Gulf Islands - which one?
Feb 26th, 2003, 03:41 PM
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Gulf Islands - which one?
I have 2 extra days on a trip in June and would like some advice. Saturna, Mayne or Pender. Any recommendations? Things to do? Must sees? Places to stay? Any favorite B&B's? Restaurants? Thanks.
Feb 26th, 2003, 04:20 PM
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Have you already been to Salt Spring or Galiano? We've been to those two, & to Mayne. Wish I could help you on Saturna or Pender. Mayne was nice. Favorite is probably Salt Spring, for its variety & it has a little bit for everyone. At Mayne, we stayed at the Oceanwood Country Inn which was very nice & it has a well-regarded restaurant. The rates were fairly low then (about 3-5 years ago) & we were there in May, & probably not on a weekend. (lowest rates!) We were on Salt Spring last year again. And, added Galiano to our list...only had a brief time there, tho'. Love these islands & the San Juans!! Enjoy. 
Mar 8th, 2003, 12:40 PM
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I'll second MTM's vote for Salt Spring as my favorite Gulf Island. Spent a couple of hours driving around the Penders (North and South), and wasn't i inspired. Haven't visited Mayne, but I want to. Galiano is my second favorite Gulf Island ... very rural with a couple of extraordinary restaurants as well as gorgeous views, beaches and forests. I loved Saturna, too, but would only recommend it for one day -- it's VERY quiet. I stayed at the Saturna Lodge (?) which is related to the Saturna Island Winery (a beautiful setting and fun place to visit with tastings available). Dinner at the Lodge was taken on the deck, overlooking Boot Cove at sunset. Food was fabulous: a local seafood risotto. Be sure to stop by the local general store when you arrive ... they served terrific breakfast and lunch (maybe dinner, too?) On Salt Spring, I've stayed at a boring motel and at Spindrift Cottages (rustic, private, quiet). Try to be there for the Saturday market. Let me know if I can answer any other questions ...
Mar 15th, 2004, 05:29 PM
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We've stayed at the Beddis House several times & found it quite nice. Quiet...lovely garden, etc. (close to water too!) Very low key & relaxing...just what we're usually seeking. Enjoy your trip!
Mar 15th, 2004, 06:11 PM
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Saturna is beautiful. I stayed at the Saturna Lodge last summer and the rooms were fabulous. The restaurant there is also top notch and on par with very nice Vancouver restaurants. The also pack gourmet picnic lunches if you ask.
Which island to visit depends a bit on what you are looking for. Saturna is the least populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. There are a couple of places to stay (the Lodge is by far the nicest), a winery, and some nice hiking/biking trails. In 2 days you could see everything. You can sit on the shore and watch sea otters play while waiting for the whales to pass by. A great place to visit.
Mayne and Pender are right nearby and also not too populated. I'm not as familiar with them.
Saltspring is by far the most populated and built up of all the southern Gulf Islands, so is a very different experience. Many shops, restuarants, etc. If you are looking for a quiet getaway, it might not do it for you, but is still very nice. Hastings House is commonly regarded as one of the top places to stay/eat.
One other consideration is the ferry schedule. Saltspring has more service than Saturna and it is more direct. For Saturna, you generally need to transfer ferries and go on a milk run around a few of the other islands on the way.
Which island to visit depends a bit on what you are looking for. Saturna is the least populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. There are a couple of places to stay (the Lodge is by far the nicest), a winery, and some nice hiking/biking trails. In 2 days you could see everything. You can sit on the shore and watch sea otters play while waiting for the whales to pass by. A great place to visit.
Mayne and Pender are right nearby and also not too populated. I'm not as familiar with them.
Saltspring is by far the most populated and built up of all the southern Gulf Islands, so is a very different experience. Many shops, restuarants, etc. If you are looking for a quiet getaway, it might not do it for you, but is still very nice. Hastings House is commonly regarded as one of the top places to stay/eat.
One other consideration is the ferry schedule. Saltspring has more service than Saturna and it is more direct. For Saturna, you generally need to transfer ferries and go on a milk run around a few of the other islands on the way.
Mar 16th, 2004, 03:41 PM
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I know Mayne Island and have written here that parts of it approximate a 'rural slum'-and I stand by my words.
It's something of a distant suburb of Vancouver with hordes of harried city dwellers pouring off the Ferry Friday night to work like beavers 'improving' their cottages-the whine of lawn mowers/weed eaters and chainsaws Saturday morning speaks for itself.Sunday afternoon they all jump back into their cars and depart.
The Penders are quite different because so many farm families have lived there for generations even though it'd quiet and rural it has a settled feel.Also a very unique Farmer's Market on Pender Sat AM.
It's something of a distant suburb of Vancouver with hordes of harried city dwellers pouring off the Ferry Friday night to work like beavers 'improving' their cottages-the whine of lawn mowers/weed eaters and chainsaws Saturday morning speaks for itself.Sunday afternoon they all jump back into their cars and depart.
The Penders are quite different because so many farm families have lived there for generations even though it'd quiet and rural it has a settled feel.Also a very unique Farmer's Market on Pender Sat AM.
