The Gulf Islands of British Columbia are beloved for their beauty and charm. Islands like Salt Spring, Galiano, and Pender—easily accessible by ferry—are popular destinations, known for their art, food and stunning landscapes. But beyond the well-traveled routes lies another side of the Gulf Islands, where hidden gems can only be reached by small boat or expedition ship.
These lesser-known islands, off the ferry routes, are where you’ll truly experience the magic of the Salish Sea—wildlife-rich shorelines, secluded coves, and histories waiting to be discovered. With Maple Leaf Adventures, you can explore these special places during the quieter seasons of Spring and Fall—when the waters are calm, wildlife thrives, and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the tides.
Photo: Hover Collective
Swell at anchorage in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve with guests returning from a sunset excursion.
Hidden Gems of the Gulf Islands
1. D’Arcy Island
Long before its use as a quarantine site in the early 20th century, D’Arcy Island was part of the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples who relied on the island for its natural resources. Evidence of their presence remains in the form of ancient middens—layers of shells and artifacts that reflect centuries of habitation and stewardship.
Today, D’Arcy Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, offering a peaceful escape with lush forests, secluded beaches, and stunning views of Haro Strait. Visitors can explore its trails, observe wildlife like seals and seabirds, and reflect on the island’s layered history—one that speaks to both resilience and natural beauty.
Photo: Greg Shea
Walk along sculpted sandstone shores shaped by a combination of natural forces over thousands of years.
2. Tumbo and Cabbage Islands
Tumbo Island: A haven for nature lovers, Tumbo boasts tidal flats teeming with intertidal life, quiet walking trails through dense coastal forests, and sweeping views of the surrounding waters. It’s a living example of the Salish Sea’s biodiversity, where birdwatchers may spot herons, oystercatchers, and eagles. It also has an old heritage homestead, with still-producing herbs and apple trees.
Cabbage Island: A small, sandy treasure next door, Cabbage Island is a paradise for kayakers and photographers. Its white-shell beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life create a setting that feels almost tropical—a perfect spot for tide-pooling or a quiet picnic.
Together, these islands offer a glimpse of the coast’s wild, unspoiled beauty and the restorative power of nature.
Photo: Greg Shea
Clinging to the edge of land and sea, stunning arbutus trees are unique the North America’s west coast.
3. Decoursey Island
Part of the Pirates Cove Marine Provincial Park, Decoursey Island is a favorite destination for boaters, hikers, and those seeking quiet coves to explore. The park features beautiful anchorages, forest trails that wind through moss-covered trees, and sandstone shorelines dotted with fascinating tide pools. Visitors can discover remnants of early settlements and enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding Gulf Islands from its coastal bluffs.
Photo: Greg Shea
This honeycomb sandstone formation has been sculpted by wind, water and time.
4. Saturna Island
Saturna Island’s dramatic landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. Mount Warburton Pike, one of the island’s highlights, rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Salish Sea, where orcas and humpback whales can sometimes be spotted. Saturna’s coastal areas, including East Point, are known for their wildlife, with sea lions, seals, and seabirds frequently gathering along the rocky shores. Although Saturna is accessible by ferry, its southern end is within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and hard to access.
This island’s quiet charm, forested trails, and scenic beauty make it ideal for hiking, wildlife photography, and moments of pure tranquility.
Photo: Greg Shea
Fallen maple leaves blanket the trails in autumn.
5. Prevost Island
Privately owned but with accessible areas for exploration, Prevost Island’s sheltered coves and forested trails make it a perfect stop for small boats and paddlers. James Bay and Selby Cove offer peaceful anchorages, while hikers can explore trails that weave through lush coastal landscapes. Prevost is known for its stillness, where visitors can listen to the sounds of nature—waves lapping the shore, birds calling, and wind through the trees.
Photo: Greg Shea
Sunlit shores and quiet trails are the perfect way to spend spring or fall, when much of Canada is blanketed in snow.
6. Portland and Wallace Islands
Portland Island: Also known as Princess Margaret Marine Park, Portland Island features well-maintained trails that lead to mossy forests, quiet beaches, and historical sites, including old orchards and remnants of First Nations settlements. This island is a favorite for boaters, offering stunning anchorages and scenic viewpoints perfect for sunsets.
Wallace Island: A true gem of the Gulf Islands, Wallace Island is a marine park steeped in rustic charm. Explore the island’s tidal pools, driftwood-strewn beaches, and forested trails, or anchor in its sheltered waters for a night under the stars. Its history as a homestead and retreat adds to the island’s allure, making it a place where nature and stories converge. (Trivia: the photographer who discovered Norma Jean Baker aka Marilyn Monroe ran this resort at one time.)
Photo: Greg Shea
This rustic barn at Conover Cove stands as a relic of Wallace Island’s storied past. Once part of the ‘Royal Cedar Cottages’ resort established by David and Jeanne Conover in 1946, it now serves as a canvas for visiting boaters to leave their mark, adorned with driftwood signs bearing vessel names and personal messages.
Why Explore the Gulf Islands with Maple Leaf Adventures?
- The Shoulder Season Advantage: In Spring and Fall, these islands are quieter, wildlife is more active, and the experience feels deeply personal.
- Small-Ship Exploration: With Maple Leaf Adventures, you’ll visit islands that are only accessible by boat, sailing aboard a small expedition ship designed for intimate, meaningful travel.
- Expert Knowledge: Passionate guides share the stories of the islands—their unique ecosystems, histories, and connections to the Salish Sea.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and eagles as you navigate this extraordinary coastal region.
The Seasons of Discovery
Photo: Kayleen Vanderee
A butterfly delicately perched on white wildflowers captures the essence of spring in the Gulf Islands.
Maple Leaf Adventures’ expeditions reveal the Gulf Islands at their most beautiful:
- Spring: Wildflowers bloom, migratory birds return, and marine life flourishes in the quiet waters.
- Fall: Crisp air and golden foliage provide a stunning contrast to the evergreen forests and calm seas.
These seasons offer a rare opportunity to explore the Gulf Islands when the pace slows, and the
landscape feels more alive than ever.
Photo: Kayleen Vanderee
Such cliffside dwellings are emblematic of the area’s architectural charm, offering panoramic views and a serene retreat from the bustle of mainland life.
Discover the Gulf Islands for Yourself
The Gulf Islands offer a rare sense of wonder, history and calm that’s unmatched. Exploring beyond the ferry route to places like D’Arcy, Tumbo, and Saturna Islands reveals a quieter, wilder world.
With Maple Leaf Adventures, you’ll sail to these hidden gems aboard a small expedition ship, guided by experts who bring their stories, landscapes and wildlife to life.
Step off the beaten path and experience the Gulf Islands in a whole new way. Learn more about Maple Leaf Adventures’ voyages and start planning your journey into the heart of the Salish Sea.
