BC Sailors: Good Hikes in the Gulf Islands

[YVRguy]

Before getting the boat, my better half and I used to hike quite a bit on weekends. She enjoys sailing now but misses the exercise and I think this makes her reluctant to go out as often. So, solution is to find the Gulf Islands with good hikes. Any suggestions? Of course we know about Mt. Gardner on Bowen and I've discovered Mt. Artiban on Gambier but any others would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Les]

I know it is not in the Gulf Island but have a go at climbing up from Princess Louisa Inlet. Head up to the top of the rim to the small cabin and marvel at the fact that Mac had to carry everything up to the place. It's a good climb.

Then head over to Protection Island that protects Nanaimo which is a wonderful city. The island is a park and has a large variety of trails that you can walk all of them flat more to my liking. After a day of walking you can row over to the Dinghy Dock Pub which is acceptable only by water. A great place to visit for a cool one.

If you're at Nanaimo, don't over look the harbor walk way. It was completed in the last ten years or so and goes completely around the harbor. Protect your wallet from your wife as it has a number of excellent shops to buy things. What a way to hike!

Closer to home, Sidney Island just off from Sidney has a good anchorage and good trails to hike. Lots of wild life. And when you're tired you can head over to Sidney, one of my favorite cities and ports. Very friendly people.

Shameful advertising here but if you can, head over the American border to Roche Harbor, head just south and drop anchor in Garrison Bay, the British camp of the Pig War. Very smart those Brits in picking this place. A wonderful walk up Young Hill pass the British Cemetery (all died by accidents) still maintained by folks living in Victoria, BC. Great view at the top. This is my favorite hike.

I wish you well. Have fun. Tell us about it when you get back.

 

[YVRguy]

I know it is not in the Gulf Island but have a go at climbing up from Princess Louisa Inlet. Head up to the top of the rim to the small cabin and marvel at the fact that Mac had to carry everything up to the place. It's a good climb.

Then head over to Protection Island that protects Nanaimo which is a wonderful city. The island is a park and has a large variety of trails that you can walk all of them flat more to my liking. After a day of walking you can row over to the Dinghy Dock Pub which is acceptable only by water. A great place to visit for a cool one.

If you're at Nanaimo, don't over look the harbor walk way. It was completed in the last ten years or so and goes completely around the harbor. Protect your wallet from your wife as it has a number of excellent shops to buy things. What a way to hike!

Closer to home, Sidney Island just off from Sidney has a good anchorage and good trails to hike. Lots of wild life. And when you're tired you can head over to Sidney, one of my favorite cities and ports. Very friendly people.

Shameful advertising here but if you can, head over the American border to Roche Harbor, head just south and drop anchor in Garrison Bay, the British camp of the Pig War. Very smart those Brits in picking this place. A wonderful walk up Young Hill pass the British Cemetery (all died by accidents) still maintained by folks living in Victoria, BC. Great view at the top. This is my favorite hike.

I wish you well. Have fun. Tell us about it when you get back.

Thanks Les, great suggestions! Looking forward to getting to Princess Louisa Inlet. Also Roche and Friday Harbours are definitely on my list. I will certainly report back.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Another Great Hike .....................

.......................... is out of Montague Harbour and on to Galiano Island. It stretches along the beach and then through the woods.

And while you're in the neighborhood, Princess Island has some great hiking trails along with the usual weird history which most of the Gulf Islands boast.

 

[YVRguy]

.......................... is out of Montague Harbour and on to Galiano Island. It stretches along the beach and then through the woods.

And while you're in the neighborhood, Princess Island has some great hiking trails along with the usual weird history which most of the Gulf Islands boast.

Nice! Thanks Ralph. I love the wooden deer. That is SO typical of the Gulf Islands

 

[Jalepeno]

Get one or more of the local hiking guide books such as "103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia"
Be the way, "Newcastle Island" is the Provincial Marine Park and "Protection Island" is the one full of private homes. Newcastle Park has docks and mooring balls, for the usual summer overnight fees

 

[Stretch]

Doug, get her a small kayak and one for you [maybe a double, for you and the golden retriever] Women make better kayak paddlers than most men.

 

[rlrmystic]

My wife and I wish to relocate to Seattle . Can one sail to isles in BC.? She asked this weekend, this ite gives me a chance to answer rather the bsing

 

[Les]

From Seattle you can sail to the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound and........Alaska! You can also sail around Vancouver Island. All you need is time and a boat. These are some of the most beautiful waters for cruising. And during the summer South Puget Sound is beautiful too--all those folks have gone north to the aforementioned places. But the San Juan and Gulf Islands are my favorites.

 

[rlrmystic]

Thank you ; Vancouver Islands is what she was inquiring about.
Now we need to relocate