Gulf Islands

BC is entering phase 3 of "reopening" that allows "careful" travel within the province. By following COVID-19 rules strictly (e.g. wearing a mask when social distancing of 2 meters cannot be obtained), my first "trip" during the pandemic turned to be successful.

Jul 4, 2020
Gulf Islands
The 8:55 am ferry to Southern Gulf Islands was 10 minute late, arriving at Sturdies Bay on Galaino Island at 10 am, still enough time for me to check out Bellhouse Provincial Park, about 20 minutes (on foot) away. When I arrived at the par, these was nobody there - the parking lot was completely empty. I spent about 30 minutes at this nice little park and enjoyed the view of Active Pass and the interesting sandstone formations, before heading back to Sturdie Bay Ferry Terminal to catch the 11:35 am ferry to Pender Island.

The ferry was actually 30 minute late. When it arrived at Otter Bay on North Pender Island, it was almost 1 pm. I already made a reservation at El Faro Fusion near the ferry terminal and pre-ordered fish & chips. Due to limited time, I only finished the fries at the restaurant and packed the fish to eat on my walk to Roseland.

Roseland is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. A small island, Roe Islet, is reachable on foot at low tide. There is a short trail to the other side of the island where you can rest on a bench to relax.

Back to Otter Bay Ferry Terminal. The ferry to my next island, Mayne Island, was quite on time. At Village Bay Ferry Terminal on Mayne Island, I found the Mayne Island Community Bus outside the terminal. The bus drive agreed to give me a ride (the bus operates by donation). He first took a couple of people to a big house southwest of the island not too far from the Japanese Garden, then dropped me off at the entrance to  Mary Jeffery Park on Kim Road. From there I first walked to the nearby Giant Arbutus, then used the Linking Trail to get to the Plumper Pass Loop Trail at Plumper Pass Cummunity Park. At the southwest of the Plumper Pass Loop Trail there is a short but steep trail up to a viewpoint with good views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Not too far from the viewpoint is the small Mt Parke Road that eventually joins Village Bay Road leading to the ferry terminal.

Due to COVID-19, BC Ferries is running spring/fall schedule for this summer. Because of this, I had to take the 6:15 pm ferry to Victoria then another ferry back to Vancouver. A thru fare ticket can be obtained at the ticket office of the ferry terminal at Village Bay. At Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Victoria, you only pay the thorough fare which is much cheaper than the Victoria - Vancouver ticket.

Overview

Gulf Islands are a popular destination for people living in big cities like Vancouver. Unlike most people, I explored 3 islands one day without a car. Luckily, there are interesting parks to experience within walking distance to the ferry terminals on those islands. BC Ferries is currently operating on 50% capacity which makes physical distancing easier than city transit.

View of Gulf Islands from a viewpoint on Mayne Island