Located in the Strait of Georgia, just off the southern shores of Quadra Island, this small island is also a designated Provincial Park, often referred to as the Galapagos of the north this minute rock of an island (only 1 km in circumference) is a venerate bird sanctuary and a resting place for both Steller and California Sea Lions on their journey north, as well as a number of species of seals. Once upon a time in the days before the arrival of the white man, the Cape Mudge First Nations people besieged, stricken and timorous, were the constant prey of the surrounding war-like tribes. One day a starving stranger stumbled in upon them and was fed, clothed and befriended. The stranger revealed himself to be no less a personage than the messenger of the Great Spirit. In time he departed, in gratitude for the kindness the village had given him he bestowed riches and protection upon his benefactors, but he also warned them to remember well their past humility. In time the tribes people flourished and became wealthy, with their new found wealth they also became indolent and forgetful. At length the tribe were again attacked by the fierce Cowichan Indians and were only saved from certain destruction by the timely reappearance of their friend, the stranger. Angrily; he berated them for their forgetfulness and as a constant reminder of his presence, he performed a great miracle. Turning a princess of the tribe into stone, he placed her where all could see, and there she stands today in the hazy distance of the Georgia Straight. She was bestowed the name of Mitlenatch, which means “calm waters”.