the inside track
Gulf Island grapes: Warm summers
and mild winters helped the owners
of Saturna Island Family Estate
Winery turn this 78-acre property
into one of the largest vineyards on
B.C.'s West Coast, with Pinot Gris,
Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay on the vines. The tast-
ing room and bistro, with priceless
ocean views, are open daily, though
be sure to plan a safe way home
should you partake of the wines
(
saturnavineyards.com).
Live the history: Saturna Lodge,
renovated from a 1920s former mill
manager's home, is set on a ter-
raced garden overlooking Boot
Cove. With seven private guest-
rooms, this classy B&B is a peaceful
base for exploring the island by foot,
sea kayak, bike or car (
saturna.ca).
Hit the high season: Discovery
Sea Tours gets you on the water for
a Gulf Island whale-watching tour
or sightseeing adventure in off-
shore areas that have also been
protected by the national park
(
discoveryseatours.ca).
Espresso up: Wild Thyme Coffee House,
tucked into a funky green double-
decker bus steps away from the ferry
dock in Lyall Harbour, offers locally
roasted organic coffee and a lunch-
time menu featuring local ingredients
(
wildthymecoffeehouse.com).
— Andrew Findlay
p12-13_Weekender.indd 13 14-01-29 10:02 AM
