On one of those perfect, calm-weather days, we launched our boat from French Creek and decided it was finally time to explore Jedediah Island. The Strait was gentle, the sky was clear, and the whole crossing had that easy, relaxed feeling that makes you want to stay out on the water all day.
By the time we eased into Codfish Bay and dropped anchor, I was already buzzing with excitement. We hopped into our little dinghy two-by-two and paddled toward shore, soaking in that quiet, tucked-away vibe the island gives off right away.
I was really hoping to spot the island’s famous feral sheep and goats, as they’re sort of the unofficial welcoming committee, but no luck. There was plenty of evidence they’d been around recently, though, which made the search half the fun.
Even without a sheep sighting, Jedediah has that instant “this is going to be a good day” feeling. The kind of place where you step ashore, take one look around, and instantly slow down.
If Jedediah Island has been on your radar too, here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you finally make it there.
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Getting to Know Jedediah Island Marine Park
The island sits right between Lasqueti and Texada, and because the only way to get there is by boat, it still has this untouched, almost secret quality. That’s honestly part of what drew us in. After anchoring in Codfish Bay, we were able to wander the island at our own pace, without crowds or noise, just the sound of our feet on the trail and the wind moving through the trees.
What surprised me most is how big Jedediah feels once you start exploring. There are pockets of old-growth forest, open grassy fields that seem made for grazing (hence the legendary sheep and goats), and stretches of coastline where you can sit on a driftwood log and feel miles away from everything.
It’s a beautiful mix of rugged and peaceful, and the perfect spot to spend a day wandering or to settle in for a night or two if you’re camping.
A Bit of History
Jedediah Island has a deeper story than you’d expect from such a small, quiet patch of land. Long before homesteaders arrived, the island was part of the traditional territory used by local First Nations, who harvested seafood and lived seasonally along these shores. The island has four registered archaeological sites, including an Aboriginal fish weir.
Much later, in the late 1800s, the Foote family settled here, clearing meadows and planting orchards that still produce the occasional wild apple. The best-known chapter came in 1949, when Mary Mattice and her first husband bought the island; after he passed, she married Al Palmer, and together they lived here full-time for close to two decades.
When age and practicality finally made island life impossible, the Palmers decided they wanted Jedediah protected rather than sold off. With community fundraising and major support from the Dan Culver Estate, the province purchased the land, and in 1995, Jedediah Island Marine Park was officially created.
One of the most charming remnants of its homesteading era is the feral livestock. The sheep and goats you sometimes see (or at least see evidence of!) are descendants of animals left behind by past settlers.
Despite earlier management plans to remove them, both herds continue to roam freely and are now considered part of the island’s character. Spotting them isn’t guaranteed, but many people report seeing them perched on rocky cliffs, grazing in meadows, or leaving clues behind in the form of droppings and stray tufts of wool.
Exploring the Trails
Once we tied up the dinghy, the first thing we did was head for the network of trails that crisscross the island. They’re not overly long or difficult, but they take you through such a variety of landscapes that it feels like you’re covering way more ground than you actually are.
You’ll walk through patches of mature Douglas fir, open meadows and stretches that sidle along the shoreline with picture-perfect views of neighbouring islands.
As you wander, keep your eyes peeled. Even if you don’t spot the feral livestock right away, you’ll definitely see signs of them. We noticed half-eaten apples, well-used game trails, and plenty of “souvenirs” left behind.
There's a 7.6km loop of the island that is possible. Please remember, though, that there is no cell service, so downloading the map ahead of time is required.
The Homestead
The homestead area is another fun stop. It adds this unexpected bit of human history to the otherwise wild landscape.
Old fruit trees still dot the meadow, and the remnants of the Palmers’ time on the island give it a storybook quality. It’s one of those places where you can easily imagine what life might have looked like decades ago.
One of the first things you’ll notice as you wander is the old buildings still standing from the island’s homesteading days. You can’t go inside, but you can peek through the windows — and it’s worth doing. Inside the main homestead, you’ll spot an old stove and a farmhouse sink, plus a few other relics frozen in time, all slowly giving way to the island’s wilderness.
It adds an unexpected layer of history to your visit, as if you’re walking through someone’s long-abandoned story.
Anchorages Around Jedediah Island
Jedediah Island has a handful of beautiful anchorages worth knowing about, each with its own personality and level of protection.
