Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are a chain of islands in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. They offer sheltered cruising, charming communities, and easy access from both Victoria and the San Juan Islands.
Key Marinas and Harbours
Section titled “Key Marinas and Harbours”Ganges (Salt Spring Island)
Section titled “Ganges (Salt Spring Island)”The largest community in the Gulf Islands:
- Government dock with transient moorage
- Several private marinas
- Excellent provisioning — grocery, liquor store, farmers market (Saturday)
- Restaurants, galleries, and shops
- Fuel available at nearby marinas
Montague Harbour (Galiano Island)
Section titled “Montague Harbour (Galiano Island)”A provincial marine park with one of the finest natural harbours in the islands:
- Mooring buoys (fee required)
- Dinghy dock and shore facilities
- Shell beach and hiking trails
- Very popular — arrive early in summer
Bedwell Harbour (South Pender Island)
Section titled “Bedwell Harbour (South Pender Island)”Canada customs port of entry and resort marina:
- Customs clearance for boats arriving from the US
- Full-service marina (Poets Cove Resort)
- Restaurant and resort amenities
- Protected harbour
Horton Bay (Mayne Island)
Section titled “Horton Bay (Mayne Island)”Quiet anchorage on the south side of Mayne Island:
- Good holding in mud bottom
- Protected from northwest winds
- Short dinghy ride to Miners Bay for provisions
Telegraph Harbour (Thetis Island)
Section titled “Telegraph Harbour (Thetis Island)”Well-protected harbour between Thetis and Penelakut Islands:
- Marina with transient moorage
- Fuel dock
- Pub and small store
- Excellent protection in all weather
Popular Anchorages
Section titled “Popular Anchorages”- Princess Bay (Portland Island) — provincial marine park, beautiful shell beach
- Annette Inlet (Prevost Island) — quiet and scenic
- Whaler Bay (Galiano Island) — protected from southeast winds
- Lyall Harbour (Saturna Island) — charming small community
- Winter Cove (Saturna Island) — marine park with good protection
Navigation Highlights
Section titled “Navigation Highlights”Active Pass
Section titled “Active Pass”The most significant navigational challenge in the Gulf Islands. Active Pass between Galiano and Mayne Islands carries currents up to 7 knots.
- BC Ferries traffic: Large ferries transit Active Pass regularly — give them plenty of room
- Slack water: Transit within 30-60 minutes of slack for recreational boats
- Turbulence: Significant tide rips and eddies at max current
Porlier Pass
Section titled “Porlier Pass”Between Galiano Island and Valdes Island:
- Currents up to 6 knots
- Rocky bottom creates standing waves at max current
- Transit at slack or with a fair current
Boat Passage
Section titled “Boat Passage”Between Saturna and Samuel Islands:
- Narrow with strong currents
- Transit at slack only for smaller vessels
Provincial Marine Parks
Section titled “Provincial Marine Parks”BC Parks maintains several marine parks in the Gulf Islands:
- Montague Harbour (Galiano) — mooring buoys, trails, shell beach
- Princess Margaret Marine Park (Portland Island) — shell beaches, trails, camping
- Beaumont Marine Park (South Pender) — Bedwell Harbour access
- Winter Cove (Saturna) — hiking, picnicking, beachcombing
- Cabbage Island — small park near Tumbo Channel
Seasonal Notes
Section titled “Seasonal Notes”- Summer: Busy, especially on weekends. Mooring buoys fill up early. Saturday market at Ganges is a major draw.
- Shoulder season: Excellent cruising weather in May-June and September. Fewer boats, most facilities still open.
- Winter: Many facilities close. Storms from the southeast can make some anchorages uncomfortable. Less ferry service.
Explore the Gulf Islands on the map →
Related
Section titled “Related”- British Columbia Waters
- San Juan Islands — just across the border
- Slack Water & Passage Timing