Our Town Savary Island A Taste of the Exotic

VIEWED FROM THE AIR, Savary Island could easily be mistaken for an exotic island in the tropics. Almost entirely encircled by white

sandy beaches and lapped by the warmest water Savary’s unparalleled sunsets north of Mexico, it’s no wonder this beguiling take you to another world destination has earned the nickname “Hawaii of (Martine Bilodeau) the North.” Just eight kilometres long, Savary Island is a paved roads. Residents and visitors alike appear squiggle of lushly forested land in the Strait of to be happy with the situation as fewer cars Georgia near B.C.’s Sunshine Coast. Home to means more quiet and calm. While a carefully a community of around 100, the population monitored amount of vehicles is permitted— The island’s white can swell to 2,000 or more upon the arrival of transported from the mainland by the barge sandy beaches dazzle (Tourism vacationers and day trippers in the summertime. service—most people plan a car-free trip. Th e BC/Danielle While many come to Savary for the hiking, fastest way to reach the island is by seaplane, just Hayes) biking, sunbathing and water sports, it’s best a one-hour charter fl ight from . And known as a spot to just chill out. getting around is easy enough; you can walk, A respite from urban madness, Savary has few bike or book a water taxi, land taxi or crew cab. cars and little traffi c, largely because there are no Accommodations on the island are excellent, but limited, so be sure to book in advance. Choose from cabins, cottages, bed and general stores and a trio of restaurants cater to breakfasts and rustic lodges. Bear in mind that the volume of visitors in peak season. You’ll there is no electricity on the island; power is fi nd plenty of fresh seafood and casual fare supplied via mainly ecologically responsible on the menu at local cafes. A unique place to sources such as solar panels, enhancing the dine is Th e Mint Teahouse, an extraordinary island’s ‘castaway’ experience. establishment constructed entirely from driftwood and eclectic paraphernalia. If you’re after a little adventure, the warm, Savary Island is a clear waters around the island provide ample opportunity for fi shing, swimming and other genuine retreat, water activities. Two favourite launch points somewhere to are Indian Point on the western tip and South Beach on the southeast shore. Th e nearby totally relax and mainland community of Lund—a quick ride by water taxi—has outlets for snorkelling, scuba recharge. diving and kayaking. A magical place that exudes a sense of Martine Bilodeau, proprietor of Arbutus timelessness and mystery, the island has driven Cabin, deeply understands the magnetic pull many writers and artists to produce dedicated of the place. Describing it as “a real sanctuary” work, including Vancouver-based painter David where one can “let go of all urban worries,” she Burns. Showing in Vancouver’s Diane Farris says that the simplistic, back-to-nature island Gallery, his 19-canvas “From Savary Island” existence has been key to her personal happiness. series is one stunning example of how the Spellbound by the island’s beauty and ambience, glorious sunsets, hazy summers and quality of the many thousands of visitors that have graced light here can truly inspire. its shores since 1900 have echoed Bilodeau’s Little is known about the island’s history, thoughts: Savary Island is a genuine retreat, contributing to its enigmatic reputation. One somewhere to totally relax and recharge. fact known for certain is that, on June 25, 1792, In keeping with its laid-back vibe, just three 18th-century British naval offi cer and explorer

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Captain gave the island its Wildlife and the exquisite vegetation are the name. Happening upon it, he is recorded as island’s main attractions. Be on the lookout having stated the island displays “beauty such for deer, hummingbirds, bald eagles and other as we have seldom enjoyed.” Who—or what— colourful birdlife when exploring the enchanting “Savary” refers to, however, remains a mystery. woodland trails. Fir, yew and maple trees, as well Th e First Nations people have as one of the B.C.’s biggest arbutus trees add inhabited Savary for 4,500 years, referring to this to the island’s loveliness, yet this is a delicate island haven as ‘Ayhus’, meaning “double-headed ecosystem that demands the utmost level of care serpent” in obvious reference to its shape. Clams, and respect. So, as the saying goes, you should found in abundance on Savary, have been a staple take only photographs and leave only footprints, of the Ayhus Coast Salish diet for centuries. Th e ensuring that Savary Island remains an arcane north beaches yield a plentiful harvest of the natural paradise for generations to come. mollusk, but you’ll need a fi shing licence if you —David Morrison wish to take them home for cooking,

“Let go of all urban worries” (Tourism BC/Danielle Hayes)

Experience the best of Victoria atO the Executive House Hotel. ur Executive Club Membership, designed..... for the business traveller, offers first class accommodation, personalized service and reasonable rates. Conveniently located downtown Victoria directly across from the Victoria Conference Centre, one block from the Inner Harbour, shopping and business district. Complimentary shuttle service to Inner Harbour terminals. Complimentary High Speed Internet 1-800-663-7001

777 Douglas St., Victoria, BC Canada pets www.executivehouse.com welcome

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