views over Ganges Harbour, this Salt Spring Island suite features access to a number of outdoor activities. Free Wi-Fi is provided. A fully equipped kitchen, cable TV and a DVD player are found in the spacious suite. The accommodation is located above an outdoor store and offers a selection of hiking, kayaking and sailing excursions. Massage services can also be arranged.
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Hastings House Country House Hotel -- a small luxury country resort, spa and restaurant - sits on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Explore British Columbia's natural beauty, Salt Spring's mild climate and the warmth and creativity of its people.
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With a private terrace, boat mooring and beach, this completely non-smoking Salt Spring Island accommodation includes suites with a kitchenette and an electric fireplace. An oceanfront hot tub with bathrobes and slippers is available. A 40-inch flat-screen satellite TV and a selection of DVDs are included. The bathroom features heated porcelain tile floors.
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This decorative hotel is located just across from Salt Spring Island Visitor Information in Ganges. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Rooms at this hotel offer a flat-screen TV and a luxurious pillowtop bed. Deluxe Rooms also feature a fireplace, a private bathroom and views of the sea. Guests can enjoy the outdoor deck or relax by the fireplace in the lounge area.
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This waterfront accommodation is located on Salt Spring Island. It offers a private pebble beach and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi. A flat-screen TV, DVD player, and iPod docking station are included in the guest rooms. Each has a patio and select rooms have a kitchenette. River otters, seals, and eagles can be seen along the shoreline.
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This Salt Spring Island seaside resort offers a private beach area, a variety of spa services and villas with a patio and fireplace. The spacious villas provide a two-person mineral bath. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, barbecue grills and a living room with a sofa. Some offer an ocean view. Row boats and bikes are available for guests.
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7 park-like acres of spectacular south facing water front on St. Mary Lake. Choose a 1 or 2 bedroom fully equipped standard lakefront cottage or a new luxury log chalet. Perfect summer family vacation with a safe sandy beach, new jungle gym, variety of complimentary boats. Beach games and theme nights. Fabulous trout and bass fishing. Ideal off- season tranquility, perfect for a romantic get away.
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This Salt Spring Island hotel features a day spa, a 15-acre organic farm and on-site restaurant with live entertainment. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities. The restaurant offers organic and locally grown produce and weekend entertainment. The hotel provides each room with a colour TV and a work desk. Classes are available at the yoga studio.
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Our Galiano Island accommodations include self-sufficient cottages with kitchen and bath ranging from studios to 2-bedroom cabins. No two cottages are alike. Each features local, original Art, a full complement of dishes, and linens for bed and bath which enhance the individuality of each unit. All cottages have a full private bath, well-equipped cooking facilities, cable TV and secure Wi-Fi.
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More than a simple open-air museum, the Village historique acadien is a tourism complex built around a 2.2 km circuit bordered with historic buildings, all inhabited by fully bilingual (French and English) interpretive guides who portray the daily lives of the Acadian people from 1770 to 1949.
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This Vancouver, British Columbia hostel boasts a full bar and restaurant on site and offers a ticket service desk with discounts on tickets for Vancouver Canucks games. Breakfast is provided daily. Samesun Vancouver offers shared and private rooms that include lockers. Free Wifi is provided. The daily complimentary breakfast includes coffee, tea, bagels and oats.
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At our Campbell River bed and breakfast, we have 150 ft of private serene beach living. You will enjoy 2 bdrm, 2 bath of 1300 sq feet fully equipped vacation home with ample parking, lots of green space. Storm watching the seas. Incredible mountain and ocean view. Eagle, whale, porpoise and sea lion watching. Library and games. Wood burning rock fireplace insert. Cable, internet.
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Choose from a diverse array of beautifully appointed, pet-friendly Pender Island resort accommodations - perfect for families, couples, groups and boaters. Enjoy outdoor activities on the sparkling water from our private marina, soak in our outdoor swimming pools (two), or simply relax in your private cottage villa or lodge accommodations for a rejuvenating West Coast Island experience.
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A west coast paradise away from the crowds, April Point Resort & Spa combines natural beauty and adventure to create the ultimate vacation experience. Situated on beautiful Quadra Island, the resort lets you set your own pace. Enjoy a thrilling whale watching tour or a peaceful sunset wine and cheese cruise. Relax with a massage at the Aveda spa or enjoy a cocktail on the patio.
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