Sonora Island facts for kids
Sonora Island and the Sonora Island Resort
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Location of Sonora Island
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 50°22′33″N 125°15′5″W / 50.37583°N 125.25139°W |
| Archipelago | Discovery Islands |
| Administration | |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Regional district | Strathcona |
Sonora Island is a beautiful island in British Columbia, Canada. It's part of the Discovery Islands, a group of islands off the coast. Sonora Island is special because it doesn't have a regular ferry service, so you usually get there by boat or plane. It sits where the Johnstone Strait meets the Discovery Passage.
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What's in a Name?
Sonora Island got its name from a Spanish ship. This ship was a schooner named Sonora, which means Lady. It was about 36 ft (10.97 m) long.
Exploring the Pacific
In 1775, the Sonora was part of a Spanish expedition. This journey explored the Pacific Northwest coast. The main goal was to see if Russians were settling in the area.
The expedition had two ships. One was the Santiago, led by Bruno de Heceta. The other was the smaller Sonora, led by Lieutenant Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra.
A Brave Journey North
After some challenges, the Santiago decided to return to Mexico. But Lieutenant Bodega y Quadra wanted to finish their mission. He bravely continued north on the Sonora.
He sailed all the way to what is now Sitka, Alaska. This was a very long journey for a small ship! He didn't find any Russians, so he turned back south. On his way back, he landed to claim the coast for Spain. This trip showed Spain that Russia didn't have many settlements in the Pacific Northwest.
Places to See
Sonora Island has some interesting spots.
Thurston Bay Park
On the west side of the island, you'll find Thurston Bay Marine Provincial Park. This park is only reachable by boat. It's a great place for exploring the natural beauty of the coast.
Sonora Resort
The island is also home to the Sonora Resort. This resort is located on the east side of the island. It's a popular place for visitors to stay and enjoy the island's peaceful setting.
Hole In The Wall
Near Sonora Island, there's a narrow passage called Hole In The Wall. It's between Sonora and Maurelle Islands. Be careful here, because the ocean currents are extremely strong! They can create powerful whirlpools.
Discovery Mountain Station
On the western part of Sonora Island is Discovery Mountain. This mountain has a radio station. It's used by the Canadian Coast Guard to help with communication for ships in the area.
