'''D'Arcy Island''' is in Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. A former leper colony, D'Arcy is now a part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. About 83-ha in size, D'Arcy Island holds a significant place in the history of British Columbia.
Understand
History
From 1894 until 1924, the island was used as a leper colony, primarily for immigrant Chinese labourers. While the remains of the caretaker's house are still visible, the buildings that housed the lepers were burned in the 1960s. D'Arcy was declared a marine park in 1961, and included as part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve created in 2003.
Flora and fauna
D'Arcy Island is home to both deer and raccoons. Campers should be advised that raccoons have proved to be every bit the equal of bears at destroying gear and stealing food, and proper precautions should be taken.
The deer are apparently imported roe deer and are quite small (approximately one metre tall at the shoulder). Both the deer and raccoons are habituated to humans. Do not hunt the deer, as penalties are very serious.
Climate
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, 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.
Get in
D'Arcy Island is only accessible by boat. There is a boat launch ramp located at Island View beach, approximately 6 kilometres to the west.
Numerous rocks and reefs surround D'Arcy Island and boaters should exercise caution on approaching. Kayakers should be aware of strong currents in the area.
There is no local source of fresh water, and campers need to carry in their own.
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, is not part of the Park reserve and is private property.
Fees/Permits
Camping fees in 2008 are $5/site/night, and are paid on the honour system. There is a lock-box and no change is available.
See
It is not unusual to see orca, dolphins, and pinnipeds such as harbour seals and California sea lions in the area. There are also large permanent and transient populations of birds found throughout the Gulf Islands.
Camping
There are 7 wilderness/walk-in campsites, picnic tables and a pit toilet. Reservations are '''not''' possible.
Backcountry
Stay safe
<!--ca:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--de:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--eo:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--es:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--fr:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--fi:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--he:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--hi:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--hu:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--it:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--ja:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--nl:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--pl:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--pt:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--ro:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--ru:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--sv:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--zh:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--Wikipedia:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->
<!--Dmoz:{{subst:PAGENAME}}-->