19 Best Sights in The Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island

There are actually two vineyards on this lovely 26-acre property—the upper vineyard clings to Mount Menzies while the lower trails down to the sea—both kept trim by a resident flock of small Babydoll Southdown sheep. Vintages from the first two years proved so popular that the vineyard has now increased to maximum production capacity. The award-winning Ortega and Blanc de Noir continue to sell out. Enjoy appetizers from Truss Farm Food in the licensed picnic area off the Tasting Room.

This small winery, home to valley-view vineyards and a meditative labyrinth, produces estate-grown Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, a Chardonnay-Gewürztraminer blend, and an intriguing red made from Zweigelt grapes. It's open for tastings daily May through October from 11 am to 5 pm.

Both North Pender and South Pender host sections of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. On South Pender a steep trail leads to the 800-foot summit of Mt. Norman, with its expansive ocean and island views; in the newer Greenburn Lake section of the park, forest trails circle a pretty freshwater lake. On North Pender, a historic cottage resort called Roesland is now part of the park; one of the circa-1908 cottages houses the Pender Island Museum. An easy 15-minute walk leads to a tiny islet.

Art studios, an artisans' co-op, Pender Chocolates, and views to Saturna and Mayne islands are the draws at Hope Bay, a lovely cove on North Pender's eastern shore.

Salt Spring Vineyards produces a dozen wines, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and blackberry port, almost entirely from island-grown fruit. Be sure to try one of the Evolution series, made with a grape variety developed right on Salt Spring Island, and the Charme de L'Ile bubbly. Tastings are paired with local, seasonal food. Wine by the glass, bread, cheese, smoked fish, and other fixings are available for summer picnics on the vineyard-view patio. Live bands entertain on Friday evenings in summer; events, from food fests to outdoor theater, happen regularly, too.

You can stop for a meal or a drink on the deck at this lodge, once one of the province's oldest continuously operating hotels. It's been around since 1892 but no longer rents cabins or lodge rooms.