Getting to Gulf Islands National Park
Gulf Islands National Park sits in BC, Canada, with North Cowichan the nearest town of any size — about 17.3 km (10.7 mi) out, or roughly 29 min of driving.
Drive times from Gulf Islands National Park
Gulf Islands National Park sits close enough to Olympic National Park, Pacific Rim National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic National Park | 118 km (73.5 mi) | 2 hr 11 min |
| Pacific Rim National Park | 164 km (102 mi) | 2 hr 51 min |
| North Cascades National Park | 166 km (103 mi) | 2 hr 53 min |
| Mount Rainier National Park | 256 km (159 mi) | 4 hr 13 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| North Cowichan | 17.3 km (10.7 mi) | 29 min |
| Duncan | 19.9 km (12.4 mi) | 33 min |
| Saanich | 33.9 km (21.1 mi) | 48 min |
| Lake Cowichan | 44.3 km (27.6 mi) | 59 min |
| Victoria | 46.6 km (29 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Nanaimo | 50.2 km (31.2 mi) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Vancouver | 50.6 km (31.4 mi) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Surrey | 53.8 km (33.4 mi) | 1 hr 10 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Gulf Islands National Park?
North Cowichan, about 17.3 km (10.7 mi) away — roughly 29 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Gulf Islands National Park?
The practical bases are North Cowichan, Duncan, and Saanich — all within a reasonable drive of the park.