Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada

Visitor Information

Camping

Camping at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island
© Lauren Hobson 2008

There are limited camping opportunities in the Gulf Islands. Backcountry camping (tent pads, tent platforms, open field and pit toilets or composting toilets) is offered on Cabbage Island, Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island, D'Arcy Island, Isle-de-Lis, Portland Island, James Bay (Prevost Island) and Beaumont (South Pender). All these sites are accessible by water only (with the exception of Beaumont which can be accessed by hiking in from the road as well).

There is also camping available at Sidney Spit which is accessible by a seasonal foot passenger ferry from the Town of Sidney. Schedule and fee information for the privately-operated passenger ferry: 250-474-5145.

See interactive map located on the main page for details on each of the park sites. Reservations for the group campsite at Sidney Spit (group size = 15-30 people) can be made by calling the park office at 250-654-4000 or 1-866-944-1744. Visitors camping on the island must be registered at a designated campsite before the last ferry leaves for the day.

Campers looking out over Sidney Channel
© Parks Canada / Josh McCulloch 2006

Vehicle accessible camping is available at McDonald campground on Vancouver Island near Sidney, and at Prior Centennial on Pender Island.

Reservations can be made for Prior Centennial by contacting the provincial camping reservations system Discover Camping.

Click here for more details on fees and season of operation.

Mooring

Mooring buoys are located at Sidney Spit, (21) Beaumont (15) and Cabbage Island (10) for $9.80 per night. Only one boat is permitted per buoy and vessel size restrictions are printed on the buoys. Fees for mooring buoys are collected from May 15 to September 30 and the maximum total stay is 14 days per calendar year.

Sailboat moored at Sidney Island
© Parks Canada / Chris Cheadle 2003

Dock space is also available at Sidney Spit for $1.90 per metre per night during the above season. Free dock space for dinghies is available at both Sidney Spit and Princess Bay and at Royal Cove on Portland Island.

Designated mooring buoys and dock space for Park Staff must be left vacant for emergency use.