Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Almost one half of Saturna’s stunning landscape of bays, valleys and high rock bluffs are protected within Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Officially established in 2003, and now entering its fourth year of operation, the park is indeed something special to experience while you’re on-island. The southern Gulf Islands are one of the most ecologically important—and most at risk—natural areas in southern Canada. Many plant species are at their northern limit or are found nowhere else in Canada—like the magnificently gnarled Garry oaks and the red-barked arbutus trees. Tidal pools shimmer with colourful and extraordinary sea creatures, and a myriad of seabirds, orcas, porpoises, seals and sea lions thrive on the bounty of the surrounding ocean.

Exploring the national park reserve is best done at a leisurely pace, and in ways that leave little trace of your passing through. Although there are limited facilities in the park, there are still some great experiences to enjoy. Try a picnic and short hike at Winter Cove. Enjoy a walk down to Narvaez Bay, or hike along Lyall Creek. Drive up to the top of Mount Warburton Pike to take in a panoramic horizon of ocean and islands laid out at your feet as falcons and eagles soar at eye-level. If you’re travelling by boat or kayak, a stop at the stone house ruins at Taylor Point will stir echoes of an old quarry operation that once supplied the sandstone that graces some of Victoria’s earliest grand edifices. Please visit our website or contact the office for further information on interpretive programs offered in the park.

To the north of Saturna lie Tumbo and Cabbage Islands, Pine Islet, and the Belle Chain Islets–also part of the national park reserve. The entire park totals 35 km2 of park land scattered over numerous islands, islets and reefs throughout the southern Gulf Islands, including major portions of North and South Pender Islands. The waters adjacent to park lands are also managed by Parks Canada, bringing another 26 km2 under protection.

While in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on Saturna Island, REMEMBER:

• No camping • Be a no-trace visitor: please take all of your trash off-island with you
•No fires • Pets must be leashed • Stay on designated trails
• View wildlife from a distance • Stay well back from cliff edges and watch your footing on slippery shoreline rocks
• Respect private property

For more information: www.pc.gc.ca/gulfislands
Toll Free 1-866-944-1744