Boating

Lovely scenery, sheltered waters and convenient services make the Southern Gulf Islands an ideal boating destination. Short travel distances make it easy to experience the distinctive aspects of each of the eleven publicly accessible islands in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve! Head ashore on one of the major islands where you can browse the shops, dine on west coast fare and visit a farmer’s market, winery or heritage site. For an authentic natural experience, check out the park reserve’s many islands that are only accessible by boat!

Don’t have a vessel? Book a kayak guide or water taxi from our approved operator list.

On this page

• Mooring buoys and dock space
• Before you go
• What you need to know
• Boating in Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat
• Leave No Trace

Mooring buoys and dock space

Note: Marinas and boat charter companies are plentiful in the area. Nearby pump-out facilities are located at Port Sidney Marina, Van Isle Marina, and Tsehum Harbour Authority in Sidney and at the Saltspring Island Harbour Authority in Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island. Washington State operates numerous pump-out facilities in the adjacent San Juan Islands.

Check out our Visitor Guide to learn more about park facilities, including locations and operating dates.

Before you go

When visiting Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, you are in an area where rescue services and medical assistance may take time to reach you in case of an emergency. Ensure that you have the level of training and experience necessary to take responsibility for your safety.

• Obtain marine charts. Charts are available in paper or digital format. Check the Canadian Hydrographic Service website for the location of a chart dealer near you. The following charts cover portions of this region:

3473, 3476, 3477, 3478, 3441, 3442, and 3462.

• Check the marine forecast
• Consult tide tables and currents
• Bring drinking water
• Make sure to check the Important Bulletins for closures and public safety alerts before you leave home
• Inspect your boat and safety equipment
• Monitor the weather when planning your trip and throughout the day
• Always carry a VHF marine radio
• Leave your sail plan and emergency contact information with a family member or friend

For information on equipment, license, competency requirements and tips on how to stay safe on the water, consult the Safe Boating Guide provided by Transport Canada.

Obtain emergency contact information and learn more about Visitor Safety at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

What you need to know

• Canada Shipping Act Collision Regulations apply to pleasure craft.
• Respect closures for special preservation areas. Stay at least 100 meters from islets and other marine wildlife. Observe marine wildlife viewing guidelines.
• Be aware of the management measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales.
• Avoid dumping garbage, or discharging sewage or pollutants in the waters. For information on green boating practices, consult Protecting the Marine Environment - A Boater's Guide
• Quiet hours: 10 pm - 8 am.
• It is illegal to consume alcohol in public places, including day use areas, beaches and docks.
• Cannabis is now legal and regulated in Canada. Find out how this will affect your visit.
• Impaired boating, like impaired driving, is a criminal offence.
• Dogs must be on leash at all times and their droppings removed from the park reserve.

Learn more about other National Park Regulations.

Boating in Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat

Boating in Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat: Southern Resident killer whales are icons of Canada’s Pacific coast and have important cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities in British Columbia. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is part of their critical habitat. The Government of Canada is implementing measures to support Southern Resident killer whale survival and recovery.

Before boating in the national park reserve, it is your responsibility to be aware of the most recent Southern Resident Killer Whale management measures.

Follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines when boating in and around the national park reserve.

Apply to all whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions, any animal hauled out and nesting birds.

Be Whale Wise

1. Know before you go. Educate yourself on local marine life and regulations before getting underway.
2. Be alert and cautious on the water. Have your family and friends help to scan for nearby marine life, especially in areas with known or suspected marine wildlife activity, or in narrow or tight areas of navigation.
3. Look in all directions and always go slow (<7 knots) when in the vicinity of any marine wildlife. If you suspect but aren’t certain marine wildlife are near, slow to a stop and assess the situation.
4. Place engine into neutral and allow all animals space to pass if they approach your vessel or surface within the allowable distance.
5. Be prepared to move away or shut down if nearby animals change speed and/or direction.
6. Do not position your vessel in front or behind wildlife.
7. Stay on the offshore side of all wildlife to lessen disturbance along the shoreline.
8. Avoid moving through and disturbing groups of any marine animal. Discourage bow or stern riding by holding course and gradually reducing speed.
9. Limit any wildlife viewing time to 30 minutes or less to lessen cumulative impact of vessels on wildlife.
10. Never approach an animal in distress. Contact your local marine mammal response network to report a sick, stranded, entangled, or dead marine animal.
• When you are in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve please call Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch (1-877-852-3100) to report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals to Park Wardens or the appropriate Parks Canada team member.
• Otherwise, please report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals (that you observed or were involved in) to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report Line: 1-800-465-4336.
• If you are unable to reach the Observe, Record, Report Line, you can call Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Mammal Desk at 1-833-339-1020
11. Did you see a whale? Help fellow boaters Be Whale Wise by flying your Whale Warning Flag and reporting your sighting to the Whale Report App.
    • Kayakers and paddlers should follow Kayak Education Leadership Program (K.E.L.P.) guidelines to stay INSHORE of wildlife, raft up, secure themselves, and stop paddling until whales have passed beyond regulation distance. Never paddle towards whales.

Leave No Trace™

Leave No Trace™ principles promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship.

Learn more about Leave no Trace™ in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve