The Gulf Islands & The
Sunshine Coast:
The British Columbia Gulf Islands are some of
the most beautiful Islands in the world. Many have idyllic white
sand beaches and for the most part they are generally
undeveloped. They lie in the protected waters between Vancouver
Island and the BC Mainland. Most Islands have permanent
residents, but the environment of these islands is fiercely
protected. Most of the larger islands are accessible by ferry
from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal south of Vancouver. For some,
you have to go to Victoria first and then another ferry. The
smaller ones are only accessible by private boat. See links below
for Schedules. The whole area is a sailors paradise due to the
calm sheltered waters surrounding these Islands. Climate can vary
widely from island to island from west coast rain forest to
semi-arid, depending on their location. The islands are best
explored by bike. Some of them have very little road
infrastructure. The largest Island is Saltspring, which has a
Hostel and is only accessible from Victoria. The Hostel on
Saltspring is great. It is located on 12 acres, located 15
minutes from the ferry, you can stay in Teepees or a Tree House.
Rooms in the lodge are $50 a night, but the Teepees are only
around $16. The place has barbecues, a Volleyball court and
Crochet sets (Phone 250-537-4149). Most of the Islands have bed
and breakfast accommodation.
The
Sunshine Coast (and Whistler):
This area is accessed via a ferry from
Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver (Sechelt Ferry) or from Comox on
Vancouver Island. Another ferry ride is required to get to Powell
River further up the coast. Close to this second ferry at Earls
Cove is one of the worlds most remarkable sights, Skookumchuck
Narrows. Here a normally calm inlet turns into a set of raging
rapids as the tide changes. The rapids reverse themselves as the
tide goes either in or out. Powell River is also where you have
to go, in order to get to the Hostel at Fiddlehead Farm. To do
this you have to catch the bus to Powell River at the Main Street
Station in Vancouver. (See my Phone Numbers and useful links
page, for Malaspina Coach Lines).
Whistler is accessed by road from Vancouver by
following Highway 99 north past Squamish. There are several links
and other references to Whistler elsewhere on this web
site.
