Savary Island: My Happy Place

Savary Island is one of those dream destinations everyone desperately seeks but is rarely successful at finding.

Well, I found it!

And it’s practically in my backyard. Well, not exactly—but close enough that it feels like a bonus.

I first discovered this little piece of paradise 12 years ago on a family vacation. I didn’t know much about Savary then, but I’d heard plenty of amazing things from friends: magical, tropical, beautiful white sandy beaches.

To quote one friend who has spent many summers there, “It’s my happy place.”

I agree.

It’s also the perfect place to set your kids free, kick back, relax in the sunshine, and take in the spectacular views.

You should go…

Getting to Paradise

Savary Island is approximately 140 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, B.C. It’s a remote island accessible by water taxi, barge, floatplane, or private boat.

Otherwise, it’s an easy drive up the Sunshine Coast, involving two ferry rides and enough picturesque scenery to make even the journey feel like part of the adventure.

If timed perfectly, the entire trip to Savary should take no longer than six hours. In other words, you should arrive on the island just in time for happy hour!

Known for its sub-tropical climate, Savary more than lives up to its island-paradise reputation. Measuring only 7.5 kilometres long by one kilometre wide, it’s a small island that packs a lot of punch.

Beaches, Trails & Doing Absolutely Nothing

The beaches—and there are several of them—are reason enough to visit. There’s nothing quite like that soft sand between your toes.

Hike the beautiful Sunset Trail, beginning at the Meadows and finishing at Indian Point, or do it in reverse. Pack a picnic and stay for the sunset.

For the most part, the ocean is shallow and calm, making kayaking a perfect outdoor activity. Explore the tidal pools or go digging for delicious clams.

And if hanging at the beach and doing absolutely nothing is your jam?

Go for it.

You are definitely in the right place.

Where to Stay

Need accommodations? Look no further; there are plenty of options to choose from.

Savary Island Resort is a newer mid-island retreat catering to large groups of up to 20 people. Sandcastle at Southbeach has self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views and a convenient 10-minute walk to the dock and water taxi.

VRBO, Airbnb, and Savary Island rentals also offer a variety of choices, from private campsites to waterfront homes. Whatever your budget or taste, chances are you’ll find something.

Island Essentials

Savary may be remote, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without.

There’s a convenient General Store—and you name it, they probably stock it, including wine! There’s the Sugar Shack for anyone with a sweet tooth, Riggers Pub (karaoke night, anyone?), the Mermaid Cafe, and a bicycle shop for rentals and repairs.

Really, what more do you need?

Why has it taken me this long to come back?!

We recently acquired a cabin on Savary, calling it our home away from home. Since the pandemic, it’s been an absolute godsend—somewhere to escape, slow down, and simply be.

We’re situated high on a bluff, the perfect vantage point for watching eagles soar overhead. Spectacular.

A family of deer grazes on our lawn, retiring down the steep bank at the end of the day. Where do they go?

And what was that funny snorting and grunting sound coming from below?

I later discovered that the beach beneath us is a popular happy-hour spot for seals and sea lions during low tide.

Apparently, we’re not the only ones who appreciate happy hour.

Our Wild Neighbours

There are birds everywhere, although there’s one particular little robin who follows me around the yard as I weed.

The same one? I like to think so.

She pulls worms from the ground with seemingly no effort and flies off with a mouthful, only to return for more.

It’s a who’s who of wildlife around here.

Our Little Labour of Love

We love our special place. When we’re not visiting Savary, we’re thinking about it and wondering when we can get back.

It has quickly become our newest labour of love.

While the cabin is somewhat new to us, we wanted our home away from home to reflect our style, taste, and comfort. We’ve been busy getting it summer-ready for friends and family.

And after a long day of “to-do’s,” there’s nothing better than rewarding our efforts with a glass of something delicious.

The Most Amazing Beaches…

Savary Island isn’t just a pretty face. She is beautiful inside and out—and she has substance.

Let there be no mistake: some of the most spectacular beaches on the B.C. coast can be found right here on Savary Island.

There is something about this place that beckons you. Well, at least it does for me.

Once you’re hooked, it’s game over.

The views never grow old, and there is something extraordinary about a beach day on this tiny, remote island.

When the Sun Goes Down

And just when you’ve had that last sip of wine and think the day is over, the sun dips toward the ocean and the evening wakes up.

The water becomes still.

The stars appear by the millions.

Everything goes quiet.

And then you see it—the moon.

Savary Island is magical. A tiny paradise of white sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, wildlife, and that wonderful feeling of being far away from everything.

It’s my happy place.