Venture to the edge.

Saturna Island is the most southerly and least developed of the five main Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada. It sits in the Salish Sea south of Mayne Island and east of Pender, with the Canada-U.S. border running through Boundary Pass just off its southern shore. Nearly half the island lies within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Around 350 people live there year-round.

Yes. Arbutus Point Campground, a private campground at Lyall Harbour near the ferry terminal, offers tent sites within walking distance of the general store and pub. In the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Narvaez Bay has a small number of walk-in tent sites a short distance from the parking area, with pit toilets and no water. Cabbage Island Marine Park is currently closed to camping. There is no RV campground on Saturna. Sites are limited, so book ahead for summer or aim for May, June or September.

Yes. Cars come over on BC Ferries and the main roads are paved, including East Point Road, which runs the length of the island. Side roads are often gravel and there is one gas station, at Saturna General Store in Lyall Harbour, with limited hours. Driving from the ferry terminal to East Point takes about 25 minutes. The island is quiet enough to cycle, though the hills are steep.

BC Ferries sails to Lyall Harbour from Swartz Bay near Victoria, usually with stops at Pender or Mayne, taking one to two hours. Travel from Tsawwassen near Vancouver involves a transfer at Mayne Island’s Village Bay terminal. Reservations aren’t offered on the Swartz Bay route, so arrive early on summer weekends. Seair Seaplanes flies from Vancouver International Airport to Lyall Harbour. Boaters can anchor in Winter Cove or Lyall Harbour, or use the public dock beside the ferry terminal.

Yes, though fewer than on the other islands. Saturna has a small lodge, several bed and breakfasts and a modest number of licensed vacation rentals, most within a few minutes of Lyall Harbour. There are no hotels or resorts. Book early for summer, and expect quieter roads and easy availability from October through April.

Kayak rentals on Saturna are seasonal and limited. Kayaking Skills operates from Lyall Harbour in summer with rentals and guided trips to Winter Cove, Cabbage Island and the sandstone shoreline at East Point, but hours and availability vary by year. Many paddlers bring their own kayaks on the ferry or rent on Pender or Salt Spring before crossing. Check ahead before planning a trip around a rental.