Southern Gulf Islands:
A Bird Trail Outpost

A popular campground on Galiano’s eastern shore, Montague Harbour Provincial Park features a sheltered harbour, a tidal lagoon and walk trails around the adjacent Gray Peninsula. The several shell middens located throughout the park, particularly on the northern beach tell the story of a rich history of shellfish harvesting in the area by first nations peoples. The area attracts birds year round, but is particularly significant in the winter for ducks such as Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Mergansers and Scoters. Year-round, Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Black Oystercatchers and glaucous-winged gulls can be found in the park scavenging the shoreline for their next meal.

The Pebble Beach Reserve is a 152-acre section of land that is managed by the Galiano Conservancy Association to restore the area following industrial logging operations. The result is a 3.1km trail that loops through mature Coastal-Douglas fir forests towards over 1000 metres of shoreline. While there are ample opportunities for sightings along the trails and shoreline, a detour to nearby Laughlin Lake is a worthy hike as the productive wetland can yield good waterfowl sightings.

This unique bog habitat is a carefully protected ecological reserve lying at the heart of Galiano Island. The trail that loops through the park takes you around the edge of the wetland, where a number of rare plants flourish. Wildlife in the area includes beavers along with woodpeckers, waterfowl, song birds and birds of prey. A quiet site, it is a great place for a leisurely stroll, taking your time to immerse yourself in the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

At the south end of Galiano Island overlooking the Active Pass Important Bird Area lies Matthews Point Regional Park. The steep bluffs are traversed by the 1km Ridge Trail that offers exceptional views over active pass where you may spot diving seabirds or marine mammals feeding in the rich tidal waters of the pass.

This park may be small, but it’s a great spot to see a large variety of birds. Bellhouse Park is located in the flight path of many migratory birds, with some 150 species having been spotted. It’s the perfect destination for birders.

Located near the ferry terminal, Sturdies Bay Bakery is the perfect spot to stop in for fresh baked goods, sandwiches and coffee before or after your ferry ride.

A modern Pacific Northwest cafe with a focus on coastal and local ingredients. Enjoy delicious coffee, fresh baked goods, and seasonal sandwiches and salads in their colorful cafe. Open Wed-Sat. 

Seasonal restaurant located at the Montague Harbour Marina. Serving casual eats with a large deck overlooking the marina. Great spot for lunch on a sunny day!

Chic restaurant serving Southeast Asian meets Gulf Islands cuisine. Lola uses locally caught seafood and locally grown produce, with creative family style dishes, with big flavour.

This specialty market has been serving the community in different iterations since the 1970s. They have a selection of quality fresh produce, and other organic goodies.

This charming bookstore showcases a diverse collection of books as well as an array of art supplies, toys, and games.

Located at the south-eastern point of Mayne Island, Bennett Bay is a gorgeous sandy beach that provides an excellent launch point for paddlers in the area. This protected area includes trails that take hikers out to nearby Campbell point that offers incredible views south over the Strait of Georgia and is a popular spot for intertidal exploration. Great Blue Herons are often sighted in the area, as are cormorants and gulls.

Mayne Island’s most popular hike, Mount Parke is a moderately challenging loop that rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding islands and ocean. While not the most abundant of habitats, some exciting species are known to frequent the area including the Barred Owl, Townsend’s Solitaire and Hairy Woodpecker. While the hike is a wonderful way to take in the sights of the Southern Gulf Islands, be sure not to leave the binoculars behind.

A visit to the Northeastern tip of Mayne Island not only takes you to the heritage Active Pass Lighthouse, it also brings you within the boundaries of the Active Pass Important Bird Area. The rich tidal waters of Active Pass support a number of bird species as well as marine mammals and fish. The Active Pass IBA was designated because it supports significant numbers of two species of waterbirds over winter, the Pacific Loon and Brandt’s Cormorant as well as populations of Bonaparte’s Gulls during the spring and fall migration.

