Russell Island

Russell Island, British Columbia, Canada
Russell Island, British Columbia, Canada

Located at the entrance to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island, Russell Island is a small island with a large history. For boaters Russell Island is an excellent anchorage.

Russell Island was settled by Hawaiians as early as 1886. The historic Kanaka house still stands and can be found on a side trail off the northeast portion of the main loop trail that runs around the island. An old water tower and shed also still exist. Through a volunteer agreement with the park reserve, the Mahoi descendants share their family stories about life on Russell Island during the summer months. These are very interesting and often entertaining.

Russell Island Aerial Photographs

Russell Island has natural features typical of the southern Gulf Islands with Douglas fir, arbutus and Garry oak as the prime forest cover. Shore pine rim the island’s outer edges. Wildflowers are abundant in spring and during the summer months.

Recreational activities include picnicking, fishing, swimming and paddling. Near the shoreline, watch for mink, river otters and seals. If you are fortunate you might see porpoises or some of the resident orcas.

Getting to Russell Island:

Access is by boat or kayak. For kayakers, launching from the public dock at Swartz Bay or launching from Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island are excellent choices.

Amenities:

  • picnic tables,
  • dinghy dock
  • hiking trails,
  • pit toilets,
  • Mahoi House host program,
  • viewpoints.
  • good anchorage

Random Posts

Sea Star at Boat Passage

Ochre star at Boat Passage in Winter Cove

Pisaster ochraceus, generally known as the purple sea star, is a common starfish found among the waters of the Pacific Ocean. These starfish are...
Saturna Island
shower rain
8.1 ° C
9 °
7 °
75%
2.6kmh
40%
Sat
7 °
Sun
6 °
Mon
8 °
Tue
10 °
Wed
11 °