Texada Island Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and See

Tucked away off the coast of British Columbia, Texada Island might just be one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. With its rugged shoreline, vibrant tide pools, and whimsical sights, this island is a perfect getaway for adventurers craving authenticity over crowds. Whether you're crabbing on choppy seas, cooking oysters over an open fire, or discovering tiny gnome villages in the forest, Texada delivers that raw, unfiltered magic we live for at Isla Guru. Let’s dive into the sights, flavors, and experiences that make Texada Island a must-visit.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

Texada isn't your typical easy-access island—it’s the kind of place that makes you earn your adventure. With three ferry rides to reach its shores (if you’re starting from Vancouver), the journey itself sets the tone for the rustic and off-grid vibes you’re about to embrace. It’s the kind of place where cell reception fades but real connection begins—both with nature and your travel crew.

Here’s how to get there:

1. Start from Vancouver and take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (Gibsons). This leg takes about 40 minutes and ferries typically run every 1–2 hours, but always check the current BC Ferries schedule.
2. Drive across the scenic Sunshine Coast (about 1.5 hours depending on stops) to Earls Cove, where you’ll hop on the second ferry to Saltery Bay—a 50-minute ride through breathtaking coastal views.
3. From there, it’s a 30-minute drive to Powell River, your launch point for the final leg.
4. Catch the Texada Island ferry from Powell River (Westview Terminal) to Blubber Bay on Texada Island. This ferry runs 4 to 6 times daily, takes just 35 minutes, and offers spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia along the way.

You can bring your vehicle on all legs of the journey, making it a road trip-style adventure peppered with ferry crossings, charming coastal towns, and scenic pit stops. Just keep in mind that sailing times can vary seasonally, and reservations aren’t available for every route, so give yourself some wiggle room.

By the time you arrive, you’ll already feel like you’ve left the fast-paced world far behind—and that’s just how Texada likes it.

Morning Missions: Kayaking & Crabbing Like a Local

Wake up to a new rhythm—Texada’s rhythm. Early mornings here aren’t for sleeping in; they’re for salty air, ocean spray, and hands-on adventure. Whether you’re paddling out into the bay or checking your crab traps, the coast is calling, and it’s got fresh seafood waiting.

If you didn’t bring your own kayak, no worries—Texada Island has a few local outfitters and community options where you can rent kayaks, including Gillies Bay General Store, which often helps visitors get connected with rental gear and local advice. It's always best to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, as supplies are limited on the island.

Never kayaked before? You’re still totally in the game. Texada’s calm coastal inlets and protected bays make it a great spot for beginner paddlers. Stick close to shorelines and always check the tides and weather before heading out—the sea can shift fast, especially on windier days.

Here are a few tips if you're new to kayaking or crabbing:

• Start in sheltered areas like Shelter Point or Vananda Bay, where waves are mellow and the scenery is just as stunning.
• Wear a life jacket and layer up—even in summer, the ocean temps stay cool.
• Bring a dry bag for your phone, keys, and snacks. Trust us, you'll want photos out there.
• Watch for wildlife! Seals, bald eagles, and even otters love these waters.
• Crabbing is easy for all levels—just load your traps with bait (locals swear by whole chicken legs or fish heads), drop them in about 30–50 feet of water, and give them a few hours to do their thing.

If you're unsure about navigating the tides or setting traps, locals are surprisingly friendly and often happy to share a tip or two. Better yet, consider joining a guided kayak or crabbing tour—some residents offer informal experiences or know someone who does. Island networking is real out here.

Whether you catch dinner or just soak up the salty breeze, paddling around Texada’s rugged coastlines is an unforgettable way to start your day. It's one of those pure, unplugged moments you can’t fake—just you, the sea, and whatever you reel in.

Feast Like a Forager: DIY Seafood Cookout

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Texada Island is the opportunity to gather your own feast straight from the sea. There’s something deeply satisfying—and primal—about collecting oysters, setting crab traps, and digging for clams, then cooking it all yourself over a driftwood fire. It’s fresh, it’s simple, and it’s totally unforgettable.

If you’ve managed to catch your dinner, here are a few easy, flavor-packed ways to turn your ocean harvest into a gourmet beachside meal.

Three Killer Ways to Cook Oysters

1. Bacon-Wrapped Oysters (The Crowd-Pleaser)
   • Shuck the oysters, wrap each one in half a strip of bacon.
   • Skewer or place on a grill-safe tray.
   • Grill until bacon is crispy and oyster edges curl—about 8–10 minutes.
   • Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet-and-salty twist.
2. Crispy Fried Oysters (Southern-Style)
   • Coat shucked oysters in flour, dip in egg wash, then dredge in panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.
   • Fry in a hot cast-iron pan with oil until golden and crunchy.
   • Serve with lemon wedges and a quick garlic aioli.
3. Fire-Roasted Oysters (The Purist’s Pick)
   • Place whole oysters directly on hot coals or a grate over your campfire.
   • After 5–7 minutes, they’ll start to open—use tongs to remove and carefully shuck.
   • Top with a squeeze of lemon, a touch of hot sauce, or a spoon of herbed butter.