Your friendly island coffee truck serving up specialty coffees, teas and baked goods. 

This cafe serves a large selection of delicious baked goods, hot breakfast dishes, coffee and to go lunch options.

Offering a deliciously fresh menu paired with a gorgeous ocean side view.  Great atmosphere and awesome service!

This hole-in-the-wall is a local favourite, with laid back menu items, rotating specials, great drinks and even better vibes.

Starting as a produce and flower stand, this market has been in the making since the 1970s. They sell farm-grown produce, and organic and artisanal food goods from local businesses.

This charming bookstore has a selection of new and used books, works from local authors and local artwork. They also have a variety of non-fiction books and field guides.

Relaxed resort with nine fully-furnished cottages nestled on the coast of Bennett Bay. Just a short walk from Bennett Bay beach and the perfect home base for adventure on Mayne Island.

One of the most scenic places in the Gulf Islands, Ruckle Provincial Park offers stunning views of the Salish Sea from its rolling parkland. A popular campground established on a heritage farmstead, the habitat here includes active farmland, coastal rainforest, open meadows and varied shoreline. If you are feeling adventurous, wandering the kilometres of trails will see you traverse these habitats, but simply examining the shoreline can prove a productive activity. Species commonly seen include cormorants, guillemots, eagles, owls and grouse.

Two thirds of Blackburn Lake is protected as a nature reserve by the Saltspring Island Conservancy due to its importance as a haven for waterfowl, herons and ground nesting birds. The trail network covers 18 hectares and winds its way through the surrounding woodland and meadows before entering the wetland areas. Over 100 species of birds have been observed in the reserve, including 21 species at risk such as the Northern Pygmy-owl, Band-tailed Pigeon and Black Swift.

Located at the southwest corner of Salt Spring Island, a hike in Mount Tuam Ecological Reserve rewards with stunning views towards Victoria and the United States. The ecological reserve was established to conserve forest ecosystems representative of the dry subzone of the Coastal Douglas-fir Zone. A large variety of birds have been recorded, including Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Blue Grouse, California Quail, Brown Creeper, Woodpeckers and Bewick’s Wren. The trail takes a bit of route finding, so be sure to do your research before departing.

Where it all started for Salt Spring Coffee! Check out this warm yet industrial cafe in Ganges, and try their fair trade and organic coffee, easy lunch items and baked goods.

This charming restaurant is a staple on Salt Spring Island. Built around a large tree, this spot has a warm and cozy atmosphere. They serve an eclectic menu, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and often host special events like live music.

This former farm stand has grown into a full fledged shop and food truck. At the shop in Ganges you can stock up on locally made goods to bring home with you, or on a picnic. Check out the food truck in the South End for some hot nourishing eats.

Enjoy the ultimate Salt Spring dining experience at Salt Spring Wild Cider. Their eclectic menu was designed to be paired with their cider. Try a glass or a flight of their cider made with wild island grown apples and pears.

Salt Spring’s natural food store. They offer locally grown produce, and local artisanal foods. Snack up on gourmet snacks for your next birding adventure.

Bookstore with an eclectic mix of subjects, art supplies and gifts, and works from local authors. Check out their selection of nature and birding books.

Outdoor store with a large selection of new and consignment stock. They’ve got everything you need for an adventure from apparel and cameras to camping and fishing gear.

Conquer Salt Spring’s many hills with e-bike sales, service and rentals from Outspokin Bike Shop. Rent e-bikes from 4 hours up to multiple days!

Charming resort nestled on the shores of Cusheon Lake featuring cozy log-cabin accommodations with one or two bedrooms, wood burning fireplaces, and picturesque lake views.

Located at the southeastern tip of Pender Island, this shoreline park stretches east to Gowlland Point forming an undeveloped stretch of oceanfront with rocky bluffs, grassy meadows, wetlands and forest. Follow the trails to explore the headland as you make your way to one of the beach accesses and be sure not to miss the boardwalk that passes through the wetland area of the park. With over 151 species observed here, take your time to scan the shoreline for the endangered Marbled Murrelet sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters.

