Autumn on the Gulf Islands

October 3, 2007

Victoria, B.C. - Autumn on the Gulf Islands: the high-paced summer gives way to the harvest, warm afternoons, cool nights, and the Garry Oaks turning gold. Each of the Gulf Islands have their own rhythm, personality and atmosphere, and autumn reveals this. From Saturna Island's lush vineyard in the very south to Cortes Island and its beautiful parks in the north, the Gulf Islands have many treasures for nature lovers to discover, and BC Ferries gets you there. Some are simple to get to and some take a little more planning, but that's part of the Gulf Islands' charm. Below are only a few of the reasons to visit the Gulf Islands this fall; there are far more than could be listed here.

For more information on destinations, routes, schedules and fares, go to www.bcferries.com,  or call 1 888 BCFERRY, or *BCF on a cell phone.

Southern Gulf Islands - Galiano, Salt Spring, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, Gabriola and Thetis

Galiano Island - The natural beauty and warm, dry weather make Galiano Island an outdoor paradise. You can hike or cycle trails and back roads or go whale watching or bird watching. Orcas visit Galiano's placid waters regularly to feed. Galiano Island features four provincial parks: Bellhouse, Montague Harbour Marine, Dionisio Point, and Bodega Ridge.

Getting there:
From Tsawwassen: several non-stop departures daily, and additional departures with one stop. From Swartz Bay: several non-stop departures every day except Sunday. Additional daily departures (including Sundays), with one or more stops at other islands.

Salt Spring Island - Arts, music, outdoor recreation, food and wine - the list of reasons to visit Salt Spring, the most populated of the Gulf Islands, is endless. Two wineries offer tours and tastings, while the Saturday Market takes place until the end of October from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Centennial Park in Ganges, with dozens of local farmers and artists offering their wares for sale. Salt Spring also features three provincial parks: Ruckle, Mount Maxwell, and Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park.

Getting there:
From Tsawwassen: multiple daily departures, some with stops at other islands.
From Crofton and Swartz Bay: frequent non-stop departures daily.

Mayne Island - Mayne is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, one of Canada's newest national parks, protecting a landscape of rocky headlands, forested hills and shorelines studded with colourful tidepools. Hike in Mount Parke Regional Park, the highest point on the island, for great views of Active Pass and a beautiful view across Swanson Channel and the surrounding islands. Mayne Island is great for beachcombing, walking, fishing, scuba diving and kayaking.

Getting there:
From Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay: multiple daily departures from, some with stops at other islands.

Pender Island - Pender is also part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Shop for local produce, arts and crafts at North Pender's popular Farmer's Market, held on Saturdays at the Community Agricultural Hall. Artists are everywhere: you can choose from craft fairs, poetry readings, book launches, gallery tours, concerts, and theatrical events.

Getting there:
From Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay:multiple daily departures, some with stops at other islands.

Saturna Island - Wine is a great reason to visit Saturna. With a 60-acre vineyard, Saturna Island Family Estate Winery offers a stunning setting with views to the ocean and the San Juan Islands. Their relaxed bistro is open for lunch May until October.  Check the market for local produce and art every Saturday. Saturna is also part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, with nearly half the island's unique ecosystem protected. Hiking trails let you explore the park.

Getting there:
From Tsawwassen: multiple daily departures, all with stops or transfers.
From Swartz Bay: daily departures, some with stops at other islands.

Gabriola Island -- Saturdays are market day on Gabriola. From 10 a.m. to noon, from May until Thanksgiving, the market is where locals and visitors wander, meet friends and neighbours, and pick up local produce and fresh baked goods. The island is known for its many artisans and its busy cottage industry in pottery and other arts and crafts. Kayaking, beachcombing, hiking and cycling are also great Gabriola activities.
Getting there: from Nanaimo Harbour, approximately 15 departures daily.
Thetis Island - One of the smaller Gulf Islands, Thetis is known for its serenity. Visit the Thetis Island Vineyard to taste local wines and go to the Pot of Gold Coffee Roasting Company for a java.

Getting there:
From Chemainus: approximately 12 departures daily, some with one stop at Kuper Island.

Northern Gulf Islands - Denman, Hornby, Quadra and Cortes

Denman Island - With three provincial parks, Denman is popular with walkers, kayakers and nature enthusiasts. Fillongley, Boyle Point and Sandy Island Marine Park offer hiking trails, sandy beaches, rocky coves and lush forests. The artists of Denman Island produce pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, paintings, sculpture, books, and music.

Getting there:
From Vancouver Island (Buckley Bay): multiple daily departures.

Hornby Island - Tribune Bay Provincial Park is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and unusual rocky shoreline formations. Other parks are Helliwell Provincial Park and Mount Geoffrey Regional Park. Visit the Elderfield Old-time Farm to learn about the natural cycles of producing clothing, shelter and food. Hornby hosts a thriving community of artists and several galleries present the diversity of local talent.

Getting there:
From Denman Island: multiple daily departures.

Quadra Island - Adventure recreation, scenery, arts, First Nations culture and the laid-back island lifestyle are some of the reasons to visit Quadra. Hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are popular, as are the island's many restaurants and cafes. Don't miss Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Marine Park, which has excellent areas for beach exploration and picnicing, and is a favourite anchorage for boaters.

Getting there:
From Campbell River: multiple daily departures.

Cortes Island - Three provincial parks dot Cortes Island, which sits at the entrance to Desolation Sound. Ha'thayim Provincial Marine Park, a joint venture between the Klahoose First Nation band and BC Parks in an undeveloped marine wilderness protecting saltwater lagoons, tidal passes and old-growth forest. Gathering shellfish and berries in season is one reason to visit Cortes; another is the friendly and laid-back atmosphere that greets visitors. Hollyhock is one of Canada's leading retreat centres, offering gourmet vegetarian meals, naturalist guided walks, meditation and yoga, relaxing bodywork sessions, outdoor hot tubs, kayaking, sailing adventures, and more.

Getting there:
From Quadra Island: six departures daily, or five on Sundays.

About BC Ferries
First launched in 1960 as a two-vessel, two-terminal operation, BC Ferries has grown into one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world. Its fleet of 36 vessels serves a diverse range of communities - up to 47 ports of call offering a full range of tourism experiences - along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. For information on travel planning, schedules, and fares, go to www.bcferries.com.

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