The region referred to as Howe Sound is geographically surrounded by Horseshoe Bay and the world famous road to Whistler on its east and the picturesque town of Gibson's Landing, the jumping off spot for the Sunshine Coast, on its west.
The Howe Sound region comprises 4 separate islands. Bowen Island, with a resident population of 3,000 and serviced by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay, is a bedroom community of West Vancouver. Anvil Island rises steeply from the sea on all sides and remains virtually uninhabited. The jewels of Howe Sound remain Gambier and Keats Islands with a resident population hovering around 100.
The pristine beauty of Gambier and Keats Islands is untouched and the population has remained small even though they are less than a 30 minute boat ride from Horseshoe Bay. This is due to the fact that there is no car ferry service to either island. Access is by private boat and scheduled water taxi service from Horseshoe Bay or Langdale.
The greatest feature of Gambier and Keats Islands is the quick, easy and cheap access. The fact one can just visit for a day or get there after work on Friday is so convenient. No ferry line up's, no all day traveling and so inexpensive.
