Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
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Temporarily closed until further notice
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is closed for the season until May 15, 2021. Most green spaces and trails are still available for your enjoyment; however, the majority of visitor services are no longer available. Be prepared and use additional caution as search and rescue services are limited. Enjoy your Gulf Islands National Park Reserve responsibly! Experience the park, an archipelago of sheltered islands, islets and reefs in the Salish Sea. Breathe in the sea air and the Mediterranean-like climate while exploring stunning beaches, peaceful coves and lush forest trails. Take in the spectacular ocean views with glimpses of seals, sea lions, porpoises and Orca whales. Connect with fascinating local culture and people, or enjoy boating, kayaking, hiking and an extensive interpretive program, including a multi-route geocaching program for all ages.
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4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
17
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4
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Katie D
Victoria, Canada6 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
This is a unique National Park in that it is spread out over a number of islands and islets in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. I have spent much time on Saturna Island (which represents the largest portion of the National Park) as well as on Tumbo, Cabbage and Mayne Island. On Saturna, the National Park offers lots of different walking trails (nothing challenging enough to qualify as a "hike"), and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. In the summer months, the orcas go by East Point almost every day (although its still luck of the draw whether you're there at the right time). While we were there, we also saw porpoises, sea lions lounging on the rocks (and making quite the ruckus!), seabirds, seals and eagles. The Lyall Creek Trail was absolutely beautiful (like a primordial rainforest), and we were fortunate enough to be guided by an exceptionally talented and sweet National Park interpreter who taught us all about the salmon-bearing stream. Mt. Warburton-Pike (which the locals call the T.V. tower-- lol!) has some of the most stunning views I've seen anywhere. You get a near panoramic of the Southern Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands from this view point. While we were there we also saw a herd of about 100 feral goats. They were loud and smelly and my niece just loved them. There are lots of great places to stay on Saturna (from lodges to campsites), and there are wonderful restaurants and art galleries to explore. The community here is very friendly and VERY inquisitive about visitors (and seem to want us to move there!). We traveled from Swartz Bay (Victoria) on BC Ferries, and it took a little over an hour to arrive on Saturna (much more accessible than I had been lead to believe). There are also seaplanes that fly in and out on a daily basis. I've also camped on Cabbage Island (which is only accessible by private boat). There are lots of mooring buoys to tie up on, and between Cabbage's sandy white beaches and neighboring Tumbo's Garry oak and arbutus forests, there was lots of exploring for us and the kids. We can't recommend Gulf Islands National Park enough!
Written 29 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience to the park with us! We are glad you had a great visit. Thank you for your support.
Written 31 January 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
veronicamx90
Calgary, Canada1 contribution
June 2016 • Friends
Many thing to do here: whale watching, bird watching, boating, paddle board, SUP, dining, kayaking, photography, sailing... you name it!
Written 28 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Written 7 July 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard S
Rahway, NJ656 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We booked a 5 day live-aboard sailing course on the boat TULA out of Sidney harbour. We sailed or motored 9 to 5 each day, with a lunch stop at a marina or anchored in a cove. Some nights we anchored or moored, on others we docked at marinas. We visited the port towns like Cowchan Bay and Maple Leaf and saw lots of wildlife- eagles, seals, deer. It was not the season for whales. Beautiful islands and spectacular sunsets- a great way to experience the Gulf Islands.
Written 29 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yeshiyang
Lagos, Portugal188 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
take the time to go to any of the gulf islands especially Saturna and see the natural beauty it offers all ages. There's biking, kayaking, walking trails, good food and a winery.
Written 21 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruperto
Victoria235 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We kayak through the Gulf Islands National Park from our home in North Saanich. There is an excellent "put-in" at Roberts Bay (a wildlife reserve in Sidney). The small islands (e.g. Coal, Domville) in the Haro Strait team with wildlife - deer, mink, racoons, otter - as does the ocean. There are plenty of gravel and some shell beaches to take a break on. Some islands are private but sparsely settled, others, e.g. Portland, are in the national park and have camping spots. The tides and currents can be swift...check weather forecast and tide tables.
Written 14 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redline41
Sidney, Canada33 contributions
July 2013 • Family
sidney & its island # 1........sand beaches wild deer,,,beautiful yachts....sunny outdoors ...washrooms what else could you ask for...............other islands equally interesting but different,pender,again a gem.............
Written 23 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve D
Sidney, Canada32 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
No matter the time of year, getting out in this marine park always provides a treat - seals, whales, eagles, hawks popping up here and there. Lots of public islands to explore from the water or on the land. A gem in the Salish Sea!
Written 10 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mulgrew
vancouver201 contributions
July 2017 • Family
we visitied this park in the summer it was quiet and nice, few crowds water was still aloittle cold to go swimming but its Canada so what can you expect but the water was freshing even if the kids did not stay in too long
Written 19 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kanng17
Calgary, Canada103 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
The Saturday market is interesting but small at this time of year. Interesting flavored sea salts. A lot of jewelery, few handcrafts. Drove the whole island, lovely. The cheese farm is also of interest. Lots to try and taste.
Written 10 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morag V
Ladner, Canada159 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The Lochside trail is really well signed and maintained. We enjoy riding it from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, into Victoria. The trail is basically flat, and very easy to cycle. I would recommend it for cyclists who can handle a longer distance.
Written 17 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antje41
North Vancouver, Canada
From North Vancouver how do I get to Mcdonald campsite? I would like to know before I reserve
Written 30 June 2017
The street address for the campground is: 10740 McDonald Park Road, North Saanich, BC, V8L 5S5
From North Vancouver you'll need to take a ferry to Vancouver Island. If you take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, drive south to Victoria then From Victoria, head north on Patricia Bay Hwy/ BC-17 toward Swartz Bay/Ferries. Follow for approximately 28 km. Take Exit 31 to McDonald Park Rd toward Deep Cove/Wain Rd. Continue for 400 m on McDonald Park Rd. The campground will be on your right.
If you take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry terminal, head south on Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 S toward Victoria for approximately 2 km. Exit (on your right) at McDonald Park Road/Wain Road/Deep Cove, and follow for 250 m. Turn left onto Swartz Bay Rd (signs for BC-17 N/Ferries), and follow for 400 m. Turn right onto McDonald Park Rd (signs for Sidney), and follow for 225 m. The campground will be on your right.
Written 30 June 2017
Is there any overnight accommodation on this island?
Written 7 February 2016
Yes - There is overnight accommodation available throughout Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
We offer a variety of camping experiences including front country drive in campgrounds (McDonald Campground, Sidney B.C., Prior Centennial Campground, Pender Island BC).
As well as more remote backcountry-style experiences experiences on Sidney Island (Sidney Spit Campground), Saturna Island, Pender Island, Prevost Island, Portland Island, Darcy Island, Rum Island, and Cabbage Island. For more information visit the camping section of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve Website.
Written 7 July 2016
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