Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the Gulf Islands with three ferry terminals. Fulford
Harbour and Vesuvius ferries sail to Vancouver Island, while the Long Harbour terminal serves ferries to
Tsawwassen, near Vancouver, and the other Gulf Islands. Frequent daily sailings from Tsawwassen
Ferry Terminal to Long Harbour, and from Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island to Fulford Harbour.
Ganges and Fulford Harbours offer good facilities for boaters and transportation on the Island includes
cycles, auto rentals, taxis, water taxis, seasonal bus service and scooter rentals. Fulford Village, located
at the southwest end of the island, is known for its friendly village atmosphere; spectacular sunsets,
warm swimming beaches and inspiring trails.
Other activities such as hiking, golf, tennis, birdwatching or horseback riding are available, as well as
farm tours or touring the Saturday morning markets and many quaint retail shops. Sunshine and scenery
make Salt Spring an artist's paradise and the Island's galleries and craft studios feature a variety of
works from internationally renowned artists including residents Carol Evans and Robert Bateman.
Things to do:
Charter a boat or water-taxi to explore one of the marine parks located on the uninhabited islands near
Salt Spring.
Kayak from sunrise to sunset. Salt Spring Island is a paddler's paradise - for beginners to the more
advanced, kayakers can become one with marine life like porpoise, seal and otters. Various outlets offer
equipment, lessons and kayaking excursions.
There are many lakes for fishing, sailing, wind surfing, or canoeing. Fish in freshwater lakes for trout or
cutthroat. Salmon, halibut and cod reward salt water anglers.
Explore sunken wrecks at Princess Margaret Marine Park, one of several excellent diving locations
accessible by boat.
Salt Spring is one of the regions most popular cycling destinations, however cyclists should be pepared to
ride on narrow, winding roads, many of which do not have shoulders. A recommended route is from
Fulford Harbour to Ruckle Provincial Park. Stop to pick berries, birdwatch or enjoy tempting treats at the
various honor stands on the Island.
Ruckle Park has spectacular, ocean-side campsites although services are minimal. The park also
features 11 kms of easy hiking trails through forests and along oceanview bluffs. Other trails are found at
Hope Hill near Fulford Harbour, Mount Bruce and Mount Tuam, also in the area.
Shop in Ganges at Artcraft in historic Mahon Hall, the summer-long arts and crafts fair, offering the
unique handcarfts and artworks of over 200 island artisans. Theatre and live entertainment can be found
year round at Artspring, Salt Spring's premier venue for perfermorming arts consisting of a 5200 square
foot multipurpose area and a 6600 square foot 265 seat theatre.
Take a self-guided tour of over 35 diverse artisans' studios located throughout Salt Spring Island. You'll
find everything from fine art to folk art, from wood bowls to baskets, from jam, bread and cheese to
jewellery, and much more. A free full-colour map is available aboard B.C. Ferries and from the Visitor's
Info Centre in Ganges.
The "Market in the Park" takes place every Saturday from April to October, 8am to 4pm - rain or shine in
Centennial Park, at the heart of Ganges. There is something here for everyone; the market is filled with
the colors and flavors of more than 100 vendors of all types and ages.
Accommodations range from over 75 bed & breakfasts, motels, cottages, spa resorts to walk-in
campsites at Ruckle Provincial Park.
Dine in casual cafes, pubs, and bistros with everything from vegetarian and pub
fare to gourmet cuisine in elegant resort dining rooms.
Victoria and Vancouver Island Accommodations
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