Gulf Islands Hiking

Salt Spring Island

Our trip starts from Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands, and famous for its scenery, sunshine, and warm hospitality. It’s also a haven for artists and everywhere you go you’ll find galleries and studios. There’s time for a short hike into the verdant Fern Valley, which has the lush feel of a tropical rainforest.

Distance: 3.7 km; elevation gain: 198 m 

Salt Spring Island

Today’s hike begins with a transfer to Beaver Point Hall, from where we begin our exploration of the southeast corner of Salt Spring Island. We’ll follow well-marked trails to Ruckle Provincial Park, named after the family whose homestead this was in the 19th century. Walk along the shore to King’s Point, with an option to continue to Yeo Point, where we can enjoy views of the Channel Islands, home to frolicking marine mammals and a colony of cormorants. Continue along the water’s edge through the Tsawout Band Reserve, then return to our accommodation.

Distance: 18.2 km; elevation gain: 284 m 

Galiano Island

We’ll start the day with a taxi transfer to Ganges, with a stop at the well-known farmers’ market held every Saturday throughout the summer, if time allows! Then we’ll take the ferry to Sturdies Bay on the southeast tip of Galiano Island. Named for the Spanish sea captain who explored the surrounding waters in 1792, Galiano Island is home to more than 130 species of birds and a haven for naturalists. Enjoy quiet roads and Douglas fir forests. We’ll hike to Bellhouse Provincial Park, where the wind and the sea have carved and pocked the sandstone rocks of the beach. Watch for the many eagles that glide overhead.

Distance: 5.3 km; elevation gain: 44 m 

Galiano Island

Today’s hike takes us to three great viewpoints. Climb up Mount Galiano where there’s a wonderful view of Active Pass and the Southern Gulf Islands. Head into Bluffs Park, where we’ll hike amongst cedars and ferns to the top of the bluff, where there are stunning views of Prevost Island and the south face of Mount Galiano. From Galiano Cemetery, we’ll see seals sunning themselves on their private island.

Distance: 15.7 km; elevation gain: 478 m

Mayne Island

This morning we’ll take the ferry to Village Bay and explore Mayne Island. The hike begins in Village Bay, following the quiet island roads toward Mount Parke Regional Park. The route enters the forest, where shaded trails lead steadily uphill through the island’s lush woodland. Along the way, we’ll pass several of Mayne Island’s landmarks, including the Giant Arbutus, Halliday Viewpoint, and Archie’s House. Continue to the summit for sweeping views across the Southern Gulf Islands before beginning the descent back toward the bay. At the end of the day, we’ll return to Saturna Island by ferry, where our accommodations await for the evening.

Distance: 9.9 km; elevation gain: 298 m

Saturna Island

This morning, follow old logging roads and goat trails to the top of Mount Warburton Pike, then descend to the Saturna Winery, in a spectacular setting near the water, and the pebbly beach at Thomson Park. Then, we’ll head back to our accommodation.

Distance: 11.1 km; elevation gain: 287 m

Depart

After breakfast, return to Swartz Bay near Victoria, or Vancouver, and depart for home or onto your next adventure.