Saturna is our closest neighbour to the south and east, and the quietest of the Southern Gulf Islands. About 465 people live here year round. Roughly half the island is protected as part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, so much of what you see is forest, bluffs and shoreline.
People come for the walking, the views and the calm. You can watch for orcas from the rocks at East Point, drive or hike up Mount Warburton Pike, or picnic at Winter Cove while the tide rushes through Boat Passage. Services are few and spread out, so plan ahead. On Canada Day the whole island turns out for the Saturna Lamb Barbeque, a tradition since 1950.
The Saturna Island Local Trust Area had 465 residents in the 2021 Census, according to the Islands Trust.
Saturna is half park land with lots of trails, very little traffic, a heritage lightstation at East Point, and bays like Narvaez that are popular with paddlers.
The lightstation at the island's eastern tip is one of BC's first designated heritage lighthouses, and the old fog alarm building now houses the Saturna Heritage Centre. It is one of the best places in the islands to watch for whales and seals from shore.
Learn moreA long, winding road climbs to a viewpoint that Parks Canada staff call the best view in the Gulf Islands. You can drive up or hike it.
Learn moreAn easy 1.5 km loop passes wetland, meadow and salt marsh, with views across the Strait of Georgia. Picnic by the water and watch the currents run through Boat Passage.
Learn moreA 1.7 km walk down an old road leads to a calm bay with seven reservable backcountry campsites. A side trail climbs to a viewpoint over Boundary Pass.
Learn moreThis 2 km forest trail follows one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in the Southern Gulf Islands, past a mossy waterfall. It runs between Narvaez Bay Road and East Point Road.
Learn moreEvery July 1 the Saturna Island Community Club hosts its Canada Day lamb barbeque at Winter Cove. It began as a school picnic in 1950 and is the club's main fundraiser.
Learn moreBC Ferries serves Saturna at the Lyall Harbour terminal, on the northwest side of the island at the west end of East Point Road. Sailings connect Lyall Harbour with Swartz Bay (Victoria), Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and the other Southern Gulf Islands: Mayne, Pender, Galiano and Salt Spring.
From Swartz Bay, some sailings are direct and others stop at Pender or Mayne. This route can't be reserved, so travel is first come, first served. From Tsawwassen there are no direct sailings. Trips stop or transfer at Mayne Island (Village Bay) and take two to three hours. Reservations are recommended for Tsawwassen travel.
From Mayne, Saturna is a short hop from Village Bay. The Mayne to Saturna sailings are not bookable, and you pay at the terminal. Some sailings are direct and some stop at Pender first, so check the schedule.
Seair Seaplanes lists scheduled floatplane service to Saturna from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Check their current schedule before planning around it.
See all the islands, the ferry map and the "Which island suits you?" quiz →
Mayne is a short hop from every Southern Gulf Island. Base yourself here and day-trip, or add a night or two on Mayne to your island-hopping plans.
Take a BC Ferries sailing to Lyall Harbour. There is service from Swartz Bay near Victoria, from Tsawwassen near Vancouver, and from the other Southern Gulf Islands. Sailings from Tsawwassen stop or transfer at Mayne Island.
No. Sailings from Tsawwassen stop or transfer at Mayne Island (Village Bay), and the trip takes about two to three hours. Reservations are recommended.
Only travel to and from Tsawwassen can be reserved, and booking is recommended. Sailings to and from Swartz Bay and between the islands are first come, first served.
Yes, East Point is a well known spot for watching whales and seals from land. Southern resident orcas pass through in summer and Bigg's orcas can be seen year round, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve has seven walk-in backcountry campsites at Narvaez Bay, about 1.7 km from the trailhead. Book through the Parks Canada reservation service. There is no drinking water, so bring your own.
It happens every Canada Day, July 1, at Winter Cove in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The Saturna Island Community Club has run it since 1950.
Links go to outside websites. Always check with them for the latest details.
