Originally framed in China, transported across the Pacific in the hold of the British ship the Argonaut before being captured by the Spanish, the Santa Saturnina was only the second sailing ship constructed on the northwest coast of America, and the first to explore the Straight of Georgia and, during that voyage, give Saturna Island its name.

Saturnina Stories

The Paintings of Gordon Miller

From viking ships, to whaling canoes and on to steam ships, Gordon Miller captures the beauty, danger and energy of nautical travel and adventure in all of his artworks. This project was especially indebted to Gordon for his dedication to unlocking the secrets of the Santa Saturnina, right down to the details on deck and below. Without his advice and expertise on the Santa Saturnina, not to mention his artistic skill in capturing the emotions of the ship's crew as they explored the Northwest Coast, this project would not have been possible. Visit Gordon's website to see more of his paintings and discover the fascinating history surrounding them: gordonmiller.ca
The Santa Saturnina (left), the San Carlos (centre), and the longboat.
Click to read the full story
The Voyage of the Santa Saturnina

The Santa Saturnina was a small ship packed with a crew of 22, but it's story is large and extends from the late 1700s to the modern era, having left a significant imprint on the coast of British Columbia. Click "read the full story" to learn more about this ships colourful history and its connection to the modern Saturna Island.
Click to read the full story
What's for Lunch on a Ship in 1790?

The Santa Saturnina had a crew of 22 men, but at just under 40 feet long, it’s hard to imagine how they would have slept in such cramped conditions. In addition to the crew, the boat had to hold ammunition, supplies in the hold and enough food for all the men. To top it off, it’s likely that a goat was also present on board to provide milk.
Click to read the full story

Archives

Interact

Board the Santa Saturnina

Santa Saturnina
Walk the deck of the Santa Saturnina off Saturna Island's East Point while the sun sets.

icon
Santa Saturnina - Ship Model

Santa Saturnina
View the Saturnina from the air, spin it around and get a closer look at the ship that gave Saturna its name.

icon
Virtual East Point

East Point
When the Santa Saturnina came around East Point and beheld the Straight of Georgia, they thought they'd found the Northwest Passage. The Santa Saturnina is long gone, but you can still stand on East Point and marvel at its incredible scenery, virtually!

icon
Video Gallery

video gallery
Click this button to load and watch a series of short documentaries on Saturna Island's culture and heritage.

icon