Salt Spring Island, which garners its name from the naturally occurring springs on the island, is the largest of British Columbia's Gulf Island archipelago. Home to more people, accommodations and services than all the other 225 Gulf Islands combined, Salt Spring measures 180 square kilometres. Ganges, location of one of the island's three ferry terminals, is the only official town on the Gulf Islands.
Getting to Salt Spring Island
B.C. Ferries offer the most reasonable rates to reach Salt Spring Island as well as regular and reliable service. There are two routes to reach the island, one dubbed the 'milk run' as the ferry makes stops at other islands along the way picking up and dropping off passengers. The ferry from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour on Salt Spring takes about two and a half hours but the jaw-dropping scenery makes the journey feel like a vacation.
The alternate route requires taking a ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria on Vancouver Island, then transferring to a second short ferry ride to Fulford Harbour. Though this trip takes just as long, it is more expensive and doesn't offer the island close ups of the 'milk run' route. However the beauty of the open water, dotted with tree covered islands cannot be taken for granted.
During whale migration season, passengers may be fortunate enough to see Orca whales passing by, while bird-watching may produce sightings of Common and Pacific loons, Pigeon Guillemots and Red Breasted Mergansers.
Salt Spring Island Activities
Whether looking for a relaxing, battery-recharging type vacation or an experiential, active holiday Salt Spring Island caters to a variety of needs. Aside from the breathtaking scenery at every turn, the Island provides ample opportunity for water-sports such as kayaking, sailing and fishing.
For those who prefer a more sedate water-based experience, try a dinner cruise while watching a spectacular sunset or a lunch cruise that takes tourists through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery the Gulf Islands have to offer.
Salt Spring Island is home to many artists, producing world-class unique pieces of work. Gorgeous pieces made from glass, stone, clay, fabric, wood and more can be viewed on the island's Studio Tour. The Studio Tour takes in 34 working studios around the island that also includes a lavender farm tour, a cheese factory and the Salt Spring Island Bread Co.
The Saturday market in Ganges brings many of the island's artisans together, often as many as 150, showing off their wares to eager tourists looking to take a piece of the island home. The market rule of "make it, bake it or grow it" ensures all products all locally made.
Romantic Salt Spring Island Accommodations
There are accommodation options for every budget on Salt Spring Island; there is an abundance of small B & B's as well as campgrounds with RV and tent space. For those travellers looking for a particularly special and romantic getaway Salt Spring also caters to that market.
Salt Springs Spa Resort has naturally occurring springs on the property, where guests reside in their own personal chalet. Hot stone massage, hydro-thermo spa tubs and Ayurvedic therapists provide guests with a perfectly relaxing, stress-reducing vacation in an idyllic location. The resort is perfect for those truly wanting to escape the city as there are no distracting telephones or televisions available.
Hastings House, which makes the list of 1000 Places to See Before You Die, represents the ultimate in decadence with the price tag to match. A night in this small luxury hotel on Ganges Harbour ranges from $395-$715 during low season and up to $895 in high season. Guests are pampered and treated to award-winning cuisine and wines as well as access to an intimate spa and gorgeous scenery.
No matter what the budget or the reason for a getaway, Salt Spring Island can tend to the needs of all visitors. From the minute the ferry pulls away from the dock until the return trip home, relaxation comes naturally.
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
