Canada's Less-Visited National Park Reserve Boasts Stunning Views, Wildlife, & Recreation

Canada is a country full of diverse landscapes, incredible beauty, and impressive national parks that offer endless opportunities for adventure. You can take a road trip through Canada that covers most of its breathtaking national parks, including the well-known Banff National Park, and encounter enchanting grandeur and beauty. However, you will also encounter numerous crowds — Banff sees over 4 million visitors a year. Further west and along the coast, there's Pacific Rim National Park, which isn't quite as busy as Banff with just over 1 million visitors a year. But what if there were a similar park that had half as many annual tourists? One with a rare Mediterranean-type climate, pristine rocky coastlines, incredible wildlife, and tons of recreation activities? Fortunately, such a park does exist in Canada, and it's called Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, in the south of beautiful British Columbia.

Located just 30 minutes north of Victoria, B.C., Gulf Islands is a 15,000-acre national park reserve comprising several islands, islets, and reefs. With stunning views of the Straight of Georgia and the Salish Sea, this park offers endless recreation and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, all without the significant crowds. There are numerous trails to explore, boating and kayaking opportunities, campgrounds, and much more waiting for you at this stunning park.

Gulf Islands National Park has to be one of the most beautiful places in Canada to visit. There are a total of 15 islands within the park, but the four largest and most accessible are Saturna Island, Mayne Island, North Pender Island, and South Pender Island. Hiking is a great way to experience the area's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. On South Pender Island, check out the 1.6-mile Mount Norman Trail to get 360-degree views of the Salish Sea. On Mayne Island, the Mount Parke Loop is a fantastic route that weaves through dense forests along the coastline.

If you are an avid kayaker, this park will be nothing short of paradise. There are even campsites that are only accessible by kayak! Don't worry if you don't have one of your own; several kayak outfitters are on the islands to help you prepare your stunning adventure. The waters around the park can be quite sheltered and are rarely rough enough for big waves.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is that it is home to many creatures, including 15 endangered species and many more that are threatened. Here you'll find birds like bald eagles and hawks, marine mammals like sea lions and porpoises, and land critters such as deer, minks, and otters. Of course, a visit to the area wouldn't be complete without seeing one of the most incredible marine mammals in the region, the majestic orca whale. East Point on Saturna Island is one of the best places to view these amazing creatures, as well as other species of whales such as humpback and Minke whales. There are several guides and outfitters throughout the islands that offer tours specifically designed to see these magnificent animals.

Getting here is relatively simple, despite the islands' remote nature. Four are accessible by ferry, from Vancouver Island or the city of Vancouver (where you're likely to spot some celebrities). If you're coming from far away, you'll likely fly into Canada's second-busiest airport, Vancouver International Airport. From here, you can take a ferry out of the Tsawwassen port to several of the islands in the park, including Mayne Island and the Pender Islands. You can also take a ferry to Victoria, B.C., on Vancouver Island and access more islands from there, like Saturna Island. The best time of year to visit is the dry, warm season which spans from May to October. 

Camping is a popular way to stay and experience this incredible park, and the Gulf Islands have many campgrounds scattered throughout. The most developed and popular campsite is on the shores of Vancouver Island, known as Smonećten with nearly 50 sites. It's open through the dry season and you'll want to reserve ahead of time. There are many other campgrounds on different islands around the park as well. Some are accessible via ferries and roads, while others are more primitive and can only be reached by private boats or kayaks, such as the James Bay and Isle-de-Lis/Rum Island campgrounds.

Of course, if camping isn't your style, there are other types of accommodations such as hotels and resorts. For a more comfortable, luxurious stay, consider the Mayne Island Resort or the Poet's Cove Resort and Spa on South Pender Island. You could also stay in beautiful Victoria, B.C., and make a day trip out to the park. However you choose to stay, a trip to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a great way to ditch the crowds.