Saturna Island

Saturna Island is in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. It is between Vancouver Island and the mainland, and is the most easterly of the Gulf Islands. Saturna Island is mountainous and approximately 31 km² in size. Approximately 44% of the island is a part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR). Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was formed in 2003 from existing provincial parks, an Ecological Reserve, and other Crown land.

Understand

Saturna Island Tourism Association. Publishes a map of the island, with listings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Usually freely available from leaflet racks on BC Ferries. Their website has similar information. (updated Aug 2022)

Like many of the Gulf Islands, Saturna is short on fresh water, so water conservation is expected.

History

The island was first used by Indigenous people who called the island "Long Nose", due to the island's long north-eastern tapering shoreline that ends at East Point.

Saturna was explored by Spanish sailors and named in 1791 after their naval schooner, the Santa Saturnina, one of the ships in the Spanish expedition that explored the Strait of Georgia. The first European settlers arrived in the 1800s.

Landscape

The highest peak on Saturna Island is 48.77445-123.171661 Mount Warburton Pike at 497 metres. Mt. Warburton Pike (GINPR) is accessible by vehicle, and features panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and the Southern Gulf Islands.

Flora and fauna

Marine wildlife on the shores of Saturna includes seals, sea lions, river otters and tidal marine life. It is also common to see porpoises and the endangered orca whale in the waters off East Point (GINPR).
Saturna Island is the perfect place for bird watching: over 180 species -- including ruby-throated hummingbirds, oyster catchers, bald eagles and great blue herons -- can be seen on Saturna Island.
At Mt. Warburton (GINPR), endangered Garry oak trees cling tenaciously to the shallow soil, while a large population of feral goats roams the island's south-facing cliffs.

Climate

In this area, daily temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) on an average of one or two days per year and fall below -5°C (23°F) on an average of only 2 nights per year. During the winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C (47°F) and 3.6°C (38°F), respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6°C (67°F) and low of 11.3°C (52°F).

This may seem like mild weather, but boaters and kayakers can feel very chilled especially if soaked by rain or waves. Hypothermia is a very real possibility.

Nearly two-thirds of the area's rainfall occurs between November and February, with July being the driest month on average. August and September frequently experience morning fogs.

Get in

By boat

By ferry

BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Car ferries connecting the larger of the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring, and Saturna) with Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta and Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal near Sidney. Free reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the summer and can be made online or by phone. (updated Jun 2022) BC Ferries provides connections from Pender Island, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, and sometimes to Victoria (Swartz Bay).

48.79803-123.201371 Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour) ferry terminal, 100 East Point Rd. Service varies with the season and the day of the week. (updated Oct 2023). Trips to Vancouver or Salt Spring Island involve transferring between ferries.

By small craft

48.798-123.200832 Government wharf (adjacent to the east of the BC Ferries terminal). (updated May 2023)
48.80959-123.19023 Winter Cove. There is a small dock at Winter Cove Marine Park and an anchorage just west of there. (updated May 2023)

By plane

Seair Seaplanes, ☏ +1-604-273-8900, toll-free: +1-800-447-3247. Operates seaplane flights to coastal communities in southwestern British Columbia. (updated Apr 2022) Flights to Saturna Island from Vancouver International Airport.

Get around

48°47′5″N 123°8′34″W

Map of Saturna Island

Kayak launching is best done at Thomson Park (see marker under Do) or at Winter Cove (see listing under See). Boat launches are located at Winter Cove.

See

48.80944-123.18831 Winter Cove. Part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.Has an easy 1.5-km loop trail (25 minutes) takes you to the turbulent waters of Boat Pass, with views of the Strait of Georgia. After your walk, spread out your lunch on one of the many picnic tables, explore the pebble beach, or play a game of frisbee. (updated Apr 2023)
48.7836-123.045462 East Point. Part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and sea lions on Boiling Reef, and for porpoises and orca whales feeding in the nutrient-rich current of Boundary Pass. East Point also has a beach and a lighthouse. (updated Apr 2023)
48.78447-123.044863 Foghorn Alarm Building (FAB) (within East Point). At this building, learn about Saturna Island's history, offered by Saturna Heritage Committee volunteers during the summer months. Also offers a special sunset Interpretive Program, led by one of the National Park Reserve's knowledgable interpreters. (updated Apr 2023)

Do

48.80947-123.189021 Canada Day Lamb Barbecue. Saturna’s highlight event is the annual July 1st fundraising barbecue. It began as a school picnic in 1950, and later moved to Winter Cove (part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve). It serves an estimated 1,300 meals each year. The ticketed meal features local lamb barbecued over an open fire, cole slaw, Spanish rice, buns and coffee or tea and cookies. Many of the attendees are boaters who anchor in Winter Cove in the days leading up to the event. A shuttle service runs between the Lyall Harbour ferry terminal and the Lamb BBQ grounds on the day of the barbecue. Free admission, the meal cost $25/adult, $12/child. (updated Feb 2021)
48.77421-123.171362 Brown Ridge Trail. The 497-metre (1,630-foot) summit of Mount Warburton Pike is the trailhead for this hike. (updated Apr 2023)
48.79308-123.168623 Lyall Creek. Take a self-guided walk through 2 km (1 way, 40 minutes) of lush temperate rainforest, or catch a Parks Canada Interpretive Program to learn more about efforts to restore one of the last salmon-bearing creeks in the Southern Gulf Islands. (updated Apr 2023)
48.77257-123.102114 Monarch Head Trail. From the Narvaez Bay parking lot, take the trail up to the Monarch Head viewpoint. This strenuous 2.5-km loop trail (1.5 hours) follows old logging roads, and features spectacular views of Boundary Pass. (updated Apr 2023)
Swimming areas include beaches at 48.80857-123.201365 Veruna Bay, 48.77681-123.200446 Thomson Park and East Point (see listing under See).
48.77937-123.2557 Saturna Island Vineyards, 6621 Harbour Hill Drive, ☏ +1 250-629-6960. Wine-tasting. Tours available by reservation. Meet their lawn-mowing sheep. (updated May 2020).