Deep Bay
Deep Bay sits at the north end of the island and is often considered the most reliable, all-weather anchorage. It’s well protected thanks to Paul Island, which acts as a natural buffer against wind and swell. Because it’s such a safe and sheltered spot, it can fill up quickly during the summer. You’ll also find stern-tie chains along the shoreline here, so come prepared with a good stern line if you plan to stay the night.
Codfish Bay
Over on the eastern shore, Codfish Bay is a quieter alternative. It doesn’t see as much traffic as Deep Bay, making it a nice choice if you’re craving a bit more solitude. Just keep in mind that it can be exposed to certain wind directions, especially from the southeast, so always check the forecast before settling in.
Long Bay
This bay is roomy and calm with an easy landing area for dinghies and kayaks. Parts of the bay can get shallow, so deeper-draft boats will want to pay attention to the depth sounder. But for day visits or overnight stays in settled weather, Long Bay is hard to beat, especially with trail access right at your fingertips.
White Rock Bay
White Rock Bay, located along the western side of the island, can work in the right conditions. It’s a lovely spot, but it’s more exposed to west and northwest winds, so it’s not always the most comfortable choice overnight. In calm weather, though, it’s a scenic place to stop.
Home Bay
Home Bay is stunning but very shallow in places, which makes it more suitable for kayaks, dinghies, or smaller vessels. Larger boats may find it tricky, especially at lower tides. It’s worth poking into by dinghy, even if you don’t anchor there, as the shoreline is beautiful.
A Few Anchoring Tips
- Arrive early if you're hoping for a spot in Deep Bay, especially in summer.
- Bring a stern line, as some bays have designated stern-tie points.
- Watch your depth, particularly in Long Bay and Home Bay.
- Check the wind forecast — some bays are wonderfully calm until the wind shifts. (We use Windy).
- Choose your anchorage based on your plans: Deep Bay for overnight protection, Long Bay for exploring on foot, Codfish for quiet, and White Rock for fair-weather beauty.
Camping on Jedediah Island
If you’re thinking about spending the night, Jedediah Island is one of those places where you really feel like you’ve slipped away from the world. Camping is allowed here, but it’s as bare-bones as it gets.
There are no developed campsites, no services, and the only facilities you’ll find are a few pit toilets tucked back from the beach. Everything else — from packing in your water to choosing a durable tent spot — is entirely on you.
The park is open year-round, and you can camp in any season as long as you’re prepared for the conditions. From May 15 to September 15, BC Parks collects backcountry fees. You can purchase a backcountry permit online before you go.
It doesn’t reserve a site because there really aren’t any formal sites to reserve, but it does mean you can get everything sorted from home
This is definitely a Leave No Trace camping destination. The island feels wild and untouched, and it’s up to each visitor to keep it that way. Pack out absolutely everything, camp on durable surfaces, and be mindful of the wildlife that calls Jedediah home.
With a bit of planning and a lot of respect, spending a night here can feel like your own private slice of the Gulf Islands.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
If you’re thinking of making the trip yourself, here are a few helpful bits we figured out along the way:
- Bring water. There’s no potable water on the island.
- Watch the weather. The Strait can kick up quickly, so pick a good day for crossing.
- Trails are informal. They aren’t heavily marked, but you really can’t get too lost.
- Expect solitude. Especially outside of peak summer, you might have long stretches of the island to yourself.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas.
Jedediah is truly one of those rare places where the journey and the destination are equally memorable.
There’s also something pretty special about returning to your boat after a day of adventuring. We sat in the cockpit that summer evening, eating our dinner, and it hit me how lucky we were to experience this place from the water.
Why You Should Go
Jedediah Island is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you’ve pulled up the anchor. There’s something magical about arriving on an island that’s only accessible by boat.
Whether you’re hoping to wander the meadows, hunt for signs of the island’s famous feral sheep, or simply soak in the stillness from your vessel, Jedediah offers the kind of escape that feels both grounding and unforgettable.
What I love most is how unpolished it is. There are no services, no crowds, and no noise. It's just you, your boat, and as much wilderness as you’re willing to explore. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a side of the Gulf Islands that hasn’t changed much over time.
If you’re craving a peaceful adventure that feels a little off the beaten path, Jedediah Island is absolutely worth the trip.
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