Protected Islands
Making a difference in your national park
Arbutus tree on the Pender Roesland property,
part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
By Francine Burnett
Parks Canada
The beautiful Gulf Islands have long been a nurturing and spiritual place — sustaining many Coast Salish First Nations for countless generations.
Today, people from near and far are still drawn to these islands, some to live, some to visit, some in pursuit of recreation and their own form of spiritual renewal. In 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was created, protecting a portion of this unique area — home to many plant and animal species found nowhere else in Canada.
The national park offers lots of opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about the islands’ history and experience the surrounding rural area at a leisurely pace. Boating, kayaking, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing on a sheltered beach — you’ll find many different ways to create your own special Gulf Islands memories.
Parks Canada strives to provide quality services and facilities for its visitors. Since 2003, the staff have upgraded, replaced and improved facilities throughout the park, including its adjacent marine component. Visitors walking along the Winter Cove trail on Saturna Island will find that the old foot bridges have all been replaced. Hikers who enjoy the park’s many trails will be happy to know that a comprehensive trail plan is being developed that will focus on trail upgrades at key locations over the next few years (including signage at trail heads with posted trail distances and directional signs).
Park managers are committed to minimizing visitor impacts while encouraging people to explore and enjoy this special place. Campers planning a trip to Cabbage Island or Portland Island (Arbutus Point) can make use of the park’s first two environmentally friendly composting toilets. Additional units are being planned for James Bay (Prevost Island), Beaumont (South Pender Island) and Princess Bay (Portland Island).
The development of small-scale, walk-in campsites is being considered for Winter Cove and Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island.
All the mooring buoys in the park have been replaced, and boaters can feel confident tying up to them at Beaumont (South Pender Island), Cabbage Island and Sidney Spit. The dinghy dock at Tortoise Bay (Portland Island) has also been replaced. Foot passengers arriving by ferry at popular Sidney Spit to enjoy its warm sandy beaches will disembark onto a completely new dock system in 2007. Campsites there are also being improved.
The park’s Marine Host program has expanded. In 2006, this service was added at Beaumont (South Pender Island), staffed by volunteers from the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club. This is in addition to the long-standing host program at Princess Bay (Portland Island) hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. These hosts provide general park information to the park’s marine visitors.
Park interpretation programs were also launched last season. Watch for park interpreters as you’re out and about in the park, and check park information kiosks for information about guided hikes and programs during the summer.
For any additional information about the park, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/gulf.