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Saturna
Island
Saturna Island is located in the Southern Gulf Islands south of
Mayne Island and south-east of Pender
Island.
'Mediterranean'
Climate
Saturna Island is one of the most southern Gulf Islands in British
Columbia before the border with Washington State and the San Juan
Islands. The island, because of its location in the Strait of Georgia,
sits in a rain shadow before the Lower Mainland from Vancouver Island
and experiences hot, dry weather, sometimes described as a 'Mediterranean'
climate.
BC
Ferries
To get here you either have to arrive by BC Ferries scheduled sailing,
a float plane or pleasure craft. BC Ferries has a daily schedule
that leaves from Tsawwassen Terminal south of Richmond
and through the other Southern Gulf Islands via Swartz Bay Terminal
on Vancouver Island into Lyall Harbour on Saturna Island.
Lyall
Harbour
Once off the ferry at Lyall Harbour, you are within walking distance
to most of the conveniences and services found on Saturna Island.
Saturna
Point Lighthouse Pub
Right
next to the ferry terminal and public wharf in Lyall Harbour is
the Saturna Point Store where you can find fuel and the local pub
called Saturna Point Lighthouse Pub.
Saturna
General Store
There is also the general store on Saturna Island if you need any
items when visiting. The Saturna General Store has a wide variety
including fresh-baked goods from Moulin Vert Bakery, coffee, a liquor
outlet, a unique selection of ethnic foods plus a fresh produce
section and some hardware. The store, open daily, is located at
101 Narvaez Bay Road. Telephone:-(250) 539-2936.
Gulf
Islands National Park Reserve
Saturna Island has spectacular outdoor areas as close to two-thirds
of Saturna Island is protected in the Gulf Islands National Park
Reserve with many of the areas accessible to the general public
by use of walking trails.
East
Point
For experiencing the ocean waterfront, try going to the very south-east
tip of Saturna Island. Here you can find a favourite called East
Point with swimming at Shell Beach, wildlife viewing and a great
view of Tumbo Island.
Walking
Trails
Saturna Island also has great hikes throughout the island - some
starting right from behind the Saturna General Store in Lyall Harbour.
One with a view is the trail up Mount Warburton Pike and Brown Ridge.
The other goes to Saturna Beach and the local winery.
Narvaez
Bay
Other
trails include starting at the end of Narvaez Bay Road and walking
into Narvaez Bay for a beautiful southerly view. If you would like
to camp out there are 7 wilderness walk-in campsites available at
Narvaez Bay 1.7 km (1 mile) from the trailhead.
Saturna
Island Vineyards
With the warm dry climate that Saturna Island experiences, a winery
has been established at Saturna Island Vineyards. Part of the Southern
Gulf Island Wine Tour, the Saturna Island Vineyards features a lovely
Pinot Noir wine.
Saturna
Island Lamb Barbeque
A good time to visit is during the annual Saturna Island Lamb Barbeque
which takes place on Canada Day, July 1st, since 1950. For pit-style
barbeque fanatics and people who enjoy lamb, this festival at Winter
Cove Park will leave your mouth watering for a second helping.
Bring
your Bike
When you do visit Saturna Island, try taking your bike aboard BC
Ferries instead of a vehicle. You can park your vehicle at Swartz
Bay or Tsawwassen Ferry Terminals and the island's rural roads are
perfect for a very quiet and peaceful ride and the island can easily
be cycled in a day.
Water
Taxis to Saturna Island
Besides BC Ferries Saturna Island is also accessible by water taxi
leaving from Saltspring Island,
Mayne Island and Pender Island. For more information on pick-up
points and regular schedules times check:
- Viable
Marine (Saturna): (250) 539-3200
- Gulf
Islands Water Taxi (Saltspring): (250) 537-2510
- Inter
Island Launch Water Taxi (Sidney): (250) 656-8788
Information
on Saturna Island
Accommodation
Artists
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