The Gulf Islands National Marine Park Reserve: The southern Gulf Islands are located in one of Canada’s most heavily developed and urbanized natural regions-the Strait of Georgia Lowlands of British Columbia. The national park reserve was established on May 9, 2003 to protect the ecological integrity of a representative portion of this region. It is the first new national park reserve of the twenty-first century and includes thirty-five square kilometres of land and intertidal area spread over 15 islands and numerous islets and reefs and approximately twenty-six square kilometres of marine areas.
One of the most significant achievements of the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy initiative of the governments of Canada and British Columbia, the new national park reserve offers a variety of opportunities for Canadians to learn about and experience an exceptional coastal island landscape and the cultures of the people who live there.
Links:
- Gulf Islands National Marine Park Reserve Homepage
- GINMPR Park Areas
- GINMPR Park Areas Map (
PDF) - GINMPR Park Areas Interactive Map (Flash)
- GINMPR Management Plan
- GINMPR Hours of Operation
- GINMPR Fees
Gulf Islands National Marine Conservation Area: Parks Canada has embarked on a feasibility study to determine the potential for establishing a national marine conservation area (NMCA) in the southern Strait of Georgia. The establishment of a NMCA in this area would act to further protect the marine habitat surrounding the Southern Gulf Islands as well as coordinate the efforts of the existing parks and conservation areas in this area. Learn more at Parks Canada: Southern Georgia Straight.
