The Southern Gulf Islands, located off the west coast of British Columbia, are waiting to welcome you! When you arrive you will sense the tranquility and feel all the worries and stress of urban life evaporating. Retire to the perfect place! The common expression we hear from first-time visitors is “Wow!” or “I can’t believe how beautiful it is here!” As you travel from island to island you will find each to be unique in size, demographics and energy. Look forward to amazing sunsets, nature in its’ true form, unique landscape formations, and wildlife in abundance. Watch for eagles, hawks, blue herons, ospreys and more. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Orca whales make the waters surrounding the Southern Gulf Islands home, and the sighting of their travelling pods never tires the observer. Thousands of boaters each year enjoy sailing and cruising, the protected waters in this region.
People from all walks of life are drawn to the Southern Gulf Islands to experience the mild Mediterranean like climate, to appreciate the incredible beauty, and enjoy the relaxed pace of island life. There are unique restaurants on each island with delightful culinary offerings using local produce in season.
Don’t be surprised when you are told the food was prepared by an internationally known master chef, who has come to one of the islands from establishments in urban centers known for their excellence. Gulf Island vineyards and wineries produce excellent wines which you will find in stores and restaurants. Visit the wineries where you may enjoy wine tasting usually offered on a daily basis. Vineyards and wineries produce great releases on Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, and Gabriola Islands.
The Southern Gulf Islands are nestled between the British Columbia Mainland and Vancouver Island, adjacent to the Strait of Georgia. The hundreds of islands and islets are part of an archipelago that extends to the San Juan Islands in the United States. The Gulf Islands are usually divided into two groups, the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands. The Southern Gulf Islands are comprised of Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Saturna Island, and Pender Islands. Pender Islands are made up of North and South Pender Islands. Gabriola Island is part of the Northern Gulf Islands. Salt Spring Island is not included in either group, but forms a part of the Gulf Islands overall. The Town of Sidney, ocean side gateway to the Gulf Islands, is located on the south-eastern tip of Vancouver Island, close to the Victoria airport and BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay.
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada, a collection of islands,
islets and reefs with rocky shorelines, countless bays, beaches, coves,
and villas on the bluffs with million dollar views, is a magnificent place
to plan your retirement.