About the Trail
About the Gulf Islands Marine Trail
Paddlers are aware of the mystery and beauty of the Gulf Islands long before they dip their paddle in the waters. This popular paddling area echoes well past the shores of the islands. The magic of the Gulf Islands is experienced in many ways --watching river otters play on the sandstone shores, often idyllic paddling conditions and the often-heard cry of the Bald Eagle above. Many of the campsites are in either a BC Provincial (Marine) Park or the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. There are dozens of access points located on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Exploring the Gulf Islands can occur from a number of hub cities or from city, town, or rural launch sites.
The Gulf Islands Marine Trail encompasses most of the Gulf Islands from Newcastle Island and Gabriola Island (north end) to Victoria and a number of islands within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Some routes on the outside of Gabriola Island, Valdes and Galiano Islands have fewer sites and do not meet our Marine Trail Safety Mandate (i.e. campsites optimally 8NM apart to a maximum of 12NM apart).
This trail was officially opened in 2011. We continue to work with First Nations, stewardship, and marine trail safety within its area. We have a few articles about the destination area 'Gulf Islands Marine Trail'. Read some more here.
Map
Our map as previously described is our main repository of information about campsites, launch sites, day use sites and other types of sites. Please visit the map. We have also included a map below of the possible routes within the Gulf Islands. Please note that the outside of Gabriola Island, Valdes Island and Galiano Island do not meet our maximum safety standards of campsites 12NM apart.
Plan your trip
Plan Your Trip
The Gulf Islands Marine Trail or Salish Sea Marine Trail can be enjoyed as one long expedition, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy just portions. We do not give specific trails or routes at this time. It's best that you choose a gateway or launch point where you wish to start and plan your trip by accessing our BC Marine Trails map.
Our main map
It's a good idea to view the overall Gulf Islands area on our main map first to get an idea of where you wish to paddle. Our goal is to ensure safe traveling by canoe or kayak. We completed safety audits of all routes in the Gulf Islands to determine where distances are not optimal or safe. The outside of the Gulf Islands - Gabriola Island, Valdes Island and Galiano Island - have long stretches of coastline without ample campsites. That is, campsites optimally should be 8NM apart to a maximum of 12NM.
Arriving by car
The Gulf Islands Marine Trail has several entry points including Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Maple Bay and Mill Bay or you can travel to one of the main Gulf Islands.
Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo: A BC ferry travels on this route taking a little over one and half hours. You can consider launching into the north end of the Gulf Islands Marine Trail from Brechin boat ramp or nearby launches.
Tsawwassen to Duke Point: A BC ferry travels on this route from Twassawwen to Duke Point in two hours. Access Nanaimo or Ladysmith within a half hour of traveling.
Tsawwassen or Crofton to Salt Spring Island: You can reach Salt Spring Island by ferry both from Tsawwassen and Crofton on Vancouver Island. Salt Spring Island has several launches into the Gulf Islands.
Arriving by car from Washington and the U.S.
You may find it simpler to make your way to Victoria via one of the multitude of ferry connections:
Washington State Ferry - Arrive at Sidney, perfect for starting your trip of the Gulf Islands Marine Trail (or Salish Sea Marine Trail) from Tulista Park. You can then take the Tsawwassen ferry back from Vancouver to Swartz Bay. If done as a walk-on, paddle-off journey, you could paddle from Swartz Bay to Tulista Park to return by ferry. Perfect!
Blackball Coho ferry - Daily departures between Port Angeles and Victoria.
Helpful tips to leave the car behind
You can launch from a multitude of locations within the Gulf Islands Marine Trail to start your trip, but general problem is going to be you'll have to return to your car somehow. The solution is to leave your car behind! Here are a few options to help you on your way.
BC Ferries Walk-on, Paddle-off program: BC Marine Trails has put together a program in cooperation with BC Ferries to get you on your way without a car. Simply walk your kayak onto a ferry, then walk it off on the other side to your launch location. We've highlighted all the suitable terminals to make planning your trip easy.
Launch sites & Campsites
Launch Sites
There are many launch sites to access the Gulf Islands Marine Trail. Our map is our central repository of information about launch sites. The main map is regularly updated by region managers and data managers of the BC Marine Trails. Look for the blue icon.
Campsites
There are several campsites within the Gulf Islands Marine Trail. In the Gulf Islands National Park reserve there are several campsites that paddlers can easily access. The best way to find launches and campsites is to access our public map.
Some of the campsites available are:
- Arbutus Point (Portland Island)
- Princess Bay (Portland Island)
- Shell Beach (Portland Island)
- Narvaez Bay
- Cabbage Bay
- Shingle Bay
- Chivers Point, Cabin Bay and Conover Cove (Wallace Island)
- Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park
- Isle-de-lis (Rum Island)
- Pirates Cove (DeCourcey Island)
- D'Arcy Island
- Musgrave Point
- Island View Regional Park
- Newcastle Island
- Tent Island (currently closed)
Hazards and Risks
Hazards and Risks related to Gulf Islands Marine Trail
Getting started - covering the basics
