Solitude, peace, scenic beauty and do-it-yourself indoor and outdoor activities are top of the agenda on Saturna Island. Smart visitors arrive here with laptops in sleep mode and cell phones holstered. Some bring kayaks, other bikes, and nearly everyone packs good hiking shoes. The mission is a simple one: Rest, relax, recharge.
Or climb aboard the covered zodiac operated by Discovery Seatours as it embarks on wildlife viewing trips in search of sea lions, otters, seabirds and Orcas (killer whales). Winter Cove is a good place to spot sea otters, and the waters around East Point Park have been known to attract sea lions and Orcas.
Pleasure boaters tie up in Lyall Harbour (the one spot on the island for provisions, pub grub and fuel). It's the site of the ferry dock and government wharf. Other moorage is in popular Winter Cove and the quieter waters of Narvaez Bay (on the island's remote western coast). Swimmers head for Russell Reef, Veruna Bay, and the small patch of sand at East Point's Shell Beach.
Land Activities
Artist studio tours and reading a good novel from the comfort of a B&B accommodation are two of Saturna's simple pleasures. Boot Cove Books is the island's bookstore. Local writers of note include Bill Schermbrucker (author of the award-winning novel Mimosa), Hank Schachte and retired Canadian Senator for BC, the Hon. Pat Carney. Visionary science-fiction writer William Gibson has a home here, as does the renowned singer-songwriter Ferron (whose CDs can be purchased at the Saturna General Store).
A half-dozen hiking routes ranging from short to marathon can be found within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Visit the seasonal waterfall at Lyall Creek or follow the 100 or so feral goats that roam along narrow footpaths cut into Brown Ridge, arguably the region's most scenic viewpoint. Other parks are perfect for shoreline picnics (Winter Cove) and land-based whale watching (East Point). And watch for some of the island’s smaller inhabitants – the deer mouse is so prolific here that Saturna officially has its own breed of mouse known as “saturatus.”
Cyclists earn bonus points on this green-minded island by leaving their cars at home. A moderately difficult 30km/18mi return route along East Point Road to its end at the island's northeast corner is highlighted by continuous unbroken views of the Strait of Georgia. Only super fit mountain bikers should attempt the vertical 4km/2.5mi climb up unpaved Staples Road to Mount Warburton Pike. Note: Please stick to the roads. Mountain biking is not permitted within the national park reserve.
Bird watchers are rewarded with frequent sightings of water birds, such as oystercatchers, cormorants, blue herons and belted kingfishers. High above Mount Warburton Pike, eagles and other birds of prey take advantage of the updraft, and hummingbirds frequent the island’s many feeders.
Festivals & Events
The busiest day on Saturna's calendar is July 1, Canada's official birthday. It's marked by an annual fundraising barbeque at Winter Cove that draws 1,400 people – many of them off-islanders who moor offshore or arrive here via water taxi to feast on thick slabs of roasted lamb.
Also popular is the summer Saturday market, an early August artist studio tour and a twice-annual pig roast organized by the local volunteer firefighters. The Saturna Arts and Concert Society presents live music at the Community Hall and books dates early enough that visitors can plan their trips to coincide with performances.
Saturna Island Family Estate Winery
Saturna Island Family Estate Winery, one of the west coast's largest vineyards (24ha/60ac) sits pretty on the remote edge of Plumper Sound in a warm, protected parcel of land below Brown Ridge's sandstone cliffs. A First World War-era barn has been transformed into an airy, wood-beamed tasting room where bistro lunches and dinners are served. Visiting boaters tie up at the winery's private dock in Breezy Bay, a 10-minute walk away. Motorists bump along unpaved Harris Road before descending a near-vertical driveway. Open from May to October. A harvest celebration featuring the latest vintages, live music and family games is held annually in mid-September.
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