These islands with dreamy shores and clear water are among 'Canada's best vacation spots'
Seaside towns, sandy beaches, and ocean vistas are scattered around this idyllic group of islands in B.C. Known for their beauty, sunny days, and clear water, these little islands make the ideal summer destinations. Many are also just a BC Ferries trip away from Vancouver, so get ready to add to your summer bucket list.
The Gulf Islands are set in the Strait of Georgia, located between the mainland and Vancouver Island, and were just named among the best vacation destinations in the country.
Canada's top summer vacation spots were named by people on the Narcity Facebook page, and the Gulf Islands were a favourite.
With unbelievable natural splendor, adventure, and a serene peacefulness in common, the collection of islands offer an ideal getaway. While there's 200 Gulf Island, there are certain stand-out ones known as summer destinations.
The largest of them is Salt Spring Island, which is about a 30 minute ferry ride from Vancouver Island's Swartz Bay. With crystal clear blue water of the Salish Sea, thick forests, and the lively small town of Ganges, this spot doesn't disappoint.
Driving on the winding road around the island you'll pass by galleries, lavender fields, vineyard, cideries, rolling farmland, and sparkling ocean views. Farm stands full of local products are alongside the road, working based on a trust system that adds to the charm of this place.
This island makes the perfect first stop if you're looking to explore the Gulf Islands as a whole, since it's a quick journey and there's tons to do.
If you want a trip full of dreamy views and sprawling nature, balanced with local businesses to visit and activities, this is the spot.
If you're coming from the mainland, Galiano Island is an easy trip as the closest of them all to Vancouver, and it also won't disappoint. The Tsawwassen ferry from Vancouver to Galiano's Sturdies Bay is just an hour long, and what you'll find is an oasis away from the bustle of city life.
The island is picturesque in every way, and it's a place meant for soaking in natural beauty. You can hike through thick forests, kayak along the breathtaking shoreline, go out on a whale watching tour, or just lay back on a sandy beach. There's also a good food scene here, so after a day of exploring you can enjoy a great meal.
You also can't miss the sandstone caves on Galiano, which are on the western shore of the island.
Saturna Island is another popular choice in the Southern Gulf Islands. It's the spot to go for sweeping ocean vitas and a peaceful retreat. You can cycle around the islands, taking in the views and observing all the wildlife. Or opt for a hike through Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, which spans a large part of the island.
For a heart-pumping hike you can head to the highest peak in the Southern Gulf Islands here — Mount Warburton Pike. There's also lots of camping around the island, so you can fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the sounds of the ocean.
While the Southern Gulf Islands are pretty accessible and make for an ideal weekend getaway, there are lots of Gulf Islands to choose from that require more of a journey but offer their own beauty.
Hornby Island is one of the most well known, famous for it's bright blue waters and sandy beach. Tribune Bay here has soft sand and warm shallow waters that draw in people.
To get to Hornby from Vancouver requires three different ferries. First you head to Nanaimo, a city on Vancouver Island. Then it's a drive to Buckey Bay, a ferry to Denman Island, before a final ferry to Hornby Island. It means you might want to for a more extended trip, but that's lucky — because you won't want to leave this place.
At Tribune Bay Provincial Park you'll find "near tropical temperatures during the summer" and "one of the warmest salt water swimming areas in B.C.," according to the BC Parks website.
The beach is a huge draw here, and you can spend days out enjoying the water and the coastline, but there's lots else to do. In the summer you can check out The Hornby Island Farmer's Market and the many local businesses here. Then there's endless outdoor activities, with three provincial parks on the island.
These are just a few of the beautiful islands that make up the Gulf Islands in B.C., but there's a lot to be explored.
If you're in the mood for some island hopping this spring or summer, book that BC Ferries trip and get ready to see why these spots have been named among Canada's top vacation destinations.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
People on BC Ferries to Salt Spring Island. 
Cider flight at Salt Spring Wild Cider House.
People at Salt Spring Wild Cider House.
Lavender farm on Salt Spring Island.
People walking at Lavender & Black on Salt Spring Island.
Lavender & Black on Salt Spring Island.
Beddis Beach on Salt Spring Island. 
Beddis Beach on Salt Spring Island. 
BC Ferries. 