Living in B.C. means you're lucky enough to experience the charm of island life without the need for pricey flights.
As the summer season winds down, there's still time to explore one of the many beautiful islands just off the coast of mainland B.C., each offering stunning views, sparkling blue water, soft sandy beaches and easy access via BC Ferries.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip from Vancouver or seeking a peaceful escape with scenic hikes and sunsets over the ocean, these islands in B.C. are the perfect destination for an end-of-summer getaway.
Gabriola Island
This B.C. island is home to a bunch of white sand beaches, so if you're looking for the perfect place to unwind, you might want to check it out.
If you want to relax on the soft sandy shore with incredible views, Whalebone Beach is a must-see.
Gabriola Island is also home to over 170 kilometres of gorgeous hiking trails to wander through, where you'll get to explore some of the most stunning views.
While visiting, you'll also want to put time aside to explore the impressive towering sandstone tunnels along the oceanfront, known as the Malaspina Galleries.
To get here, you can catch a 20-minute ferry from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Bowen Island
Bowen Island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, but visiting feels like you're in a completely different world.
You can leave city life behind — even if just for the afternoon — and check out the adorable coffee shops and local stores and boutiques scattered around this island.
There are quite a few hiking trails to wander on while exploring the island, including Dornan Point, a short 2-kilometre hike with incredible views of Howe Sound.
If you're spending time by the sea, you'll want to keep your eyes out for wildlife as seals, otters, herons and eagles are all known to frequently pop up near the island.
Pender Island
Whether you're looking for a stunning glamping location or want to check out some vineyards, Pender Island is the perfect spot for a relaxing end-of-summer vacation.
Just a short trip from the larger Salt Spring Island, Pender Island is home to a stunning glamping spot at WOODS on Pender, where you can choose from rustic cabins, a motel or even a stunning Airstream.
There are plenty of stunning hikes, including Mount Menzies and Mount Norman, which will give you impressive panoramic views of the island and the surrounding gulf.
You can also enjoy a glass of wine with a stunning sea view at the island's Sea Star vineyard, and arguably there's no better place to watch the sunset.
Salt Spring Island
This tiny island off the coast of Vancouver has everything you could possibly want from an island adventure, with beautiful accommodations and white sand beaches.
If you're into hiking, you can follow one of the scenic trails along the oceanfront or make your way through the island's lush rainforest.
You can also take to the ocean on a kayak or go searching for wildlife on a whale-watching expedition.
Salt Spring Island is home to some beautiful beaches too, so you can spend time relaxing by the rolling waves at Beddis Beach and absorbing those spectacular island vistas.
Anyone looking to take their relaxation to the next level can visit Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm, where you can explore scented rows of purple blooms and even take some lavender products home with you.
Saturna Island
This Southern Gulf island is well worth the visit if you're looking for a peaceful time outdoors with incredible views.
If you're visiting the island, you'll want to check out the stunning Mount Warburton Pike trail, a hike to the highest point of the island, which has incredible views of the water and the nearby islands.
It's also an incredible spot for whale watching. So, if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of an orca or humpback whale, or even harbour seals or sea lions, you'll want to head to East Point Park as it's considered one of the best spots in the Southern Gulf Islands to find them.
Galiano Island
This Southern Gulf island is known as the "gem of the Salish Sea" — and for good reason.
Galiano Island is home to some magical hidden sea caves that need to be added to your summer bucket list stat. The stunning natural wonders at Retreat Cove are the perfect place to explore and take in the sparkling sea views, surrounded by sandstone caves.
If you're looking for some downtime, you can check out Montague Harbour Marine Park, which has a stunning beach and bright blue water to take a dip in.
BC Ferries operates routes straight to Galiano Island from Vancouver, or you can stop off in Victoria to make the most out of your trip.
Hornby Island
If you're looking for the ultimate B.C. beach vacation to bid adieu to summer, look no further than Hornby Island.
Found in the Northern Gulf, this tiny island is packed to the brim with things to do, from scenic hikes and diving to snorkelling tours in the Salish Sea.
No trip to Hornby Island is complete without a trip to Tribune Bay Beach, a sprawling white sand beach with the nickname "Little Hawaii" thanks to its turquoise water.
To get there, you'll need to catch a ferry from Buckley Bay (on Vancouver Island) to Denman Island, before catching another to reach Hornby Island. The journey isn't simple, but it's so worth it for those views.
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.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on August 25, 2023.
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