Exploring the park
Something for everyone at park reserve
Camping in the park at Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island
Whether you're an avid kayaker who loves to explore the fascinating shorelines and sheltered bays of the Gulf Islands, or on vacation with your family, island-hopping to the various markets and beaches, you will find that, peppered throughout the area, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) offers a host of incredible experiences for you to discover.
On Pender Island visitors can enjoy a challenging shore-to-sky hiking experience up to the summit of Mount Norman and be rewarded by beautiful panoramic views of the islands. Perhaps you're on the road for an adventure. If so, consider camping at Prior Centennial Campground, a small campground set in a quiet forest of ferns, cedar and fir - a great base from which to explore the rest of the Penders.
Marvel at the breathtaking sunset at East Point on Saturna Island and learn through the local park interpreter about the diversity of species that become active at dusk, or go for a stroll down the trail at Winter Cove and enjoy the sights and sounds of a wetland while gazing over the exposed waters of the open Strait of Georgia.
If beaches are your first love, take a kayak to Princess Margaret (Portland) Island and paddle the quiet coves, stopping for lunch at Arbutus Point or Princess Bay, then make your way to close-by Russell Island and discover the stories of Hawaiians who settled there in the 1870s.
Have a picnic at Sidney Spit, just a short ferry ride away from the town of Sidney and pull your lounge chair out to settle in with your book while the kids dig their toes into the warm sandy expanse of this popular summer destination.
Parks Canada offers an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn about the area's history and sensitive ecosystems and create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime - visitors have an important role in helping to preserve this very special place.
Watch for changes at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in 2010 as we debut enhanced front-line services with the addition of visitor service attendants at key locations. They'll be pleased to provide you with the information and services you need to have a safe and enjoyable visit. These additions to the GINPR team reflect Parks Canada's commitment to providing quality visitor service throughout the national parks system. For more information on visitor activities, interpretation programming and special events, please visit the park website at www.pc.gc.ca/gulf or consult the in-park information kiosks. You can also contact the park office at 250-654-4000 or toll free at 1-866-944-1744.
- Francine Burnett