Saturna

Welcome to Saturna, a Temperate island in the The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Saturna unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Saturna
Size: 32.3 km²
Coastline: 46.7 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
Continent: North America
Saturna is a Medium Island spanning 32 km² with a coastline of 47 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: North America – Covers North America and parts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, characterized by diverse geological features and varying levels of seismic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 48.78401964 / Longitude: -123.14801785
Climate and weather of Saturna
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Warm-Summer Mediterranean Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of coastal areas with abundant sunshine Rain is more common in the winter months, maintaining a moderate climate.
Topography and nature of Saturna
Timezone: UTC-08:00
Timezone places: America/Los_Angeles
Max. Elevation: 347 m
Mean Elevation: 156 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 86%
The mean elevation is 156 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 347 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Hills: Gently sloping landforms with rounded tops, having a maximum elevation between 200 and 500 meters. Hills contribute to a varied landscape on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Dominated by evergreen coniferous trees such as pines and firs, which retain their needle-like leaves throughout the year. These forests are often found in cooler climates. Saturna has a tree cover of 86 %.
Vegetation: 6 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Saturna
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Saturna. The nearest airport is Bedwell Harbour Seaplane Base, located 4 km away.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Saturna is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: .
The mean population of Saturna is 12 per km². Saturna is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Canada.
Continuing your journey, Pender is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
SATURNA ISLAND | A GEM in the Gulf Islands of BC



Canada is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Saturna
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Saturna. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- 2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales - Fisheries and Oceans Canadaon 7 March 2025
2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Windstorm knocks out power to thousands on south Vancouver Island - Times Coloniston 25 February 2025
Windstorm knocks out power to thousands on south Vancouver Island Times Colonist
- One dead after sailboat runs aground east of Saturna Island in stormy weather - Times Coloniston 6 February 2025
One dead after sailboat runs aground east of Saturna Island in stormy weather Times Colonist
- Man saved, woman dies after snowy Monday night sailboat rescue by US Coast Guard - My Comox Valley Nowon 5 February 2025
Man saved, woman dies after snowy Monday night sailboat rescue by US Coast Guard My Comox Valley Now
- Woman dead, man rescued after sailboat grounded in B.C. storm - CTV Newson 5 February 2025
Woman dead, man rescued after sailboat grounded in B.C. storm CTV News
- BC Parks Foundation acquires land on Saturna Island - My Cowichan Valley Nowon 31 January 2025
BC Parks Foundation acquires land on Saturna Island My Cowichan Valley Now
- Vital People: Saturna 'library' boosts its youth offerings with foundation support - Times Coloniston 26 January 2025
Vital People: Saturna 'library' boosts its youth offerings with foundation support Times Colonist
- Funds needed to preserve huge Saturna acreage - Gulf Islands Driftwoodon 14 January 2025
Funds needed to preserve huge Saturna acreage Gulf Islands Driftwood
- Surrey woman dead after tree falls during B.C windstorm Saturday - St. Albert Gazetteon 14 December 2024
Surrey woman dead after tree falls during B.C windstorm Saturday St. Albert Gazette
- 'Interesting dilemma': Weather leads to power outages, disruptions at some Elections BC voting places - CHEK Newson 19 October 2024
'Interesting dilemma': Weather leads to power outages, disruptions at some Elections BC voting places CHEK News
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.