Russell Island was first settled by Hawaiians around 1886. Located at the entrance to Salt Spring Island’s Fulford Harbour, Russell Island is a very photogenic spot with a rocky shoreline and a number of shell beaches. Douglas fir, arbutus and Garry oak forests cover the island, very typical of the Southern Gulf Islands landscape. Pine trees are growing in a number of areas on the coastline. During the spring spectacular displays of wildflowers may be viewed in the meadows. An old house on the island dates back over 100 years.
Russell Island is accessed by water only and no overnight camping is allowed.
Aerial photograph of Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands
Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Wildflowers on Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands
[...] in the White Dragon, waiting for some wind off Swartz Bay, we decided to head over and anchor off Russel Island, just at the mouth of Fulford Harbour. A group of us then took the dingy ashore for a stroll around [...]