Texada is a relaxing destination with incredibly beautiful scenery to frame that book you've been anxious to read or to highlight your moonlight swim. Whether your vacation is intended to be laid back or one that is filled with adventure, Texada has it all. Some suggested activities are listed below:
Gillies Bay Farmer's Market
Sundays throughout the summer - 12:30 to 2:30
Seasonal farmer's market offers fresh locally grown produce plus arts and crafts made by local artisans.
Arts and Heritage
Texada has a rich history as an early pioneer settlement. The Texada Heritage Society museum at Blubber Bay explores some of this history. Take some time to explore the historic outdoor mining equipment just up the hill from the ferry terminal at Blubber Bay near the museum. Visit their website at:
Golf
Come on out and try our 9 hole course or spend some time on the putting green honing your skills.
Swimming
The warm waters of Gillies Bay make the beach at Shelter Point Park a great spot for a swim. In addition you could try Shingle Beach and other bays and coves.
Hiking
The nature walk along the forested shoreline of Shelter Point Regional Park offers some spectacular examples of BC coastal forest. A hike to the top of Mount Pocahontas (1,745 feet) will net some spectacular viewing opportunities: 360 degree views of Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait, and the Coast Mountain range on the BC mainland. A local hiking group, Texada Trekkers, welcomes visitors to join in guided hikes every Saturday. Look for the signs posted near the grocery stores, gas station and post office to find out where and when to meet.
Wildlife Viewing
Deer, birds and many other forms of wildlife abound. There are no predators such as cougars and bears on the island, making it a very safe place for wilderness hiking.
Bird Watching
As many as 265 species of birds including herons, eagles, loons, osprey, harlequins, cormorants and scooters, can be spotted here.
Biking
Texada has many dirt roads and trails to explore by mountain bike.
For the well-equipped enthusiast there are a multitude of outdoor pleasures to pursue:
Scuba Diving
Texada, Hornby and Lasquiti Islands and nearby Powell River offer world-class diving opportunities. Powell River was named as 2004’s Best Overall Dive Destination in the World by Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine. According to Jacques Cousteau, the Strait of Georgia's cold waters and fantastic visibility offer the greatest diversity of marine life in North America and are "second only to the Red Sea." While year round diving can be enjoyed, many divers prefer the winter as the water temperature doesn't vary more than a couple of degrees below the summer temperatures but the clarity is so much better. Incredible corals, giant Pacific octopus, a rich diversity of different habitats and environments call the diver to experience some of the best diving in the world. To quote Yvette Cardoza, writing for Sport Diver Magazine, "Though people do dive the outside (west coast) of (Vancouver) Island, the best sites are on the inside. Texada, one of the Gulf Islands along the southern half of Vancouver Island, has walls dripping with life..."
Fishing
Cast a fly for one of those delectable cutthroat especially at Bob's Lake and Angel Lake.
Boating
Boaters will find unprotected anchorages in the many bays around the island. There is limited protected guest moorage at the Sturt (Marble) Bay boat harbour in Van Anda, on the Northeast coast of the island. Boat launch facilities are available at Shelter Point Park and Sturt Bay boat harbour.
Kayaking/Canoeing
A multitude of little bays and coves are calling you to explore.