Winter Cove - Saturna Island

Aerial photo of Winter Cove and Boat Passage, Saturna Island
Aerial photo of Winter Cove and Boat Passage, Saturna Island

Winter Cove on Saturna Island boasts a shoreline woven of sandstone, shale and shell midden. The quiet cove looks over a farm on nearby Samuel Island and is a fun place for kids (young and old!) to explore sea creatures.

Backed by forested Douglas fir upland, open meadows and a salt marsh, this sheltered cove is a popular day use area and is a great place for a picnic. There are lovely wildflowers in the spring. This area of the Gulf Islands National Park encompasses 75 hectares on land and 16 hectares of intertidal foreshore.

There is an easy 1.5-kilometre loop trail that starts on the eastside of the picnic area. The trail loops through the forest and then along the Winter Cove shoreline to the open waters of Straight of Georgia. The trail loops around to the cove’s shoreline and dips past marshlands, including the salt water marsh. Once you’ve finished the walk (which is definitely worthwhile!), you can always play in the sports field, swim or fish.

Getting to Winter Cove:

Access is by water (boat or kayak) or from land (bicycle or car). Winter Cove is located on Saturna Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of BC, about five kilometres from the ferry terminal at Lyall Harbour. BC Ferries offers ferry service to Saturna Island from Tsawwassen on the Mainland and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Access by road is via East Point Road and Winter Cove Road.

Amenities:

  • anchorage (be careful – this area can be windy),
  • picnic tables,
  • hiking trails,
  • drinking water,
  • pit toilets,
  • information,
  • spectacular waterfront,
  • No Camping

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Saturna Island
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