Just offshore from Sidney, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve protects a scattered collection of islands and coastal ecosystems that feel surprisingly wild given how close they are to town. Established in 2003, the park was created to preserve some of the most endangered landscapes in Canada, including Garry oak meadows, coastal wetlands, and rich marine habitats that have supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Today, it’s a place where that history and ecology are still very present. You’ll see it in the quiet trails, the interpretive signage, and the way the park is intentionally left a little undeveloped.

Getting there is part of the experience. From Sidney’s waterfront, you can catch a small passenger ferry to Sidney Spit during the summer, or head out by kayak or private boat if you’re feeling more adventurous. Once you arrive, expectations should shift. This isn’t a full-service park. There are basic facilities, but the focus is on low-impact exploration. Think long sandy stretches of beach, easy walking trails, driftwood-strewn shorelines, and a steady presence of wildlife. It’s the kind of place you go to slow down for a few hours or a full day, knowing that you’re only ever a short trip back to Sidney’s cafés, shops, and waterfront restaurants.