Buy

There is a thriving arts culture on Saturna Island, with a yearly gallery tour and several galleries that are open daily in the summer months.

48.79314-123.181 Saturna General Store, 101 Narvaez Bay Rd, ☏ +1 250-539-2936. 9AM-6PM. (updated May 2018)
Saturday Market, 101 Narvaez Bay (in Saturna General Store's parking lot). Is held during the summer months. This is an opportunity to purchase local crafts, baked goods, preserves and produce, as well as to take in a musical performance or to listen to a Parks Canada Interpretive Program. (updated May 2023)

There are no banks on Saturna Island. Most retailers accept major credit cards and debit cards, but please check with your accommodation when making your reservation. ATMs are available at Saturna Lighthouse Pub (see listing under Eat and drink).

Eat and drink

48.79772-123.201451 Lighthouse Pub, 100 East Point Road (adjacent to the west of the BC Ferries terminal), ☏ +1 250-539-5725. Burgers $15-21, sandwiches $12-17, salads, mains $18-23. (updated May 2018)
48.79313-123.180152 Saturna Cafe, 101 Narvaez Bay, ☏ +1 250-539-2936. M Tu Th 9AM-4PM, W F Sa Su 9AM-4PM, F Sa 6PM-8PM. (updated May 2018)

Sleep

Lodging

48.78351-123.048011 6 Lily Lane at East Point, 723 Tumbo Channel Road, ☏ +1 250-718-7407, eastpointcottage@gmail.com. A heritage cottage on a private, one-acre point, at the water's edge. There are tidal pools to the left and sandy pebbly beaches to the right. There are European duvets on all the beds, a fully stocked kitchen and propane barbecue for the gourmet cook in the group, and a wood burning fireplace in the living room. (updated May 2018)
48.78618-123.199632 Breezy Bay Farm BnB and Cliff Top Camping, 131 Payne Rd, ☏ +1-587-580-6463, breezybaybb@islandnet.com. On over 50 acres of heritage farm land. The B&B is the oldest house on the island, built in 1892. The house is nestled in old growth orchards and surrounded by gardens. Private beach and hiking trails. B&B: Mar-May Oct-Nov $105, Jun-Sep $120 ($10 less for 2nd and subsequent nights). Camping site for 2 adults, +$20 per additional adult. (updated May 2018)
48.78354-123.04813 Cottages 3 & 4 at East Point, 753 Tumbo Channel Road, ☏ +1 604-689-1280, kathryn@fretwell.ca. Post & beam 1 & 2 bedroom cottages steps away from a private beach. Beside East Point Park, known for the best Orca watching in the Gulf Islands. Fully equipped kitchens. Cabin 3 has 1 bedroom, 1 bath and Cabin 4 has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. (updated May 2018)
48.78348-123.048234 East Point Ocean Cottages 1 and 2, 753 Tumbo Channel Road, ☏ +1 604-929-9829, debramilcak@yahoo.ca. Fully equipped cottages on a sunny beach. Peaceful surroundings with view of Mount Baker and great whale watching. Pet-friendly. (updated May 2018)

48.794-123.113515 Four Winds Bed & Breakfast, 443 East Point Road, ☏ +1 250-539-5463, info@fourwindsb-b.com. Ocean-side accommodation overlooking the North Shore and Cascade Mountains. Suites are equipped with TV/DVDs, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, queen beds, hide-a-beds, and BBQs. From $135. (updated May 2018)
48.79291-123.114686 Sandy Bay Bed & Breakfast, 449 East Point Road, ☏ +1 250-539-2641, reservations@sandybaysaturna.com. Two waterfront rooms overlooking a quiet sandy beach. Ensuite bathrooms, separate entrances, private dining and sitting area. Room #2 has an adjoining room for families or larger groups. Late May-early Sep $125, rest of the year $110. (updated May 2018)
48.78685-123.199167 Saturna Lodge Ltd. & Mill House Restaurant, 130 Payne Road, ☏ +1 250-539-2254, innkeeper@saturna.ca. Overlooking Boot Cove, 6 rooms, each with a private bath. Three rooms have a water-view, balcony or patio. There is one 2-bedroom suite and a large common area. Local artists' works adorn the lodge and are available for purchase. Included gourmet breakfast at the Mill House Restaurant. Beautiful gardens, hot tub, pet-friendly. Jun 1-Sep 15: $159-199; Sep 16-May 31: $149-179. (updated May 2018)

Backcountry camping

48.774203-123.0987368 Narvaez Bay Campground (at the eastern end of Narvaez Bay Rd). Part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. A small and tranquil 7-site backcountry campground with picturesque views of the bay and nearby hiking trails. Ideal for cycle camper or kayakers. Parking available off Narvaez Bay Road. Follow a short (1.7 km) trail. Facilities are limited and pets must be on leash at all times. Pit toilets. No potable water. You must pack in and pack out and there are no fires allowed at any time. To access from land: Head east on Narvaez Bay Rd. Park at the gate at the end of Narvaez Bay Road, and walk past the gate and down the road to the bay for 1.7 km. Stay on the main path to avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Book your campsite online or by calling 1-877-RESERVE. $9.80 per person 16 and over. (updated May 2018)

Stay safe

Fires are not permitted on Saturna during the summer months when the fire hazard is extreme. In the spring, fall and winter months, fire permits can be obtained at the Saturna General Store (see listing under Buy).

Go next

This city travel guide to Saturna Island is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.