If you're
in pursuit of culture, the island's studio tour is an excellent
introduction to the variety of artistic expression available on
the island. The performing arts are also well represented with several
theater groups, a wealth of musicians and some wonderful venues
which range from pubs and small cafes to the islands cultural heart
at Artspring.
On Salt Spring
you'll find many fine restaurants with offerings ranging from fine
French cuisine to west coast fusion. The islands organic produce
and locally caught seafood are often showcased. Salt Spring Lamb
has an excellent reputation and you'll find it featured on many
of the restaurants menus. Casual dining is well represented with
patio service available in most establishments during the warmer
months.
There are several
artisanal cheese makers on the island and their products are excellent.
Salt spring has two fine wineries which provide tasting's and tours
and has it's own small micro-brewery as well. Finally the local
roasting company will sell you a perfectly brewed cup of organic,
fair trade coffee that you'll find memorable.
Salt spring
has several kayaking outfits which will provide instruction, rent
you a boat, or take you on a tour. Less experience paddlers can
take advantage of the islands protected harbours (although ferry
or boat traffic should be considered, particulary in Ganges Harbour).
Seasoned kayakers have a choice of a number of overnight or multi-day
trips with a wide variety of destinations including the Gulf Islands
National Park or one of several Provincial Marine Parks.
Boaters can
choose from several marinas and anchorages with Ganges Harbour being
the number one destination. Marine services, nautical charts and
a full range of amenities are available in the Ganges area. Restaurants
and bars crowd the shore and are only a short dinghy ride away.
The nearby Gulf Islands National Park and the Provincial Marine
Parks have a number of sheltered anchorages as well as public moorage
available.
The island has
wonderful trails, many of which will take you to overlooks with
exceptional views of the surrounding region. There are also less
strenuous options ranging from creek side walks to hikes along ocean
beaches and cliffs. Ruckle Park has a great network of hiking trails
and wonderful camp sites overlooking the water.
Salt Spring
is known as a healing place. Several resorts and spas offer a variety
of treatments and programs. There are also yoga studios, spiritual
retreats, massage therapists and an exceptional health food store.
Getting Here
& Getting Around – There are three ferry terminals on
the island, Vesuvius, Fulford and Long Harbour, all of which are
serviced by BC Ferries. From Tsawwassen (Vancouver/Lower Mainland)
you can reach the island by taking the ferry to Long Harbour (some
sailings are direct, consult their website for details). The other
option is to take the ferry to Swartz Bay (Victoria/Vancouver Island)
then catch the connecting ferry to Fulford Harbour (be sure to ask
for a through fare when you purchase you're initial ticket - it
provides a good discount). From Vancouver island you can take the
ferry to Fulford as previously mentioned or you can take the Crofton
- Vesuvius (Duncan/Vancouver Island) link located further north
on the island. From Salt Spring you can also connect (directly or
indirectly (consult the BC Ferries website for route information)
with Mayne, Pender and Saturna. Gabriola, Kuper and Thetis (Valdes
has no ferry service) are served by separate routes. Inter-island
passenger service is also available through Gulf Islands Water Taxi.
Several regional airlines service the island as well. Boaters can
take advantage of the anchorages in the protected area of Ganges
and Fulford harbours as well as a number of other bays and coves
around the island. Canada Customs (Canadian Border Service Agency)
is located on South Pender Island. Check out their website
for information on custom clearance and the CANPASS system. The
new Salt Spring transit system launched in 2008, allowing you to
access a large part of the island without the need for a car. The
Silver Shadow Taxi Company provides taxi service on the island.
Map
of Salt Spring Island
Map of Ganges Village - Salt Spring
Island
Map
of Gabriola Island
Map of Galiano Island
Map of Mayne Island
Map of Pender Islands
Map
of Saturna Island
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