Established in 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of British Columbia’s beautiful southern Gulf Islands archipelago. These islands are representative of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands, one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in southern Canada. This small park reserve includes thirty-five square kilometers of land and marine area on fifteen islands, numerous islets and reefs which provide valuable habitat for seals and nesting shorebirds. and another twenty-six square kilometers of submerged protected lands. The park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to tour an old Hawaiian homestead on Russell Island where they can learn about the island’s history through stories shared by Mahoi descendents. The volunteer hosts provide an authentic experience for visitors about a little-known but fascinating part of west coast history.