A 35-minute ferry trip from the Powell River ferry terminal, Texada is one of the largest of the gulf islands (50 km/31 mi from north to south and up to 10 km/6.2 mi wide), but the permanent population is only 1,200 and services are limited. From the ferry terminal at Blubber Bay, the island’s main road winds south for eight kilometers (five miles) to Van Anda, a historic village that once boasted saloons, an opera house, and a hospital.

Take a walk along Van Anda’s Erickson Beach to appreciate the island’s natural beauty. Continuing south, the road leads to Gillies Bay and beyond to Shelter Point Regional Park, which has some short but enjoyable hiking trails and a sandy spit that leads to a private high-tide island. At low tide, look for colorful starfish along the shoreline, or try your hand digging for clams. Campsites overlooking the water are $19.

The short hop over to the island from Powell River with BC Ferries (604/485-2943) costs adult $7.25, child $3.75, vehicle $17.50 round-trip. Ferries depart about every two hours 8 a.m.–11 p.m.; no reservations taken.