Tanaga Island is located in Vancouver’s False Creek and is easily accessible by foot or bike. The island offers plenty of opportunities for hikes, picnics, and wildlife viewing.
It is a great place to relax and recharge after a long day of work. Tanaga Island also has a rich history and was once the site of a small mill operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
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History
Tanaga Island was originally called False Creek Island, and it was part of a larger island that constituted the eastern shore of Burrard Inlet. The first known European to visit the island was George Vancouver, who charted it in 1792.
Tanaga Island became an important mill site for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1884. The railway operated a small mill on the island until 1942, when it closed due to World War II bombing raids by German forces. After the war, tanager birds were reintroduced to Tanaga Island as part of a rehabilitation program run by Wildlife Canada. Today, many species of birds and animals can be found on Tanaga Island.
The Tanaga Island Trail was constructed from 2015-2016 as part of Vancouver’s trail project, “On the Move!” The 1.7 kilometre long path connects a community greenway with an oyster reef at Seawall Park; that features six sports fields, numerous gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas and pathways for active recreation in all weather conditions. In 2017 it will also link up to Carkeek Pool which is being expanded by Solidarity Housing Society into a 250 unit affordable housing project.
Climate
Tanaga Island has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and warm to hot summers. The official weather station is located at Northwest Marine Conservation Centre.
Temperatures are likely to settle close to between 16° and 24°C throughout the year which effectively makes Tanaga Island a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb). The rainy season in winter lasts from September until April or May with about 3 months of hail and snow depending on if it’s an El Niño dryness or La Niña wetness.
Culture
Tanaga Island is home to the only remaining cultural site of the W̱atish First Nation. The W̱atish arrived on Tanaga Island in 1792 and were the first Europeans to live there. Today, they are a federally recognized band with a population of about 220 people living in two settlements: Port Hardy and Westmain on Tanagi Island.
The community has been active in preserving their culture through traditional dancing, song and storytelling as well as environmental conservation initiatives such as restoring degraded habitat and managing fisheries sustainably.
Politics
Tanaga Island is in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, which was created by the 2012 federal electoral redistribution. The new seat includes all islands west of Johnstone Strait and north of Prince Rupert. T
he island’s politics are split between a majority that opposes any further widening of the Juan de Fuca Strait and several other islands in Barkley Sound to allow deeper navigation, most notably Georgia Straight.
Opposing this sentiment is Port Hughes Councilor Dave Page who tried to introduce on-island zoning for waterfront developments at his insistence because he feels increased human settlement will mitigate threats from mariners’ pollution creating ideal conditions for marine life recovery. He was defeated in a 2015 vote outlawing such development policies.
Government services
The government services available on Tanaga Island are limited to health and social programs, general stores, a post office and public library. Police service is provided by the Saanich police department. Emergency response is handled by the BC Ambulance Service. There is no fire protection service. The local health centre provides care for residents in need of emergency attention, as well as annual medical and dental services.
Tourism
Tanaga Island is a popular tourist destination for kayakers, birders and photographers. The island has three small resorts, each with a few guest rooms. There are also two bed-and-breakfasts on the island as well as several small campgrounds and hiking trails.
Visitors can explore the island’s natural resources or take in cultural activities such as traditional dancing and storytelling. The island is also popular with campers and hikers looking for a campsite or hiking trail.
Transport
There is no public transport on Tanaga Island, but a shuttle service operates between Port Hughes and the island several times per day. The service operates in all weather conditions, including during high tide and tidal surges.
Tanaga Island is one of several Sinixt traditional territories located within the “Sensex” First Nations Bands territory at pow wows across Canada.
The island was formerly part of Shaw-Densa (Indian Reserve No 3) but became a separate reserve when it lost its status as Indian land in 1873 ((on incorporation into Victoria city limits), with Indians sent to Saanich “(see Amalgamation process).” In 1906 this district passed from control of the federal government under British Columbia’s Treat ies & Deeds Act.
Conclusion
Tanaga Island is a small island located off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its beautiful natural landscape and its rich history. The island has been inhabited for centuries by the Tanaga First Nation, who continue to live on the island today.
The Tanaga First Nation is a community of approximately 1,800 people who are members of the Coast Tsimshian Nation. The Tanaga Island Aboriginal Tourism Association coordinates cultural events and offers visitor services on the island.
FAQs
1 . What Is The Climate On Tanaga Island?
The average temperature in January is 0 °C and in July it reaches 24 °C. The island experiences a great deal of variation in weather, so be prepared for anything!
- Is There Any Wildlife On Tanaga Island?
There are many different types of wildlife that can be found on Tanaga Island, including deer, eagles, bears, and spiders. Keep your eyes open when you’re out exploring!
- How Easy Is It To Get To Tanaga Island?
Tanaga Island is located in False Creek, which is easily accessible by foot or bike. There are also frequent ferry connections between the island and downtown Vancouver.
- What Are The Government Services Available On Tanaga Island?
There are a number of government services that are available to residents of Tanaga Island, including medical assistance, education opportunities, and financial support.
- What Are The Tourist Attractions On Tanaga Island?
There are a number of different tourist attractions on Tanaga Island, including the Kispiox Valley Wildlife Preserve and the Totem Heritage Centre. Be sure to check out each one during your visit!
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