The right conditions in a beautiful setting:
Saturna Island is a beautiful location to visit and offers a variety of sea states to practice kayaking skills. From beginner’s level on flat water to more challenging waters and strong currents; there is some real “hands-on / paddle-on” experience available, when training in this varied water location. Navigation exercises and planning trips with tides and currents in mind, are relevant and valuable skills to learn and apply here.
Saturna Island offers the right conditions for the Basic, Level 1 and Level 2 Paddle Canada Courses, all in one location.
There are also various stunning sights to see and things to do like:
The Fog Alarm Building at East Point – beautiful views with a chance of spotting Orcas swimming close to shore.
Narvaez Bay – Monarch Head – views and hikes
Boat Passage at Wintercove – sunsets and watch the currents at different speeds
Mount Warburton Pike – views and hikes
Bird watching & wildlife watching
Saturna Island is easily accessible by ferry or float plane.
Saturna is located in the Southern Gulf Islands, BC Canada.
Click the image below to go to googlemaps on our Contact page.
There are a number of ways to get on and off Saturna Island.
Ferries
Via BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779
From Swartz Bay (near Victoria, Vancouver Island)
From Tsawwassen (near Vancouver, mainland BC)
With BC Ferries, if you wish, you can bring your kayak with you as a foot passenger on a dolly or loaded on your car.
Via Victoria Clipper 1-800-888-2535From Seattle to Victoria (Vancouver Island)
Via Washington State Ferries 1-888-808-7977
Service between Anacortes and Sidney, BC (near Victoria, Vancouver Island)
Via Black Ball Transport 1-250-386-2202
Service between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC
Float Plane
Via Seair – 1-800-447-3247
Service from Vancouver Airport (Richmond Terminal) & Inter Island Travel
Via Salt Spring Air 1-877-537-9880
Service from Vancouver Airport (Richmond Terminal), Downtown Vancouver & Inter Island Travel
Via Harbour Air 1-800-665-0212
Charter Service available from Vancouver
Via Kenmore Air 1-866-435-9524
Service from Seattle to Victoria
Water Taxi
Via Island Water Taxi 1-250-656-4826
Service from Sidney, BC (near Victoria, Vancouver Island)
Via Mayne Island Tours 1-250-222-8747
Via Mayne Inter-island Seatours 1-250-539-5393
Private Boat
Once you’re here
Saturna Lions Shuttle
2016 Lions Saturna Shuttle Bus runs from June 29th to Sept 5th and meets each Friday afternoon and evening sailing from BC Ferries at the dock providing a free ride to most major population areas on the island such as Boot Cove, Winter Cove and East Point. Sunday and Holiday Monday return trips must be scheduled 48 hours in advance by texting (604)760-9975 or emailing saturnashuttle@gmail.com. The bus can be scheduled for Saturday service, special events such as weddings, hiking groups or reunions, if given ample advanced notice. The trip is free, please donate to the Saturna Lions Club to assist with all of the services and programs the Club provides to the community.
Arrange pick-up with us
Most of the time we will be able to pick you up from the ferry, dock or float plane terminal. Just ask when booking your course with us.
We are located and most often launch from the Lyall Harbour Government Dock, next to the BC Ferries terminal.
You can get to Saturna Island from Tsawwassen on the mainland and Sidney/Victoria on Vancouver Island by BC Ferries as a foot passenger. There is also a float plane that lands next to the ferry terminal.
You do not need to bring your car; we are located right next to the ferry terminal.
Unless otherwise stated, we are located within 1 minute walk from the ferry terminal and float plane dock.
We recommend the use of your own kayak during our courses, so that you confidently improve your efficiency and skill in your own boat.
However, if you are unable to bring your kayak, we can provide one for you.
There may be a small fee for the kayak use.
It is also possible to bring a kayak as a foot passenger on BC Ferries using a dolly. The charge is very small; last we checked it was $3 for the kayak.
Saturna Island offers various kinds of accommodation:
B&Bs and Campsites.
Our usual launching location is at the Lyall Harbor CRD Government Dock.
We are happy to make recommendations after discussing your preferences and needs.
Here some suggestions.
With a two minute walk, the Arbutus Campsite is a convenient location for tenting and glamping.
