Salt Spring Island – Activities And Accommodations

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is the most popular island in the Strait of Georgia.  It can be reached by small plane or ferry from Port
Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver Island, or mainland British Columbia.

Salt spring has a fascinating history.  It was first settled by black slaves, fleeing persecution, and then by immigrants from Great Britain, Japan, Germany, and Portugal.   The island later became home to logging operations and then agriculture.   Now, Salt Spring has a decidedly multicultural atmosphere.  Today peoples still come to settle on the island, drawn by its beauty and tranquility.   Summer is an exciting, though crowded, time of year on the island so, if possible, visit in the spring or autumn.

Champion Ready For Shearing

Activities

Salt Spring is the perfect place for hiking and biking, from its forested Ruckle Provincial Park, with its six miles of hiking trails,  to its many white-shell beaches and meandering roadways.  Climb to the highest point on Salt Spring’s Baynes Peak, for a great view of the whole island and the surrounding sea.  If you choose to ride the trails, horses are for rent at Salt Spring Trail Rides.

Fish for bass or trout in the island’s several stocked lakes, or in the surrounding seas for salmon.  Take a kayaking adventure along the coast.  Swim or beachcomb on its shell and sandy shores.

In May, you will be able to visit the Wool Exhibition covering all aspects of wool production, including shearing, washing, spinning, and dyeing.

Late spring is the time for sail-boat races, sand-sculpting,and other beach activities for the whole family.

Art festivals take place throughout July, including theater and dance.  This is the time for the many island artists and craftsmen to exhibit their works and for tourists to buy a variety of treasures at reasonable prices.  Throughout the year, the many island art galleries, as well as studios, are open to the public.

Accommodations

Salt Spring is a friendly island which boasts a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.  Here are a few.

Bed and Breakfasts include, among others; Dancing Light Cottage in a forest setting, specializing in organic breakfasts; Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, and Beach House Bed and Breakfast, both offering private suits; and Armand Heights Bed and Breakfast which has spectacular views of both the coastal mountains and the gulf islands.

Other comfortable hotel-like accommodations include; Harbor House, Salty Springs Spa Resort, and Hastings House. To avoid  surprises, phone ahead for rates.

Places To Dine

For a full breakfast in an antique setting, try Weston Lake Inn.  Here you can always get fresh produce, and farm-fresh eggs.

If you want a deli lunch or some fixings for a picnic, stop and load up at The Fat Rascal on Fulford-Ganges Road.  Tides Inn, also on Ganges Road offers great fish and chips, and a variety of salmon dishes.

For an excellent dinner in a pub-like atmosphere, try the Vesuvius Inn.  House Picolo is another good location for dinner, offering a variety of dishes featuring seafood, lamb and Scandinavian cuisine.

For More Information Go To:

www.saltspringisland.bc.ca

Salt Spring Island In The Early Morning