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Piers
Island is the most conveniently located of the populated Southern
Gulf
Islands,
being only a 3-5 minute ferry or boat ride from Swartz Bay,
which is the main ferry terminal between the cities of Vancouver
and Victoria. Piers is located on Satellite Channel between
the North End of the Saanich Peninsula and Saltspring Island.
Marine
Chart directions are: Longtitude 123 25' 00", Latitude
48 42' 15"N, W. 6th Meridian.
Distance of Piers Island from other significant areas:
Victoria, B.C. - 17 Miles (27 km.) North
Victoria International Airport - 5 Miles (9.5 km.) North
Sidney, B.C. - 4 Miles (6.4 km.) North
Vancouver, B.C. - 55 Miles (89 km.) Southwest
Seattle, USA - 75 Miles (120 km.) Northwest
 Piers
Island is located in the Southern Gulf Islands which has relatively
"dry" type of climate. The weather on Piers can
be milder than Victoria because the island is sheltered from
the colder winds off the open ocean. Piers Island has greater
sunshine (over hrs. per month), and less rainfall than Victoria
(less than 30" or 76 cm. per year). Piers rarely has
snow, but can be subject to stormy seas and high winds during
winter season.
Daytime
Highs - 75-85 Farenheit or 20-29 Celsius
Evening Lows - 60-65 Farenheit or 15-17 Celsius
 Piers
has over 130 homes, all waterfront but 3
One road,
McKenzie Crescent, approx. 2 miles in length (a nice
leisurely walk of 30-35 minutes) forms a ring around the island.
There
are no cars on Piers, except for the occasional Fire Truck
and/or Rescue vehicle (mostly out for three times monthly
practises).
 Over
147 acres in the centre of Piers is preserved as Parkland
for the mutual enjoyment and benefit of all Piers Islanders.
There
are numerous trails with a multitude of natural flora
including arbutus, oak, cedar, alder and maple trees and an
abundance of wild blackberries, Oregon grapes, lilies , holly,
and much more.
Biscoe
Beach is a stretch of 300' waterfront on the northwest
side of the island that has been preserved as a community
area.
This beach is clear and swimmable during the summer months
(and
perhaps other months for hardier folks).
The general
4 acre beach community area is the site for the
annual Piers Island Picnic for owners and guests.
 Lots
of wildlife on Piers including deer, seals, mink, otters,
eagles, and hundreds of species of birds for the birdwatcher
There
are no rodents or bears, and mosquitos are normally not a
problem.
Activities
on Piers Include:
- Beachcombing
on up to 10' tidal pools
- Walking/cycling/hiking
- Swimming
- Canoeing
& Kayaking
- Motor
Boating to the Gulf Island areas for miles around
- Fishing
- Halibut, salmon, red snapper etc. ( license required)
Lots of
summer activities including Piers Annual Picnic,
Walkabout for Artists & craftspeople, Moonlight Madness
Street
Dance, Annual Fishing Derby and much more.
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