Saturna Island
Size: 31 square kilometres Population: 290 (approx.) Ferry Landing: Lyall Harbour at Saturna Point
Sail away to the distant quiet shores where the thunder of birds' wings still startles the wild-eyed doe. Pristine Saturna, home to raccoons, raptors, deer, shore and meadow birds, remains a rural hideaway for about 290 permanent residents.
Historic plaques can be found at the tip of East Point to mark the island's discovery by the Spanish schooner Saturna in 1791, and at the cemetery, the site of the island's first school. Settlement is scattered over the island but most services are located within a few kilometres of the ferry. The Community Hall is the venue of cultural, club, and public events. St. Christopher's Anglican Church welcomes everyone to bi-weekly services.
Lodging is available at several bed and breakfast or lodge operations but accommodation is limited and reservations are recommended.
Meals are served year-round at the pub located next to the ferry dock. Baked goods and take-out pizza and pastas are made at the local bakery. In season formal and family meals are served by local establishments. Two general stores carry almost everything a visitor might need and two galleries showcase island-crafter art, gifts, and collectibles.
Hiking and cycling are excellent ways to enjoy the wildlife and scenery. There are only a few public trails but most of the road remain tranquil byways. Roadside travellers are likely to meet deep and perhaps quail. Almost every road is winding and quite steep. Some may find this challenging. Caution is advised because the hills and curves create blind spots for drivers. For the very fit, a trip to the peak of Mount Warburton Pike provides a breathtaking panorama overlooking the Gulf and San Juan islands as far as Vancouver Island to the south.
Each year on Canada Day, July 1, the community holds a Lamb Barbecue, a tradition begun in 1950. Now located at Winter Cove Park the barbecue draws boaters from all over the Pacific Northwest. On each of the long weekends in may and November the fire department holds a pig barbecue at the Community Hall.
