Saturna Island

Most remote of the populated Southern Gulf Islands [1], Saturna protrudes into the heart of Georgia Strait and features a long, rugged northern coastline and more than half its land area within Gulf Islands National Park. It offers a range of accommodations, but other services are limited (no banks or ATMs) and ferries only stop by a couple of times a day.

From the ferry dock at Lyall Harbour, the island’s main road loops east then south along the coastline for 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), ending at East Point Regional Park. Here you can go swimming or simply admire the sweeping views across the border to the San Juans. Before the park, Winter Cove is another picturesque diversion.

Practicalities

Most accommodations on Saturna Island are in private-home bed-and-breakfasts. A short walk from where the ferry docks is Lyall Harbour B&B (121 E. Point Rd., 250/539-5577 or 877/473-9343, www.lyallharbour.com [2], $110 s, $140 d). Each of the three guest rooms is spacious and features modern furnishings, a fireplace, and a deck with ocean views. Breakfast is served in a sun-drenched solarium.

Overlooking Boot Cove and also within walking distance of the dock, Saturna Lodge (130 Payne Rd., 250/539-2254 or 866/539-2254, www.saturna.ca [3], May–Oct., $119–169 s or d includes breakfast) is a modern accommodation offering six guest rooms, a hot tub, a lounge with fireplace, and extensive gardens. Within the lodge, a small restaurant has a big reputation for seafood and local game and produce.

The owners are involved in various projects around the island, including Saturna Island Vineyards (8 Quarry Rd., 250/539-5139, daily 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. May–Oct.).

Getting to Saturna Island

From Swartz Bay, BC Ferries (250/386-3431) schedules four sailings daily to Mayne Island [4] (adult $9.45, child $4.75, vehicle $28).