Penelakut Island
Penelakut Island | |
|---|---|
Location of Penelakut Island in the Gulf Islands (labelled as Kuper Island) | |
Penelakut Island Penelakut Island | |
| Coordinates: 48°57′36″N 123°38′42″W / 48.96°N 123.645°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Regional district | Cowichan Valley Regional District |
| Government | |
| • MLA | Doug Routley (NDP) |
| Area | |
• Total | 8.66 km2 (3.34 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Total | 302 |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
| Postal code | V0R 5K0 |
Penelakut Island (called Kuper Island by most people between 1851–2010) is located in the southern Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada. The island has a population of about 300 members of the Penelakut Band. The island has an area of 8.66 square kilometres (3.34 sq mi). There is frequent car and passenger ferry service to Penelakut from Chemainus on Vancouver Island. On its west side sits Telegraph Harbour.
A Mediterranean climate of mild winters and warm, dry summers supports a unique ecosystem and an ideal living environment. The island is in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, with an annual rainfall of about 850 millimetres (33 in). Unlike most neighbouring Gulf Islands, the topography is subdued with few bluffs or rock outcrops. Poorly drained soils are common.