Most people who spend time on the island are visitors to one of the camps or the Marine Park, or owners of seasonal cottages.

The island is part of West Howe Sound, Electoral Area F within the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) in British Columbia, Canada.

There are several beaches scattered around the island, and a prominent rocky outcrop called Salmon Rock at the Southwest tip.

[1] The communities on Keats Island are clustered around the two government wharves: Keats Landing on the west coast, facing Gibsons and having a view of Shoal Channel separating the island from the mainland, and the larger community of Eastbourne located on the southeast shore.

In addition, Plumper Cove extends along the west shore of the island from Freeman's Bluff (just north of the government wharf at Keats Landing) to Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park, and Melody Point is on the northwest tip of the island, facing Langdale on the mainland.

Barnabas Family Ministries is a Christian camp and retreat centre operated on 64 hectares on the north side of the island.