Valdes is at the Northern end of what is generally considered the Southern
Gulf Islands. It lies across Porlier Pass from Galiano Island.
Valdes Island is named after Commander Cayentano Valdez of the Spanish Navy
vessel Mexicana, who explored the region in the 1790's.
A third of the island is a First Nations territory, belonging to the
Lyackson Tribe. There is a tiny community on the north shore called Starvation
Bay. There is no ferry service.
In June 2002, Wakes Cove Provincial Park was created on Valdes Island. The
property is within the heavily settled coastal Douglas fir ecosystem and
contains a stand of old growth as well as arbutus trees, Garry oaks and
endangered plant species. It supplies a sheltered anchorage in the north end
of the Southern Gulf Islands and offers hiking trails, picnicking, wildlife
viewing and overnight camping for kayakers and other visitors in small
boats.
The park is named after a retired British naval Captain Baldwin Wake. Captain
Wake acquired the land in 1876, and his family continued to own it up to the
late 1920's. Captain Wake died while sailing his sloop. His body was never
found, but remains of his boat and belongings did wash up on Thetis Island.
The British Columbia Government purchased the 132 hectare property at Wakes Cove for $4.12
million, with $100,000 coming from the recreational boating community. The new
provincial park includes another 73 hectares of Crown foreshore on Valdes
Island.
Map of Valdes Island
Large image - please wait.
Contact Li Read at Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring), 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V5; Direct Tel: 1-250-537-7647
