List of islands of British Columbia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

British Columbia, a beautiful province in Canada, is home to thousands of islands! These islands are found along its long coastline and even in some of its big lakes and rivers. They range from huge islands like Vancouver Island to tiny ones you might not even notice.

This article will take you on a journey through some of the most interesting islands in British Columbia, grouped by where they are located. Get ready to explore the amazing island world of BC!

Islands of the South Coast

The South Coast of British Columbia is where many people live and visit. It has lots of islands, from the very large to smaller, cozy ones.

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of North America. It's famous for its beautiful forests, rugged coastlines, and charming towns. Many people live here, and it's a popular spot for outdoor adventures like hiking and surfing.

Islands in the Gulf of Georgia

The Gulf of Georgia is a large body of water between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. It's dotted with many islands, often called the Gulf Islands.

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are known for their mild climate, artistic communities, and beautiful scenery. They are divided into Southern and Northern groups.

Southern Gulf Islands

These islands are close to the city of Victoria and are popular for weekend trips. They offer a relaxed lifestyle and lots of nature to explore. Some of these islands include:

Saltspring Island: This is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. It's famous for its vibrant arts scene and Saturday market.
Galiano Island: Known for its beautiful beaches and forests, it's a great place for kayaking and hiking.
Mayne Island: A smaller island with a rich history and lovely parks.
Pender Island (North and South): These two islands are connected by a bridge and offer many outdoor activities.
Saturna Island: A more remote island, perfect for those seeking quiet nature.
Thetis Island: A small, friendly island with a strong community feel.
Valdes Island: Known for its unique sandstone cliffs and caves.
Wallace Island: A popular spot for boaters with beautiful anchorages.

Northern Gulf Islands

Further north in the Gulf of Georgia, you'll find another group of islands. These often feel a bit wilder and less crowded. Some examples are:

Denman Island: A peaceful island known for its farming and artistic community.
Hornby Island: Famous for its beautiful beaches and unique, laid-back atmosphere.
Lasqueti Island: A more remote island, known for its off-grid living and natural beauty.
Texada Island: The largest of the Northern Gulf Islands, with a history of mining.

Discovery Islands

The Discovery Islands are located at the northern end of the Gulf of Georgia. They are known for their strong currents and rich marine life. Some of these islands are:

Cortes Island: A beautiful island with lakes, forests, and a strong community focus on sustainability.
Quadra Island: The largest of the Discovery Islands, offering great fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Read Island: A smaller, quieter island popular for its natural beauty.
Sonora Island: Known for its luxury resorts and stunning wilderness.

Sunshine Coast Islands

The Sunshine Coast is a mainland area, but it also has some islands nearby. These islands are often visited by people exploring the coast.

Nelson Island: A large island near the entrance to Jervis Inlet.
Thormanby Islands: A pair of islands popular for their sandy beaches and warm waters.

Howe Sound Islands

Howe Sound is a beautiful fjord located just north of Vancouver. It's home to several islands that are popular for day trips and weekend getaways.

Bowen Island: The closest island to Vancouver, known for its charming village and outdoor activities.
Gambier Island: A peaceful island with a small community and beautiful natural surroundings.
Keats Island: Home to several camps and a quiet, natural environment.

West Coast of Vancouver Island Islands

The west coast of Vancouver Island faces the open Pacific Ocean. The islands here are rugged and wild, shaped by the powerful ocean waves.

Barclay Sound

Broken Islands Group: This is a collection of over 100 small islands and islets within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It's a popular spot for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Nootka Sound

Nootka Island: This historic island is where Captain Cook first landed in British Columbia. It's known for its wild beauty and important Indigenous history.

Clayoquot Sound

Meares Island: Famous for its ancient old-growth forests, which have been protected by local Indigenous communities.
Flores Island: Another beautiful island in this area, known for its natural trails and beaches.
Vargas Island: A wild island popular for surfing and camping.

Lower Mainland Islands

Most of the islands in the Lower Mainland are found in rivers or lakes, not the ocean. The mighty Fraser River has created many of these islands over time.

Annacis Island: A large industrial island in the Fraser River.
Barnston Island: A farming community island in the Fraser River, accessed by a free ferry.
Deadman's Island: A small island in Coal Harbour in Vancouver, with a unique history.
Lulu Island: This is a very large island where most of the city of Richmond is located.
Sea Island: Home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Islands of the Central Coast

The Central Coast is a vast, wild region with many remote islands, deep fjords, and rich wildlife.

Johnstone Strait-Queen Charlotte Strait region

This area is known for its strong currents and amazing marine life, including orcas and humpback whales.

Broughton Archipelago: A large group of islands, popular for kayaking and exploring wilderness.
Cormorant Island: Home to the village of Alert Bay, a significant cultural center for the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
Malcolm Island: Known for the Finnish community of Sointula.
Gilford Island: A large island with important Indigenous communities and beautiful natural areas.

Fitz Hugh Sound-Dean Channel region

This region is even more remote, with large, rugged islands and stunning scenery.

Calvert Island: Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and important ecological research.
Campbell Island: Home to the community of Bella Bella.
Hunter Island: A large, wild island with diverse ecosystems.

Islands of the North Coast

The North Coast is a rugged and remote area, home to vast wilderness and unique ecosystems.

Queen Charlotte Sound-Hecate Strait region

This area is known for its strong winds and challenging waters, but also for its incredible wildlife.

Aristazabal Island: A large, wild island with a rugged coastline.
Banks Island: A long, narrow island known for its wildlife.
Princess Royal Island: Famous for being home to the rare Kermode bear, also known as the "spirit bear."
Swindle Island: Another large island in this remote area.

Dixon Entrance-Portland Channel region

This northernmost coastal region borders Alaska and features many islands.

Digby Island: Located near the city of Prince Rupert.
Kaien Island: This island is where the city of Prince Rupert is built.

Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago (a group of islands) off the North Coast of British Columbia. It is the traditional territory of the Haida people, who have lived there for thousands of years. These islands are known for their unique culture, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife.

Graham Island: The largest island in Haida Gwaii, home to most of the population and communities like Masset and Queen Charlotte.
Moresby Island: The second-largest island, known for its wild southern end, which is part of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
Anthony Island: Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay, with ancient Haida village remains.
Burnaby Island: A beautiful island known for its marine life and kayaking opportunities.
Kunghit Island: The southernmost island of Haida Gwaii.

Interior Islands

Not all islands in British Columbia are in the ocean! Some are found in the province's large lakes and rivers.

Grant Island and Rattlesnake Island: Both are found in Lake Okanagan, a long, deep lake in the Okanagan Valley. Rattlesnake Island is famous for a local legend about a lake monster!
Copper Island: Located in Shuswap Lake, a popular recreational lake in the interior.
Zuckerberg Island: A small island at the meeting point of the Kootenay River and Columbia River, with a park and historical cabin.