What's New
Change to Mooring Times in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Parks Canada has heard, through focus group research conducted in 2010 and through informal feedback, that boaters prefer to tie up for the night by 3 or 4pm. We have also heard that it is often difficult for overnight boaters to find mooring buoys within the park at that time, causing many to have to seek alternate moorage locations or options.
This year, Parks Canada has changed the (free) day use mooring times at the Sidney Spit, Beaumont, and Cabbage/Tumbo buoys to better address overnight moorage needs.
Starting immediately, day use mooring will end at 3 pm and fees will be charged from 3pm onward.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us via email or toll free at 1-866-944-1744. Feel free to forward this information bulletin to other boaters so they are aware of this upcoming change.
2003-2008 State of the Park Report Now Available!
© Parks Canada
This 70-page report outlines the state of ecological integrity, cultural heritage, and visitor experience in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It also summarizes Parks Canada’s efforts in public outreach education and stakeholder engagement, provides insights into Coast Salish First Nations perspectives about the park, highlights the results of past management actions, and identifies key issues to be considered in the upcoming management planning sessions.
Download the State of the Park Report (PDF – 3.99 MB)
Contact us for CD or printed copies of the report.
Formal Establishment of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
© Parks Canada
By Order in Council Parliamentary process set out in the Canada National Parks Act, the process to formally establish Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was completed on August 18, 2010 by adding the title and legal description of the national park reserve to Schedule II of the Act and brings it under the full force of the law. This step completes the process initiated in 2003 by the governments of Canada and British Columbia to establish this new national park.
Situated among the scenic islands, islets and reefs of the southern Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, this reserve protects for Canadians examples of the rare and threatened ecosystems of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands Natural Region. Found here are endangered Garry Oak ecosystems, incredible plant diversity, rich and colourful marine life, and some of the world’s largest marine mammals, including sea lions and endangered orca whales. This National Park Reserve also provides tremendous opportunities for Canadians to experience spectacular settings through a range of recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, hiking and camping.
The signing of the agreement was the culmination of over three decades of study, discussion and work on the ground. It required vision, persistence, creativity and cooperation on a grand scale. In a landscape where remaining ecologically significant lands are few and land values are high, assembling a 36 km2 land base and 26 km2 of adjacent waters is a remarkable accomplishment.
With the persistent threats of high population growth associated with increasing development and land use pressures, large undisturbed wilderness areas—normally sought after for national parks—were simply not available. An innovative park concept, close working relationships and substantial funds helped to make this park reserve a reality. Ultimately, realizing the improbable task of setting aside some of the most important and spectacular natural areas in the country was a unique opportunity seized just in time.