Saturna Island

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Saturna Island is a mountainous island, about 31 square kilometers in size, in the southern Gulf Islands chain of British Columbia. It is situated approximately midway between the Lower Mainland of B.C. and Vancouver Island, and is the most easterly of the Gulf Islands. It is surrounded on three sides by the Canada/USA border. To the north is Point Roberts, Washington State, and to the east and south are the San Juan Islands. Saturna has a permanent population of around 350, although that number increases significantly during the busy summer season. Approximately half of the island is in the new Gulf Islands National Park Reserve that was formed in 2003 from 2 provincial parks, an Ecological Reserve, and other Crown land.

[edit] 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. The name Saturna comes from the ship Saturnina captained by José Narvaez, the 18th century Spanish explorer. The first European settlers came in the 1800's, but the island was slower to develop than the neighbouring Gulf Islands due to its relative isolation and rugged topography.

[edit] Tourism Information

When looking for a place to stay on the island, there are many different options. The island has five B&Bs, from Lyall Harbour Bed and Breakfast, closest to the ferry terminal at Lyall Harbour, to Sandy Bay Bed and Breakfast, with a picturesque view of nearby Tumbo and Cabbage Islands. There are also other accomodations to choose from, including East Point Ocean Cottagesand the Saturna Lodge.

During your stay on Saturna, there are many things to do. Six different artists' galleries are featured on the island, and during the first week of August there is the Saturna Artists' Studio Tour. Other annual events range from January's Robbie Burns Night Dinner to the Canada Day Lamb Barbecue, to September's Vineyard Harvest Festival. Saturna always has something for you to do during your stay.

The Saturna Island Winery is another essential place to visit. Not only can you buy Saturna wines, but there is also a bistro and a gift shop. Other Saturna restaurants are the Saturna Pub, the Restaurant at the Saturna Lodge, and the Saturna Café.

Many beaches also grace Saturna Island. Near the Winery, sandy Thomson Park provides a perfect place to swim and relax. Russell Reef, off East Point Road, showcases a natural swimming hole. And at East Point Regional Park, the shoreline ranges from flat and shelly to sloping and rocky. However, Saturna's natural beauty does not lie strictly in its beaches. Why not drive up to Mount Warburton Pike, Saturna's highest point, where the Gulf Islands lie spread out in front of you? Or hike the nearby Brown Ridge Trail, which offers more views of the Gulf Islands. Another short hike leads you to picturesque Narvaez Bay, where there is a perfect view of the San Juan Islands.

You can even access your email at the Saturna Internet Cafe.