Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring is one of the best known of British Columbia's Gulf Islands, nestled between Vancouver (the mainland) and Vancouver Island. Currently home to approximately 10,500 year-round residents, the summer population of this largely unspoilt paradise usually triples.

HIGHLIGHTS

Impeccable schools: Gulf Island School District and Queen Margret's
Diverse local, organic food and agriculture
Ideal, temperate climate
Vibrant art scene: World-class musicians, artists, artisans and writers
Renowned Saturday Market
Impressive skate park and public Library
Superb sailing, boating, hiking and cycling
World-class parks and endless beaches
Health and Wellness: Yoga Centre, top quality holistic and esthetic services

CLIMATE

The Gulf Islands are the only place in Canada with a Mediterranean climate. This unique ecology, made possible by what is referred to as a 'rain shadow', means Salt Spring Island is blessed with more sun and less rain than surrounding areas. Salt Spring, and the other Southern Gulf Islands, are known to some as the Banana Belt of Canada (or the 'Hawaii of Canada'). Because of the very un-Canadian climate, several exotic plants (i.e., kiwi vines, banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, eucalyptus, etc) grow outdoors year round in this area.

(excerpt from discoversaltspring.com)

GETTING HERE

A leisurely ferry passage through the Gulf Islands competes with the jaw-dropping aerial views and the speed and convenience of catching a sea plane make Salt Spring the most accessible of the Gulf Islands whether coming from Vancouver, Victoria or Seattle.

GETTING AROUND

A public transit system covers the main roads of the island, runs Monday to Saturday and transports passengers to and from the three BC Ferries terminals in Fulford, Long Harbour and Vesuvius.

ARTS

Renowned for its creativity, Salt Spring Island is known as one of North America’s best small arts towns. With gallery and artists’ studios situated throughout the island, visitors can take a Studio Tour to view and purchase the creations of the artists. The famous Saturday Market displays a great cross-section of the high-quality arts & crafts – paintings and pottery, jewellery and clothing, weaving and woodworks.

VILLAGES

Visit one of our beautiful and famous seaside villages. The largest, Ganges, located in the centre of the island is a focal point for arts, restaurants and pubs, unique shops and book stores and our spectacular outdoor Saturday craft market. Our local marinas attract pleasure boaters, commercial and sports fishermen.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Recreational activities on the island are numerous and there is something for everyone. Hike through one of many trails with spectacular vistas. Swim in one of the refreshing lakes or a sheltered ocean cove. Or maybe you prefer the local swimming pool. Got a racquet? Play a game of tennis at the court in Portlock Park and if tennis isn’t your thing, maybe you’ll want to jog around the track instead. Workout, tan or sauna in one of our two fitness centres. Other activities include fishing, diving, sailing, kayaking, cycling, golfing (including a disc golf course), camping and beachcombing. Another impressive feature is Ruckle Provincial Park, the Gulf Island’s largest provincial campground.

CULINARY ADVENTURE

With 225 farms, the island is well established in agriculture and is well known for the local sheep farming. Come by in the spring and enjoy what most anyone would say is the best rack of lamb you’ll ever taste. Be sure to visit the outdoor Market in Ganges, where many of the local farmers and growers display their organic crops. Visit one of the Vineyards or Cheese Farms or stop by in the fall to partake of our famous Fall Fair and our Apple Festival. And then there’s the restaurants and cafe.

WELLNESS

The dazzling beauty of the Country’s West Coast Islands offers the backdrop for top quality and professional health treatments, from esthetics to therapy, from retreats to regular practice. Alternatives to wellness approaches flourish on Salt Spring.

(excerpts from saltspringtourism.com)