Gulf Islands National Park

Notable Campgrounds

• Best for families: Just a 10-minute drive from the Otter Bay ferry terminal, Prior Centennial Campground on North Pender Island is accessible by car and has just 17 sites.
• Best for kayakers: Pitch your tent at the boat-accessible Sidney Spit Campground on Sidney Island for kayaking and beach time.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

1. Reservations open in early January for reserved spots from May to September.
2. Avoid long weekends if you missed making a reservation—people show up bright and early for the few first-come, first-served sites.
3. For summer weekends, book ferry reservations from Vancouver Island well in advance.

When to Go

Come summer, the Gulf Islands are filled with visitors, and for good reason: whale-watching season runs from March to October. But thanks to the area’s climate, the islands are great for camping throughout spring, summer, and fall. Early May and late September are the best time to camp if you need a walk-in campsite without a reservation—this is also when everything is in full bloom. Backcountry campgrounds are accessible year-round, but they’re unmaintained from October to May.

Know Before You Go

• Getting to any of the Gulf Islands requires at least one ferry ride over from the mainland to Vancouver Island, and then either a larger passenger ferry or small water taxi. Some islands are only accessible by private boats, with others only by kayak.
• Licenses are required for all types of fishing in British Columbia and can be obtained from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• Entry and service fees are charged to overnight visitors in the front and backcountry of Gulf Islands National Park.