Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Much of the islands is now protected

A Parks Canada presentation at East Point on Saturna Island.

In 2010, Parks Canada celebrated the 125th birthday of the 1885 founding of Banff National Park by offering a year of special activities at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country.

The celebrations will only get better in 2011, as Canada celebrates the centennial of a first in the world: the establishment of the world's first national parks service on May 19, 1911. From May 2011 to May 2012, Parks Canada will showcase its experiences, programs and services to Canadians, celebrating 100 years of world leadership in conservation, education and visitor experience programs. Come celebrate with us as we take the first steps into our second century!

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 offers a host of incredible experiences for you to discover.

On Pender Island visitors can enjoy a challenging shore-to-sky hiking experience to the summit of Mount Norman and be rewarded by beautiful panoramic views of the islands. If you're on the road for an adventure, then 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 about the diversity of species that become active at dusk through the local park interpreter, or go for a stroll down the trail at Winter Cove and enjoy the sights and sounds of a wetland while gazing over at 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 more than a century ago. 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.

To learn more about special events and interpretation programs happening at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, visit our website (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gulf) and join us in the celebrations in 2011!

You can also contact the park office at 250-654-4000 or toll free at 1-866-944-1744.

— Francine Burnett,
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve