Saturna Island

Saturna Island

Saturna Island is the most southern of the large Gulf Islands. Go much south of Saturna and you are very soon into American waters. A BC Ferries journey to Saturna almost always involves a stop at the ferry transfer island of Mayne (Village Bay), and sometimes also a Pender stop (Otter Bay).

Saturna Island was named after the Spanish naval cruiser Saturnia, alias Horcacitas, in 1791, by Captain Jose Maria Navaez.

Saturna is the least populated of the large Southern Gulf Islands; there are only about 350 people on the 31 sq km island. The island is probably best known for it's sheep farming.

Each year on July 1st, Canada Day, the residents of Saturna Island have a lamb barbeque near the shores of Winter Cove. The event attracts boaters from around the Southern Gulf Islands. The boaters anchor in Winter Cove, filling it full of boats. Many will arrive as many as four days early to get a good anchoring place.

Saturna is also the home of a Gulf Islands vineyard and winery. Private and group tours are available, also has a gift shop. Call Saturna Island Vineyards at 1-250-539-5139 for more information.

The ferry terminal is located in Lyall Harbour. Next to the ferry terminal is a public dock, that is also used by a seaplane service with regular flights to Vancouver. Also there is a General Store, and a Pub that offers good fish & chips.

There are B&Bs and resorts on the island, however it is a good idea to have a reservation ahead of time, before travelling to Saturna.

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Contact Li Read at RE/MAX Salt Spring, 131 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2T2, Toll-Free 1-800-731-7131