Difference between revisions of "D'Arcy Island"

Revision as of 04:16, 28 August 2024

D'Arcy Island is in Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. A former leper colony, D'Arcy is now a part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. About 83 ha in size, D'Arcy Island holds a significant place in the history of British Columbia. D'Arcy_Island - Approaching D'Arcy Island from the west by kayak. The remains of the caretaker's house are just visible

D'Arcy Island Halal Travel Guide

History of D'Arcy Island

From 1894 until 1924 and the island was used as a leper colony, primarily for immigrant Chinese labourers. While the remains of the caretaker's house are still visible and the buildings that housed the lepers were burned in the 1960s. In 1961 D'Arcy Island was declared a Provincial Marine Park, and in 2003, D'Arcy came under the auspice of the newly created Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR).

Flora and fauna

D'Arcy Island is home to deer and raccoons. Raccoons have proven to be every bit the equal of bears at destroying campers' gear and stealing food: proper precautions should be taken.
The deer are apparently black-tailed deer that swam over from Sidney Island in 1981 and are quite small (roughly one metre tall at the shoulder). The raccoons were introduced from Vancouver Island in the 1960s. The deer and raccoons are habituated to humans. Do not hunt the deer, as penalties are very serious.

How is the Climate in D'Arcy Island

In this area, daily temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) on an average of one or two days per year and fall below -5°C (23°F) on an average of only 2 nights per year. During the winter and the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C (47°F) and 3.6°C (38°F), respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6°C (67°F) and low of 11.3°C (52°F).
This may seem like mild weather, but boaters and kayakers can feel very chilled especially if soaked by rain or waves. Hypothermia is a very real possibility.
Nearly two-thirds of the area's rainfall occurs between November and February, with July being the driest month on average. August and September frequently experience morning fogs.

How to travel to D'Arcy Island

D'Arcy Island is only accessible by private watercraft or by chartered vessel. To charter a vessel in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, please refer to the 'Licensed Operators List' on the GINPR website
To access D'Arcy from Vancouver Island:

There is a boat launch ramp at Island View beach in Central Saanich w/index.htm, roughly 6 kilometers west of D'Arcy Island. You can also launch power boats and kayaks from various locations in nearby Sidney, roughly 10 kilometers to the northwest of D'Arcy Island. Timed right with the tidal currents, paddlers may drift down Sidney Channel and view Sidney and James Islands.

Rcks and reefs surround D'Arcy Island and boaters should exercise caution on approaching. Kayakers should be aware of strong currents in the area.Approaching D'arcy Island in the tidal current lee of Sidney Island makes for an easy approach.
There is no local source of fresh water, and campers must carry in their own. There are no campfires allowed on D'Arcy Island, regardless of season.
D'Arcy can be busy during the summer months and is best experienced during the shoulder seasons (June and September). Little D'Arcy Island, to the east of D'Arcy Island, is privately owned. Please respect the owner's privacy.

What to see in D'Arcy Island

It is not unusual to see orca whales, porpoises, and pinnipeds (such as harbour seals and California sea lions) in the area.
D'Arcy Island is an excellent place for bird watching as there are over 180 species of bird found in the Southern Gulf Islands.

Fees and permits for D'Arcy Island

Camping fees For 2018 the fee is $9.80 per person 16 and over. Camping fees can be paid online or deposited in the lock-box (no change is available).

Backcountry

There are 7 walk-in campsites, picnic tables and a pit toilet. There is no fresh water available at D'Arcy and no campfires are permitted. There is no reservation system in place for D'Arcy Island campsites it/brochures.aspx.

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 '''D'Arcy Island''' is in Southern Gulf Islands of [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]. A former leper colony, D'Arcy is now a part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve'''. About 83 ha in size, D'Arcy Island holds a significant place in the history of [[British Columbia]].
 D'Arcy_Island - Approaching D'Arcy Island from the west by kayak. The remains of the caretaker's house are just visible
-<h2 class=subheader>Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
-Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in {{FULLPAGENAME}},
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