An important overwintering site for waterfowl, a visit to Hope Bay can prove productive year round. With 134 species observed in the area, including Marbled Murrelets, Pied-billed Grebes and the charismatic Belted Kingfisher, a stroll along the secluded shoreline is an enjoyable excursion.

Deviating from the predominantly coastal bird watching that is so productive on the Gulf Islands, Roe lake offers an inland wetland environment to supplement your shoreline sightings. The moderate Roe Lake Trail winds its way through the forest to the water before continuing to loop around the lake offering scenic vantage points along the way and the occasional beaver sighting. Of the 100 + species spotted here, some highlights include the Great Horned Owl, Pacific Slope Flycatcher and American Coot.

Formerly a pioneer homestead and now a scenic seaside park. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of eagles soaring above, sea stars in the intertidal zones, and playful harbour seals in the surrounding waters.

Cozy community hub offering coffee classics, teas, specialty drinks, light lunch items and tasty baked goods. Enjoy in their inviting cafe or in the outdoor seating area with ocean views.

Vanilla Leaf Bakery is the perfect place to grab a quick and easy breakfast. They serve specialty coffees, delicious freshly baked goods from scratch, as well as savoury pastries, sandwiches and more!

Stop by Truss Farm Food to get some island made provisions. Enjoy a delicious meal made with local ingredients in their dining room or grab a meal to go along with some artisanal groceries.

Come to this oceanfront restaurant for modern vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a small design shop with unique homewares and gifts.

This family owned store sells local artisanal food products, and local produce. Stop by for their delicious selection of meats and cheeses.

Beloved shop selling new and used books, stationary and gifts. Be sure to check out their art gallery too.

Waterfront resort offering unique accommodations. Stay in their glamping tents, retro RV, or campground. Included in your stay are amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool, overnight moorage and kayak rentals.

Taking you through a beautiful forested area to Winter Cove, a peaceful and secluded bay on the island’s southern tip, the Winter Cove Trail is a 1.5km loop. The trail is relatively flat and easy, with a few sections that are rocky and uneven. Once you reach Winter Cove, you can search for Double Crested Cormorants and Dark Eyed Junco, relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the tide pools.

Part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and home to the iconic East Point Lighthouse. In East Point Park you can watch orcas from as close as 20 feet from the shore, as well as sea lions, seals, porpoises and numerous species of birds like Bonaparte’s Gulls and Surf Scoters. Explore along the sculpted sandstone cliffs and see right across the Strait of Georgia.

Mount Warburton Pike is the highest peak on Saturna Island, with an elevation of 401m, offering stunning views of Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Peninsula. As you hike along Brown Ridge Nature Trail, while you spot Pine Siskins and Mountain Bluebirds you may also encounter the feral goats which range the craggy cliffs.

Health conscious cafe serving a variety of light lunch options, specialty coffees, smoothies, snacks and locally made ice cream!

Popular waterfront pub with striking ocean views and outdoor seating. They serve relaxed pub grub with a coastal flair.

Elegant restaurant at Sage Hayward Vineyards, offering breathtaking vineyard views, and menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Try their super popular wood-fired pizzas and calzones.

General Store offering fresh produce, locally sourced meats, and freshly baked goods. One stop shop for everything you need for the perfect picnic.

Take a self-guided tour to find Dreamscapes Studio with textile art by Donna Fay Digance, Prism Art Gallery with original paintings by Janet Strayer, Grouchy Crab Pottery & Gifts with functional and whimsical ceramic wares by Tricia DeJoseph, Art Dream Gallery with prints and paintings by Jack Campbell, and Anne Popperwell’s studio with her acrylic and watercolour paintings.

Small scenic campground with ocean views. Tenting only site with a variety of sites to choose from, including walled tents.