Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

"Bright blue sea, golden vistas, eclectic villages and rambling green countryside
stretching to the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The islands in the Gulf of Georgia between Vancouver and Victoria
can be described in those simple terms,
but there is so much more!"

Glorious days on Salt Spring, the largest of BC's Gulf Islands

The Canadian "Gulf Islands" (like their American counterparts- the "San Juan Islands" of Washington State) are tranquil, peaceful havens from the bustle of the nearby cities of Vancouver, Seattle and Victoria. 

Spectacular scenery first attracts visitors (plus that unexplainable magic of being on an island). Diversity easily defines their intriguing populations and the range of attractions that keep visitors enthralled.

Salt Spring is the largest, most populous, and most diverse with over 10,000 individualists and "out-of -box" thinkers living their chosen lifestyle. It is home to a collection of artists and artisans, the rich, the poor, the retired, the aging hippies and the "ordinary people" (hardly!!!) who own or work in small shops, restaurants or businesses. 

The main town of Ganges, acclaimed as one of the best small art towns in North America, boasts over a dozen art galleries on the "Gallery Walk," a vibrant Arts Center for the performing arts, and special appreciation for live music which cascades over the boardwalks onto the docks of the harbour. Around the island there are over three dozen artists on "The Studio Tour," a self-guided adventure through the hillsides to discover mix of many different art forms that cover the alphabet from acrylics and bath salts to wood turning and Zen gardens. Did we mention that every Saturday from Easter through Canadian Thanksgiving there is the renowned Saturday Market?

Salt Spring and Victoria enjoy a microclimate quite different from Vancouver and Seattle. Be pleasantly surprised:Environment Canada Weather

Salt Spring is a special place attracting
discerning individuals who enjoy
the journey and the destination,
rather than the mass market. 

Visit the magic. Savor the attractions. 

Peaceful spaces abound. For "land recreation" Salt Spring offers magnificent viewpoints, secluded picnic spots, walking or hiking trails, and bird watching. Salt Spring also offers, tennis, golf or horseback riding on its island mountains. If the water is more your style, try ocean kayaking, scuba diving, fresh or saltwater fishing. Or how about a four-hour sail or cruise with your captain at the helm?

Welcome Aboard Sailing Charters
Experience the spectacular beauty and wildlife of the Gulf Islands from the water.

Island Escapades  Sea kayak and canoe rentals plus guided tours. 

Sea Otter Kayaking  Sea kayak and canoe rentals plus guided tours. 

Salt Spring Kayaking - Sea kayak rentals plus guided tours, mountain bike rentals. 

Saltspring Marine Rentals Ltd. - Powerboat, paddleboat, car, bike, and scooter rentals. Also offering marine fishing charters, guided fly-fishing outings, plus nature, sightseeing, and sunset cruises.  

And there's Sidney Marine Safari now with departures from Saltspring Marina with spectacular whale watching for everyone.

ArtSpring - Salt Spring’s very own performing arts centre. Schedules for upcoming events.

ArtCraft - A yearly gallery sponsored by the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council.

100 nights of music free at the Tree House in the centre of Ganges - local talent at its best.

Saltspring Studio Tour and
Island Gourmet Safaris

Information on what's happening on Salt Spring brought to you by The Driftwood Newspaper.

Getting Here:

It's easy !

Salt Spring is an easy destination by car using BC Ferries from Vancouver, Victoria and Crofton( mid Vancouver Island). Or, arrive by floatplane from Vancouver or Seattle!. Water taxis, ferries and floatplanes service the other islands, which have smaller populations but have similar outdoor adventures and appeal. 

Where to stay:

Spoiled for choice, Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts agree that Anchor Point, Anne's Oceanfront Hideaway, and Clam Beach Cottage will give you a warm welcome to their special island. All located within 10 minutes of the main town of Ganges in quiet residential areas overlooking the inside waters and islands of the area, each features hospitality and memorable breakfasts.

	Anchor Point at the near end of Beddis Road is the closest to town, overlooks the sail club.
	Anne's  Oceanfront Hideaway at the north end of the island features sunsets and hummingbirds for the true connoisseur.
	Clam Beach Cottage is a romantic waterfront cottage at the North End of the Island

Delicious full breakfasts and lively conversation in the morning will get you off to a great start from any of these accommodating innkeepers.

Eating Well:

No surprise here – a "Taste of Salt Spring" is a true feast for visitors. Salt Spring  has some of the best organic and local produce around!  Wild salmon, halibut, mussels and shrimp abound. If you are a vegetarian or prefer meat you’ll find that too. You won’t find big name fast food here!. 

Salt Spring is the ultimate informal place.  Dockers and jackets are about as formal as it gets unless you go to the Relais & Chateaux member, Hastings House Resort where a tad dressier is appropriate special dinner.  The Artist's Bistro offers waterfront fine dining, well known for its excellent seafood and delicious European and West Coast cuisine. We also recommend either House Piccolo's award-winning Scandinavian food  or The Oystercatcher  for dinner reservations.Calvins Bistro at the marina is also a casual favourite,  but it is first come first served.

Rest, relax, and plan your return.
 Experience firsthand why people who originally made this a vacation destination have been won over
by its charm and made it the destination of a lifetime.

Return to CanadaBBHosts:BC page