Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
A haven for wildlife, eagles and seabirds soar above the Salish Sea and British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Sheltered, islet-dotted waters teem with seals, otters, orcas and porpoises. Explore the rare eco-systems and unique Mediterranean-like climate.
Area Closed: Sidney Island. November 1, 2024 to April 15, 2025. More information.
Camping
Explore a wide variety of camping experiences, including front country, backcountry and overnight boat camping options!
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Learn more about endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, what Parks Canada is doing to protect them and actions you can take to help.
Leave No Trace™
The great outdoors are safer and more rewarding when you Leave No Trace™ remember “no trace on the place” and “no trace on others’ space.”
Interpretation programs
Explore. Learn. Connect. Park interpreters are here to share fun experiences with visitors in the park reserve. Join us for an evening program or outdoor activity during your visit to the park reserve!
Most requested
Visiting Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Activities and experiences
Things to do, boating, geocaching, picnicking, wildlife viewing, hiking, cycling, kayaking, canoeing and swimming.
Plan your visit
How to get here, local guides and outfitters, local attractions, facilities and services, meeting and event rentals.
Camping and overnight accommodations
Frontcountry, backcountry, group camping, and overnight boat camping.
Tours and programs
Explore. Learn. Connect. Park interpreters are here to share fun experiences with visitors in the park reserve.
Reservations
Make a reservation for frontcountry campsites or backcountry campsites.
Fees
Camping and program fees, and more. Free admission for youth.
Permits and licences
Business licenses, special activity permits, kayaking and canoeing with custodial groups, commercial film and photography permits.
Safety and guidelines
Important bulletins, trail conditions, weather conditions, seasonal safety, park regulations.
About Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Nature and science
Conservation and science, animals, plants, the environment, and research.
Culture and history
Indigenous connections, history, archeology, cultural landscape, architecture, historic engineering.
Stewardship and management
Jobs, partners, permits and licenses, film permits, research permits, public consultations, plans, and policies.
Contact Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
General inquiries:Phone:250-654-4000
Phone: 1-866-944-1744 (toll free)
Email: gulfinfo@pc.gc.ca
For emergencies within the national park reserve: Phone: 911
Hours of operation
Administrative Building: 2220 Harbour Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Closed on statutory holidays.
Camping:
Frontcountry: May 15 through September 30.
Backcountry: Year-round.
More places to discover with Parks Canada
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Catch a wave, or spread a blanket and watch the sun dip below the horizon. From rainforests on land to marine kelp forests at sea, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of Canada’s west coast.
Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active duty from 1895 to 1956. Be touched by the personal stories of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight in a group-friendly oTENTik.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Experience life as a 19th century voyageur at Fort Langley, where the colony of British Columbia was born. Mingle with fur traders, pan for gold, learn the blacksmith’s art and camp in an HBC-themed oTENTik.
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Tour a historic Fraser River salmon cannery, through a herring reduction plant and interactive fishing displays. Learn about local marine life on the Fish Wall and be inspired by the industrious fishery of BC’s past.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site
Amid lush rainforest islands and seas rich with wildlife, Gwaii Haanas harbours rare sites of carved poles and longhouses, making this park culturally important to the Haida people who co-manage cooperatively manage the region with Parks Canada.
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Stroll through brilliant wildflower meadows, or lie back in awe atop a mountain peak. From lush green valley to mountain summit, all is within a leisurely day’s drive at Mount Revelstoke National Park.
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