Prevost Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prevost Island
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Prevost Island
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.75 km2 (2.61 sq mi) |
Prevost Island is a beautiful island in the southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. It is located near Salt Spring Island and Galiano Island. This island is known for its natural beauty and quiet charm.
The island was named after James Charles Prevost. He was a British leader during a border disagreement between Britain and the United States. This disagreement was called the San Juan Island boundary dispute. Prevost was also the captain of a ship called HMS Satellite. You can find other places named after him nearby, like Prevost Harbor. Satellite Island is also named after his ship.
In the 1920s, an Irishman named Digby de Burgh bought most of Prevost Island. He turned it into a farm. He raised sheep, goats, and cattle there. Today, his family still owns a large part of the island. It continues to be a working farm with sheep and cattle. A few homes have also been built on the northwest side of the island.
Contents
Exploring Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
A special part of Prevost Island is called James Bay. It is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR). This park helps protect the natural environment.
Camping at James Bay
James Bay offers 10 campsites for visitors. These are backcountry sites, meaning they are simple and close to nature. You can only reach them by boat.
- The campsites have basic facilities like pit toilets.
- It is very important to know that no campfires are allowed. This helps keep the park safe from fires.
- You can find information about camping fees on the GINPR website.
Boating and Paddling
If you love being on the water, Prevost Island is a great spot.
- Boaters can find a good place to anchor their boats at Selby Cove.
- Paddlers, like those in kayaks or canoes, can land their boats at James Bay beach.
The Portlock Point Lighthouse
On the eastern tip of Prevost Island stands the Portlock Point Lighthouse. It was first built in 1895. Before that, a simpler stake lighthouse was there.
The lighthouse helps guide ships safely. In the late 1960s, the light became automated. This means it works by itself without someone needing to operate it all the time. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1987. Today, Portlock Point Lighthouse is also part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
