Plan your visit

Visiting Gulf Islands National Park Reserve will be different than previous years. Be prepared, and know what is open and closed before you go.

Mayne, Saturna and Pender Islands are reached by car ferry from Swartz Bay, 31 km from Victoria. Sidney Spit is a summer passenger ferry ride from the Town of Sidney. The rest of the park and protected waters are accessible by kayaks, powerboat or sailboat.

There is no interpretive centre. There are 10 backcountry camping areas on eight islands and two drive-in campgrounds on Vancouver and North Pender Islands. Though open year round, there are some winter access restrictions.

Use of drones at Parks Canada places

Drone flying is a popular hobby and useful in many fields of work. However, they also pose risks and can disturb wildlife and visitors. For these reasons, Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones.

Flying a drone without park or site approval may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $3,000.

More information

Getting here

Location

Operations Centre
2220 Harbour Road
Sidney BC V8L 2P6

Phone:250-654-4000

Phone:1-866-944-1744 (toll-free - in North America only)

Email: pc.gulfinfo.pc@canada.ca

By drive-on ferry

BC Ferries provides vehicle and passenger service to and from Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Mayne, Saturna and the Pender islands. Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you can only access park lands by driving or cycling. Click here for a map of Park lands.

By walk-on ferry

Sidney Spit is accessible during the summer months by a passenger ferry departing from the Town of Sidney.

By boat or kayak

All other areas of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are accessible only by powerboat, sailboat or kayak. Discover the boating and kayaking experiences in the Gulf Islands.

Free admission for youth 17 and under. Other fees still apply.
Detailed fees list