Development on the Gulf Islands is overseen by Islands Trust, a federation of local governments with a mandate to preserve and protect the islands and their environment for the benefit of residents and the province. The broad social mandate reflects the special place the Gulf Islands has in the popular imagination of B.C. The 18 major islands and hundreds of smaller island fragments that comprise the archipelago offer getaways from the urban centres of Vancouver and Victoria.
Each gulf island has its own culture. The largest is Salt Spring, home of wildlife painter Robert Bateman and rocker Randy Bachman, and famed for its heritage apple orchards and succulent sheep. Smaller islands, such as Gabriola, Denman and North & South Pender, have their own rustic appeal. The small scale of the communities fosters close relationships, and makes amenities in the Gulf Islands a cross between the boutique and the rustic.
House value is largely determined by the price of single-family homes. Approximately 23 times as many detached homes as townhomes traded in 2010. The Gulf Islands house price average for 2010 was $562,410, according to the Victoria Real Estate Board. Sales of townhomes averaged at $433,798.
Gulf Islands Amenities
Gulf Islands Shopping
Ganges on Salt Spring Island, Sturdies on Galiano Island and Mayne on Mayne Island are some of the retail centres of the Gulf Islands. The main centres for shopping are on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, however. Depending on ferry links and requirements, shoppers have a choice of Vancouver, Victoria, Duncan or Nanaimo for shopping. The local stores offer staples, as well as tourist-oriented fare.
Schools and Education in Gulf Islands
Primary and secondary schools
Primary schools
- Fernwood (Salt Spring)
- Fulford Community (Salt Spring)
- Phoenix (Salt Spring)
- Salt Spring Elementary
Secondary schools
Gulf Islands Cafés and Restaurants
Salt Spring Island Coffee may have decamped for larger premises in the Lower Mainland, but the Gulf Islands still abound in venues to sample local fare (including the beers of Gulf Islands Brewery and the local fledgling wineries). The restaurant at Harbour House on Salt Spring has a venerable history, while the colourfully named Haggis Farm Baker on Saturna Island enjoys good reviews. Cruise any town centre on the islands and you'll more than likely find something to please your palate.
Gulf Islands Sports and Recreation
Trail riding, kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking and hiking are available on the Islands. The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy and test themselves. Golf courses on Salt Spring Island, Gabriola Island and Pender Island offer a civilized touch, while marinas provide docking facilities for those who wish to explore the archipelago by water.
Gulf Islands Transportation
Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands and the only one with its own public transit system, launched in 2008. While the larger islands each have at least one main road, and float plane service is available to many, the main lifeline the islands have to the outside world is BC Ferries, which operates routes of varying length and frequency between the islands, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
Gulf Islands Property Statistics
Home prices* Houses $562,410 Townhouses $433,798 Apartments N/A
*Source: Victoria Real Estate Board, average sale prices (2010)
Gulf Islands Demographics
Population* 14,741 (as of 2006) *Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Age* 60+ 34.7% 40 to 59 35.3% 20 to 39 13.6% 5 to 19 13.6% 0 to 4 2.7%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Occupancy* Fully owned 82.9% ("Owners") Rented 17.1%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Dwellings* Detached 89.2% ("Houses") Semi-detached 4.5% Apartments 3.0%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
