ADDRESS
East Point Road,
Saturna Island
HOURS
Open year-round
CONTACT
gulf.islands@pc.gc.ca
(250) 654-4000
Gulf Islands National Park
Réserve de parc national Îles-Gulf
AMENITIES
Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center
Established in 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve protects a portion of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands natural region. It is part of the homeland of the Coast Salish First Nations.
East Point, located in the park reserve, juts out from the shores of Saturna Island like a thin nose. If you visit, you’ll often see the ocean whipped up even when there’s no wind. That’s because the tides force immense amounts of water across an underwater sill the height of two Niagara Falls. This movement of water churns plankton up from the depths. Plankton feeds fish which in turn attracts birds and marine mammals. The result: a fantastic place to watch for whales!
WHERE THE WHALES ARE
Southern Resident Killer Whales pass East Point on their way to and from the mouth of the Fraser River. Over the past few years the numbers of Chinook Salmon, their preferred prey, has decreased. This may be why Southern Resident Killer Whales are seen less frequently in the area. Some other species sightings are on the upswing. In the last couple of years, Bigg’s (Transient) Killer Whales have often been spotted at East Point. Humpbacks are also returning to the Salish Sea. For almost a 100 years, few were seen in the area because whalers had wiped them out. Now you might spy a mother Humpback bringing her calf in the summer to feed. At East Point, you’ll see Harbour Seals any time of year. In the summer, you’ll spy Harbour Porpoises almost every day. In the fall and winter, you’ll watch Steller Sea Lions coming and going from Boiling Reef, an islet off the end of the point.
WHICH ANIMALS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
TRAIL COLLABORATION
A small Capital Regional District (CRD) park nestles up against the national park reserve at East Point. Parks Canada and the CRD are collaborating to improve a trail that travels from one park to the other along the shore, a perfect whale-watching walk.
HERITAGE FOG ALARM BUILDING
One of the most photographed buildings in the park reserve is the Fog Alarm Building. Built in 1938 as part of the East Point Light Station, the Fog Alarm Building, or the FAB as it is called, housed the engine to blow the fog horn. This tiny white-and-red building has been restored and now holds a museum run by community volunteers in the summer. In 2013, the FAB was designated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
East Point plays an important part in the history of our understanding of Southern Resident Killer Whales. In 1964, one of the first killer whales ever to be taken into captivity and studied was captured at East Point. This whale was named Moby Doll. You can learn more about the story of Moby Doll, and even see her skull, at the FAB museum. Sadly, Southern Resident Killer Whales are now a species at risk. Parks Canada is collaborating with Indigenous partners and other federal departments, to support the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales, through science, enforcement and education programs.
PARK SUMMER PROGRAMS
In the summer months, a national park interpreter offers free park programs at East Point. For more than a decade, the Sunset Wildlife Watch has been entertaining and informing park visitors. Occasionally whales have been known to attend the programs too!
BE COASTSMART
Visitor safety is a top priority for Parks Canada. Visitors to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are advised to use caution when accessing any beach or rocky outcrops overlooking the water at any time. Plan your activities according to tides and observe beach conditions closely. Please obey guidelines and stay on designated trails. Learn more about coastal safety by visiting CoastSmart.ca
RED CHAIR EXPERIENCE
Parks Canada has installed red chairs across the system of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for your enjoyment – take a photo and share with us! Hopefully you spot some amazing marine wildlife from your red chair.