Recreation
Heritage and Museums
Texada has a rich history as an early pioneer settlement. The Texada Museum and Archives in Van Anda explores some of this history dating back to the 1890’s. There is a walking tour of Van Anda with places of interest clearly marked. You can pick up the directions for the Heritage Walk at several locations around the island.
For those interested in aviation, come visit the Texada Aviation Museum, public Aviation Library and flight simulator located at the Texada / Gillies Bay Airport (CYGB).
Contact O.C. (Doby) Dobrostanski (604-223-2588)
Texada Farmers Markets
The summer market is from 12 to 1:30PM at the Gillies Bay ball field, mid-May to mid-September. Texada Island Winter Farmers Market is held in the Texada Community Hall.
Hiking
The Nature Walk along Shelter Point Regional Park’s forested shoreline showcases spectacular BC coastal old-growth forest. Hike Mount Davies or Mount Pocahontas for fantastic views of Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait, and the BC mainland. In Van Anda, the trail along Emily Lake follows a historic rail bed from early mining days. Near Van Anda, a trail network leading to Marble Bay and Eagle Cove also includes the Gnome Home Trail, which is a favourite for young children.
Boating and Fishing
Boaters will find unprotected anchorages in the many bays around the island. Limited protected guest moorage is available at the Sturt (Marble) Bay boat harbour in Van Anda, on the Northeast coast of the island. Boat launch facilities are located at Shelter Point Park and Sturt Bay boat harbour. There is a government dock with tie-up float in Van Anda, close to Texada Market. Texada Boat Yard provides haul-out facilities.
Limits and Closures for Area 15 (Powell River, Texada Island) from Fisheries and Oceans
Limits & Closures for Area 16 (Sunshine Coast) from Fisheries & Oceans Canada
BC SALTWATER Fishing License Information
BC FRESHWATER Fishing License Information
Parks, Beaches, and Swimming
Texada Island offers a variety of parks and swimming spots. Near Gillies Bay, you can visit Shelter Point Park, the Ballpark, and the Library/Seniors Centre, while Van Anda features Erickson Beach, Smithson Field, Van Anda Cove, Marble Bluff Park, and Emily Lake Park. Other notable areas include Shingle Beach, Bob’s Lake, and several provincial parks like South Texada Island and Jedediah Island. For swimming, Gillies Bay and Shelter Point Park offer warm waters and sandy beaches at low tide, while Bob’s Lake provides a freshwater option, and the Van Anda Government Wharf remains a popular local spot.
Wildlife Viewing
Deer, birds, marine mammals and many other forms of wildlife abound. There are no resident predators such as cougars and bears on the island, making it a very safe place for wilderness hiking.
As many as 265 species of birds including herons, eagles, loons, osprey, harlequins, cormorants and scoters, can be spotted here. Humpback whales are very common in the summer, and they sometimes stay for the winter months as well. Northern transient killer whales, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises are also often seen.
On your walk to Emily Lake watch for the endangered Western Painted Turtle and the famous Stickleback Pairs species.
Pickleball, Tennis and Golf
There are tennis courts in Gillies Bay. Texada Pickleball Club meets at the Texada Elementary School gym on Tuesday and Thursday 6-7:30 pm, and Saturday 10 am-noon, during the months of Sept-June . In June and July, they meet at the Gillies Bay tennis courts. Drop-ins are welcome. Contact Vanvisa Prakobkit at vanvisap@yahoo.ca for more information.
Texada Golf Course is a 9-hole course maintained by volunteers. Open April 1st to Sept 30th (7 days a week, 9am to 6pm). Cost is $10, and some clubs are available if you don’t have your own.
Rock Hounding
In the late-1800s/early 1900s, iron, gold and copper mines flourished in the Van Anda area. There is lots of evidence of this found in the landscape, with small deactivated mines, tailings piles, and relic equipment still found in the bush. If you’re a rockhound, you’ll love the possibility of finding a gem located in some of the old debris. Today Texada has several large limestone quarries.
Road & Mountain Biking
Texada Island offers a unique, rugged mountain biking experience, distinct from the mainland Sunshine Coast, featuring the 1km “Time Warp” steep downhill trail and the challenging 89-mile “Texada Ridge Runner” gravel bikepacking route.
Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding
Texada offers world-class diving opportunities. While year round diving can be enjoyed, many divers prefer the winter as the clarity is so much better. Recommended dive sites include Anderson Bay and Upwood Point. Further away is the boat dive called Rebecca Rocks. This full-of-life reef is for all divers and snorkelers. Experienced kayakers can launch at Shingle Beach and cross to Jedidiah Island. Shelter Point Park is a popular spot for standup paddleboarding. Call or text George Franklin (236-777-2072) to rent a paddleboard.