Salt Spring Island
Fulford valley from Mount Maxwell
Ganges village
POPULATION: 10,500
FERRY TERMINALS: Fulford, Vesuvius, Long Harbour
TOURIST INFO: 121 Lower Ganges Road; 537-5252;
and next to Fulford Pub
ATM MACHINES: At the three financial institutions & numerous stores
Video introduction
Broadband connection recommended. Flash Player 7 required.
Largest and most diverse of the Gulf Islands is Salt Spring, and home to more than 10,000 people. Many of today's residents were once visitors who were captivated by the scenery and lifestyle and decided to stay. Like the neighbouring islands, Salt Spring's history is rooted in agriculture, self-sufficiency and ingenuity, characteristics which are still apparent today.
Strong farming enterprises still flourish here, and the island is prized for its homegrown fruits, vegetables and animals, and the kitchen full of products churned out by local producers. A Salt Spring visit is not complete without sampling cheeses, chocolate, gelato, coffee, wine, beer and seafood products made right on the island, or by breathing deep the artistic ambiance.
Arts and culture is not just big here - it's a whole way of life. An integral part of any vacation on Salt Spring Island is visiting a few of the fabulous galleries, studios and venues where the island's creativity is presented, including the ArtCraft exhibit and sale at Mahon Hall and the theatre and exhibits at ArtSpring. While many people visit Salt Spring for the relative peace and quiet, there's something going on every night of the week in the summer, at least, for those who enjoy night life and musical entertainment. Visitors can take in a movie or listen to music at several great spots in Ganges and Fulford, and special events fill a busy calendar.
In July and August, ArtSpring hosts world-class performers of all genres in the Sizzling Summer Nights festival. The Salt Spring Island Festival of the Arts is also an annual summer event that's taken place since 1986 and was initiated in part as a fundraiser for the arts centre. Some of the annual family-oriented celebrations set to run in 2005 are the June 11 Sea Capers, July 1 Canada Day celebrations in Ganges, Fulford Day on August 13 at Drummond Park, the July 21-24 Fibre Festival, the Moby's Street Dance on August 20. An outdoor paint-in will run on the September long weekend, and the Apple Festival date is October 2. The Salt Spring Fall Fair, set for September 17-18 in 2005, is undoubtedly the biggest event of the year.
Recreational opportunities are another big reason to visit Salt Spring. Kayaking and hiking are huge favourites readily pursued year-round by novices and experts. Then add swimming, golfing, tennis, sailing, fishing, disc golfing, skateboarding, horseback riding, hang gliding, scuba diving, beachcombing and bird watching to the list and it becomes apparent the island is an outdoors enthusiast's haven. With a range of health and wellness facilities that offer amazing services, retreats, seminars, classes in yoga and other disciplines, the island is an ideal place to come for some body and mind rejuvenation. Health and beauty products made right on Salt Spring are also popular.
Salt Spring Island accommodation runs the gamut from walk-in campsites at Ruckle Provincial Park to exclusive spas, from cozy B&Bs and cabins, to motels, hotels and resorts. No matter what your accommodation preference is, you will want to make sure to book in advance, especially during the summer months. The Visitor Info Centre on Lower Ganges Road in downtown Ganges is a great place to find ideas on how to enjoy Salt Spring Island and it's open year-round.