5 Things to do on Savary

THE VIEW FROM SOUTH BEACH: This is where most of the action is on Savary Island, and you can see why with the iconic beach experience - sand for miles and good swimming.

BY KATHLEEN HAMILTON

I had the privilege of a childhood full of long Savary summers.

Every May, my parents would jam pack their Dodge Caravan with Rubbermaid bins, pets, me, and my innumerable siblings, then drive up the coast from our home near Horseshoe Bay to the van’s summer resting place at the end of Highway 101.

We were the talk of the dock every year when the small army that is my family showed up at the Lund Water Taxi, headed for the family cabin on Savary with what looked like enough supplies to house and feed the island’s entire population.

My embarrassment aside, it was those trips up the coast that inspired my dream of one day making the qRD my permanent home.

Years later, in late 2020, my husband and I set out to make my dream a reality. We packed up our little family and moved from Edmonton to that same family cabin on Savary Island– “just temporarily”, we said, “until we find that perfect, affordable house to grow into in nearby Powell River.” And so, for reasons I probably needn’t explain, we are still living in my parents’ cabin on Savary, for now.

And, of course, we really can’t complain.

Oncoming daytrippers and weekenders often ask me what they should do while they’re here. So here is my top five list of things to do on Savary, all of which can be accomplished without a motor vehicle, starting right from the wharf.

Please note that all of the walking time and distance approximations listed here are for one-way travel.

Lounge on South Beach

(just under 1km)

If you’re looking for that iconic ‘white, sandy beach’ experience, a great place to swim, and you don’t mind spending time in a pretty happenin’ spot, head to South Beach. Take a left from the wharf onto Malaspina Promenade, then a right up Townley Walk. Once you’ve conquered the Townley Walk hill, you’ll find the trail down to South Beach. Warning: the trail is narrow and steep.

Walk to the ‘north side’

(20+ minutes minimum, depending on tides, walking speed, and how far you want to go!)

In my opinion, Savary’s northern coast has some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer, and is a great place to spend time if you’re looking for a little more seclusion. If a long walk on the beach sounds appealing to you, take a right from the main wharf and simply follow the coastline around the First Point sand dunes.

The north side is also great for clam digging, but make sure to check in with the BCCDC to ensure that shellfish are safe to harvest and eat at the time of travel.

If you make it far enough north to see her, say hi to the little green mermaid sunning on a rock. And if you get hungry, stroll on up the Mermaid Beach trail to the Mermaid Cafe (on Vancouver Blvd, just south of the Mermaid Beach trailhead; about 5 km from the wharf via road). They serve up charcuterie, nachos and some of the best darn pizza I’ve ever had. Summer hours are noon-8(ish) pm, daily.

Savary Island General Store

(just over 0.5 km)

Thirsty? Feeling peckish? Take a right from the wharf and follow Vancouver Blvd up ‘the big hill.’ Moments later, you’ll come across Riggers Restaurant (open intermittently) and next to it, the General Store (open daily all summer). Bruce and Gail have owned and operated both establishments for decades. They serve ice cream, off-sales, Gail’s homemade baking, coffee, snacks, fresh produce, dairy, Savary merchandise and groceries.

Savary Island Fair Trade

(1 km)

A short stroll down the road from the General Store is Savary Island Fair Trade, located near the corner of Brian’s Way and Vancouver Blvd (look for signs). Say hello to Copper, SIFT’s lovely Owner Operator, and ‘sift’ through her magical collection of local art and certified fair trade imported artisan goods. Open daily from 11 am – 3 pm, all summer.

Stroll to Indian Point

(approximately 8km)

Savary makes for a brilliant biking, hiking or jogging getaway. It’s long and narrow, so it’s relatively easy to avoid getting lost. And bonus: there are no bears or cougars here! Head right off the wharf, head up ‘the big hill’, and follow Vancouver Blvd until you reach a fork in the road. Continue left along hilly Vancouver Blvd all the way to Indian Point, the island’s westernmost tip, or keep right to follow Savary Island Road for a quieter, more coastal route. Explore forested side trails along the way, or stop for breaks wherever you see beach. There’s no coastline here that isn’t worth exploring.

Just remember: There’s no garbage disposal or removal on Savary (pack it in, pack it out!), book your water taxis in advance, respect local sidewalks when parking in Lund, or visit lundparking.com if you don’t mind paying. If you’d like to rent a bike while you are here, call the Savary Island Bike Shop at 604-483-7771 for details. Happy summer!