Gulf Islands National Park

The Gulf Islands National Park is located in Canada British Columbia Province. It was founded on May 9, 2003, making it one of the youngest National parks in Canada.
He was 40.National park founded and has a total area of ​​33 square kilometers. This makes it one of the smaller parks.

16 islands belong to the area of ​​the national park. Many impressive reefs and a landscape of inlets also belong to the Gulf Islands National Park.

The island chain of the Gulf Islands lies in the Strait of Georgia. This inlet is part of the Pacific and is located between Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia. Most of the island chain is part of the national park area, which is why it got its name. The entire island area is called the Gulf Islands. This is derived from the name Gulf of Georgia away. For a long time the strait was thought to be a bay. The respective names of the areas also originate from this time. When it was later realized that it was not a bay but a street, they left the name and kept it.

Geologically, the islands are divided into two halves. A distinction is made between the northern and southern parts of the Gulf Islands. The boundary of the division is approximately at the level of the town of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and the mouth of the Fraser River on the mainland. For visitors who would like to visit the most important islands, but do not want to venture out into the water by boat, there is a ferry service from BC Ferries to disposal. This drives to all the important islands with their ships.

The Gulf Islands National Park’s ecosystem is impressive. Here in the shadow of the mountains, astonishingly diverse and different plant species thrive. The mountains of the Vancouver Islands and the Olympic Peninsula line the area of ​​the park. The Oregon oaks, among others, grow here. Wild lilies also bloom here in their full splendor and beauty. They are not allowed to be picked. The kelp forests provide a habitat for many animals. Also orcas have settled in the seas and can be observed in the coastal region entirely.

Numerous seals have settled on the rocky landscape, drying their fur in the sun and romping in the water and offering a beautiful spectacle with their colorful hustle and bustle. In between you can also find many sea ​​lions. And seabirds screech again and again as they make their way over the heads of the visitors.

The summers are warm and dry in the area, the winters are mild and humid and so the climate favors the growth of the flora here. The protection of the park extends up to 200 meters into the water. The aim is to ensure that the water dwellers to be protected are also safe.

The islands are worthwhile for an adventurous excursion of discovery. Also kayaking are possible here in the area. Other activities include hiking (guided tours are also available), fishing, diving, and swimming. On some islands there is camping permitted. There are also water pipes and rather sparse toilets. However, longer stays and overnight stays are not permitted on other islands. The visitor center can provide more detailed information.

Gulf Islands National Park