Population 326 - Saturna Island's moderate climate and quality accommodations make this an ideal year-round destination for a special occasion or retreat. A rural hideaway with abundant wildlife and great natural beauty. Saturna features scenic walks, spectacular views and easy access to beaches. Rent a kayak and tour the coastline, play a game of tennis, or shop for local arts and crafts at local galleries. Amenities include two general stores, a garden shop with plants and yard art, a pub overlooking the ocean, a bakery, a cafe and a fine-dining restaurant. Saturna Vineyard offers tours and tasting at the wineshop.
Saturna is the second largest and the least populated of the Gulf Islands with a current population of just over 300. It is also one of the most beautiful of the Gulf Islands. The sculptured shoreline at East Point, the spectacular view from Mount Warburton Pike or the scenic views at Winter Cove Marine Park, Saturna is a treasure amidst the Gulf Islands. The name Saturna comes from the Spanish sailing ship Saturnina, which was under the command of Jose Maria Narvaez during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest coastline in 1791. Pioneer settlement began in the late 1800's, and the first and largest land owner was Warburton Pike and several of the Payne brothers. When a quarry population closed in the mid-60's, the Island has been primarily residential. Saturna provides a smorgasbord of the outdoors with a modest selection of excellent accommodations. It is the lack of commercialism that gives Saturna its unique charm. Winter Cove Marine Park is a must see. The hiking trail takes you to a view point over looking Boat Passage. When the tidal currents are running the water screams through the narrow passage. You can view marine life from the rocks. The views from Mount Warburton Pike are second to none. You can see all the way to Victoria with spectacular views of both the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Finally, East Point Light Station has spectacular scenery and is at the entrance to Haro Straight. Large ships pass close to shore and whales often frequent the area. Deer and wild turkeys are common sights and when on Mount Warburton Pike, watch for the feral goats that wander the woods. They are descendants from domestic goats that went wild almost 100 years ago. You can drive to the summit (around 500 meters) or hike up through the forest ecological reserve. At the peak is the CH TV rebroadcast station.Saturna is famous for its Canada Day Lamb Barbecue which has been an annual for over 50 years. Now held in Winter Cove Marine Park, the barbecue still has a small country fair atmosphere. The volunteer fire department runs two pig barbecues annually. On the long weekends in May and November the Community Hall is the site of a spit-roasted whole pig dinner and dance. The roast appears ritualistic with split pigs on stakes surrounding hot coals.Visit Narvaez Bay Protected Area which will soon be part of the new Gulf Islands National Park.Relax in the sun or take a peaceful stroll along the beautiful sandy beach at Thompson Park.Every July 1, Saturna Island hosts a Lamb Barbeque and on the long weekends in May and November, the fire department volunteers host pig barbeques. Most of the cultural activities take place in the Community Hall which is very close to the Ferry terminal. From June to August there is a market and cafe every Saturday at the Community Hall. Home produce and crafts are for sale. Near the Community Hall you will find Shades of Saturna Art Gallery.Saturna just has to be experienced or your visit to the Islands will be incomplete.
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