For the Crabs and Clams

• Boiled Dungeness Crab
  • Bring a large pot of seawater (or salted fresh water) to a boil.
  • Drop in your live crabs and cook for 15–18 minutes.
  • Clean and crack ‘em open. Melted butter and lemon juice are all you need.
• Garlic Butter Clams
  • In a deep skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped garlic.
  • Add cleaned clams, white wine (or stock), and a handful of parsley.
  • Cover and steam for 5–7 minutes, until all the clams open.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth. Heaven!

Island Tip: Bring your own spices, oil, butter, and foil if you're planning to cook beachside. There aren't big grocery stores on Texada, so prep ahead in Powell River or pack your go-to ingredients.

Not Into DIY? Local Restaurants to Check Out

If foraging and cooking aren’t quite your thing (or you’re just ready to sit down and be served), Texada has a few local gems that offer warm hospitality and hearty island eats.

Mary Mary Café – Van Anda

This charming café is perfect for brunch or lunch, with homemade pastries, wraps, soups, and good coffee. It’s a great place to fuel up before or after your outdoor adventures. Expect smiles, local art on the walls, and a real community vibe.

3. Texada Market Deli – Gillies Bay

Part general store, part deli—this spot offers simple grab-and-go meals, coffee, and sandwiches. It’s also one of the few places where you can pick up essentials for your cookout—like spices, sauces, and drinks.

Whether you’re grilling up oysters with your toes in the sand or digging into fish and chips at the local pub, eating on Texada is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of the wild, bountiful coast. Bring your appetite, bring your curiosity, and maybe bring a bib—you’re gonna get messy in the best way.

Scenic Stops: From Blue Quarries to Forgotten Wharfs

Texada Island isn’t just about foraging and kayaking—it’s also bursting with unique, low-key landmarks that blend natural beauty with a touch of nostalgia and whimsy. Here are some must-see scenic stops to add to your island itinerary:

The Abandoned Marble Quarry

Hidden deep within the forest near Gillies Bay, this abandoned quarry is filled with shockingly blue, crystal-clear water, creating a surreal contrast with the surrounding greenery. The site was once a thriving marble operation, and today it's a peaceful, Instagram-worthy spot perfect for a quiet picnic or a refreshing dip on a warm day (if you're brave—the water's chilly!). The short trail leading in makes it an easy adventure for all.

Vananda Wharf

Once a bustling fishing and freight dock, Vananda Wharf is now a peaceful, weathered wooden pier that juts out into the Pacific, offering panoramic views and a dose of island history. Local elders recall fishing here with hand lines for massive lingcod—stories that now echo in the wind and waves. It’s a beautiful place for a walk, a cast of your fishing line, or a sunset photo.

Gnome Homes Trail

Prepare to be charmed—the Gnome Homes Trail is a whimsical woodland path where islanders have built tiny homes, castles, oyster-shell-covered huts, and even a gnome credit union for their miniature forest residents. It's an enchanting mix of nature and imagination, perfect for kids and adults alike. Wander the trail slowly—you’ll spot quirky details everywhere. It’s a delightful reminder that creativity thrives on Texada.

Shelter Point Park

This waterfront gem in Gillies Bay offers sweeping ocean views, tidal pools full of life, and one of the best spots on the island for camping or beachcombing. With picnic tables, forest trails, and a rustic charm that’s hard to beat, Shelter Point is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or a family-friendly afternoon of exploration. Come during low tide to discover starfish, crabs, and hidden treasures.

Mount Pocahontas Lookout

If you're up for a bit of a climb, head to Mount Pocahontas, the highest point on Texada Island. The short but steep trail rewards hikers with 360-degree panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island, and the Coast Mountains. On a clear day, it's jaw-dropping. Bring binoculars—you might spot passing orcas, eagles soaring above, or distant ferries cutting through the sea.

Each of these scenic spots showcases a different side of Texada—its history, its creativity, its raw natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing views, photo ops, or just a quiet moment in nature, these places will make your visit unforgettable.

Texada's Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Charm

Texada Island isn’t polished or perfect—and that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity, welcomes improvisation, and surprises you with its raw beauty and community creativity. From crab-fishing in rough waters to stumbling upon gnome castles in the woods, this island invites you to slow down and savor life’s quirky, wild moments.

So if you're craving an off-grid escape with hands-on adventure, stunning scenery, and more oysters than you can handle, Texada is calling.