218 Central Gulf Islands Kayaking and Boating Map

Updated for 2024.

About this region: The Gulf Island north of Saltspring create a sheltered inner sea that is invariably several steps more placid than most other locations on the British Columbia coast, even adjacent locations such as the Strait of Georgia. This is thanks in large part to the land bridge of Galiano, Valdes and Gabriola Islands. Together they shelter a rich collection of island clusters where land and water combine for a rare visual and ecological richness. These can be found in places such as Wallace Island and de Courcy islands, where sandstone sculptures, an arbutus ecology and intertidal life create a subtle but rich tapestry of destinations.

Outside that protected basin, the attractions change. Here you get wilder sea conditions and geography, along with wilder waterways to reach them – such as Porlier and Gabriola passes. Once outside, though, treats include Dionisio, a provincial park set on the outskirts of Porlier Pass, and Wakes Cove, a forested retreat on the north tip of Valdes Island. Valdes constitutes the largest of the Gulf Islands without ferry or electrical service, making it a relative enclave from traffic and congestion. It and other locations present a fantastic menu of locations to explore.

About this mapsheet: This mapsheet covers the waterways in the central section of the Gulf Islands,notably Galiano Island in an unbroken unit. Key attractions are the many provincial parks including Wallace Island and Dionisio, among others. 

The mapsheet layout: The layout is a regional overview on the full page of one side, and on the other side a detailed closer-perspective view of Nanaimo Harbour as well as a regular scale showing Gabriola Island. Also included are planning details such as expected water conditions, trip planning information and campsite information.

The mapsheet construction: The mapsheet is created by Wild Coast Publishing using some of the latest technology available to provide a high-quality printed image on waterproof/durable synthetic polymer stock. The stock is picked as the best for the purpose, and is significantly thicker than most papers at 10 mil weight. 

New! All 200-series mapsheets now include UTM grid lines. Learn to understand and make the most of them.

About the Gulf Islands series: Wild Coast Publishing is offering three Gulf Islands mapsheets in its Deck Topper map series. Here are the series details:

#216 Saanich-Sidney: Use for trips originating into the nearby Gulf Islands from Sidney and Saanich Peninsula. Use also for Saanich Inlet. Ideal for adventures from D'Arcy Island to Portland Island.

#217 Outer Gulf Islands: This covers many the easternmost of the Gulf Islands including Saturna, Mayne and the Pender Islands as well as all of Saltspring Island, including Sansum Narrows and Cowichan Bay. Includes Montague Harbour on Galiano Island.

#218 Central Gulf Islands: For trips involving Galiano Island, including Active Pass, Mayne Island and points north as far as Porlier Pass and Thetis/Penelakut islands.

219 North Gulf Islands: For trips involving Nanaimo, Gabriola and Valdes islands, as well as trips as far south as Ladysmith including the De Courcy Group and Pirates Cove.

Buy a mapsheet bundle and save: Purchase all four at a reduced price in our Gulf Islands Bundle".

Don't forget the guide book: The perfect companion to the mapsheet is the BC Coast Explorer Vol. 2, which goes into much greater details about the features, attractions travel logistics and history. 

About the Wild Coast map series: In 2019, Wild Coast Publishing began embarking on an ambitious program to provide an unbroken series of mapsheets covering the entire BC coastline. The series begins with mapsheet #201 Brooks Peninsula and extends in order down the outer Vancouver Island and up the southern BC coast then finally north through the Inside Passage. You can view the currently available list of mapsheets here. The maps are designed for paddlers and boaters, right down to the size -- a handy 24x18", slightly smaller than a traditional street map and so easy to manage when on the water. Use it as a "deck topper" for easy visualization as you travel on the water, use it around the campfire or your anchorage at night to plan your next day's route, and at home for research when your journey is still in the dream stage. 

Shipping information: Please read the information in the link before ordering, as doing so will help determine if you will receive your order in time for your trip. See shipping alerts and shipping policy details here.