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THE SATURNA ISLAND TRAVEL & TOURISM GUIDE Saturna
Island is accessible by Ferry from Victoria, British Columbia.
To get to Saturna Island, go to the B.C.
Ferries terminal in Swartz Bay where a ferry will take you
to Lyall Harbour. The trip length varies depending on the time
and route chosen. (The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is approximately
25 minutes north of downtown Victoria and 2 hours
or more from Vancouver.) Saturna has parks, beaches, marinas,
lots of parks and natural areas. Population: Saturna is the second largest and the least populated of the Gulf Islands with a current population of just over 300. It is also one of the most beautiful of the Gulf Islands. The sculptured shoreline at East Point, the spectacular view from Mount Warburton Pike or the scenic views at Winter Cove Marine Park, make Saturna is a treasure amidst the Gulf Islands. The name Saturna comes from the Spanish sailing ship Saturnina, which was under the command of Jose Maria Narvaez during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest coastline in 1791. Pioneer settlement began in the late 1800's, and the first and largest land owner was Warburton Pike and several of the Payne brothers. Since a quarry closed in the mid-60's, the Island has been primarily residential. Saturna provides a modest selection of excellent accommodations. It is the lack of commercialism that gives Saturna its unique charm. Winter
Cove Marine Park is a must-see. The hiking trail takes you
to a view point over looking Boat Passage. When the tidal
currents are running, the water screams through the narrow passage.
You can view marine life from the rocks. The views
from Mount Warburton Pike Saturna is famous for its Canada Day Lamb Barbecue which has been an annual event for over 50 years. Now held in Winter Cove Marine Park, the barbecue still has a small country fair atmosphere. The volunteer fire department runs two pig barbecues annually. On the long weekends in May and November the Community Hall is the site of a spit-roasted whole pig dinner and dance. The roast appears ritualistic with split pigs on a spit over hot coals. Visit Narvaez Bay Protected Area which will soon be part of the new Gulf Islands National Park. Relax in the sun or take a peaceful stroll along the beautiful sandy beach at Thompson Park. Most of the cultural activities take place in the Community Hall which is very close to the Ferry terminal. In July and August there is a market every Saturday at the Community Hall. Home produce and crafts are for sale. There are four studio/galleries and a fall Artist's studio Tour. Saturna
just has to be experienced or your visit to the Islands will be
incomplete. Saturna
Island Businesses || Accommodations || Home || Why
Go Saturna Island Tourism, Box 45, Saturna Island, phone: (250) 539-5577, E-mail
You can also go by air from services in Victoria and Vancouver. A local seaplane company also does island runs. If you are on some of the Gulf Islands, you can reach Salt Spring Island by water taxi. Saturna Island Location.
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