Salt Spring Island BC, South Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada

Named by officers of the Hudson's Bay Company for the cold and briny saltwater springs on the north end of the island, Salt Spring Island is the largest, most populated, and most visited of the Southern Gulf Islands. The setting is West Coast Canadian; forested islands, wide meadows and beautiful landscapes surrounded by emerald ocean and wonderful vistas.

Salt Spring Island has long been a seasonal home of the Coast Salish First Nations, with evidence suggesting that permanent settlements on the south coast of the island - where the Tsawout Band Reserve is located today - existed for centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans and European settlements. The Wsanec people of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan people from the Cowichan Valley frequented the island's shores and harvested its resources.

The island was explored by the Spanish and British in the 1700s, and settled in the 1850s by early pioneers who had abandoned their Fraser River gold rush hopes.

A group of 9 Negro slaves, who had purchased their liberty in the United States, arrived at Vesuvius in 1857. Further black settlers, mainly from California, were followed by European immigrants from Portugal and Scandinavia, and British and Hawaiian (Kanakas) settlers originally recruited by the Hudson's Bay Company. Early island pioneers lived under the constant threat of attack by hostile natives.

In 1859, Captain Richards named the highest peak Mount Baynes, in honour of Rear Admiral Baynes who was in command of the Pacific Station at the time. He also named the island Admiral Island, but islanders continued to use the name Salt Spring Island, which became the official name of the island in 1905. The township of Salt Spring was incorporated in 1873, but strong anti-government sentiment by island residents resulted in the reversal of the incorporation by the BC Legislature ten years later.

Is the island named Saltspring or Salt Spring? The Oxford Dictionary of Canadian Place Names indicates it was called Salt Spring Island by the Hudson's Bay Company in the early 1800s. In 1910 the name was changed to Saltspring by the Geographic Board of Canada (now the Geographical Names Board of Canada), which often fused multiple-word place names. So, officially it is one word, but local usage tends to prefer two words, although it is not unanimous. Canada Post accepts both spellings of the name.

The year-round residents of Salt Spring Island include an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Many vacationers come to Salt Spring simply to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak in the quiet island lifestyle and spirit. If you raise an issue or express an opinion, expect a lively debate from the locals.

Salt Spring Island is the most densely populated of the Gulf Islands and is also home to the biggest Gulf Island provincial campground, Ruckle Provincial Park. The island's shoreline is varied and beautiful, offering rocky shores, tidal pools to explore, shell beaches for beachcombing, and a wide variety of sandy beaches. Of the 22 ocean beaches, 4 are designated for swimming.

The island has over 200 farms and is known for its sheep-raising; be sure to tour the rolling pastures on the north end (visit in the spring, and you'll never order rack of lamb again). Salt Spring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts, and has an impressive selection of shops, restaurants and tourist accommodations. While a few of Salt Spring's attractions can be seen in a whirlwind two-hour drive, a thorough exploration of Salt Spring could take weeks. Allow at least a full day or more...the serene island offers a tranquil respite for solace-seeking travellers.

Salt Spring Island was engaged in one of BC's most high-profile environmental wars between local residents and the Texada Land Corporation. In late 1999 the private logging company purchased 10 percent of Salt Spring Island and promptly proceeded to log it. Efforts to raise funds and support included the publication of Preserve & Protect 2001, a tasteful best-selling calendar featuring nude photographs of 35 island woman.

The rugged and mountainous southern end of the island is dominated by Mount Tuam and Mount Bruce, separated from the equally mountainous mid-island region by the Fulford Valley, located between Fulford Harbour and Burgoyne Bay. The north end of the island has a lower elevation, with rolling pastures, deciduous forests and the majority of residential developments, mainly around the village of Ganges.

The local economy is service-oriented and heavily reliant upon the tourist industry, with a high level of services on the island, concentrated mostly in Ganges. Salt Spring offers hotels and motels, a large number of resorts, and many bed & breakfasts and self-contained cottages and suites. There may well be more B&Bs per capita on Salt Spring than anywhere else in Canada.

Farming is important on the island, which bills itself as the Organic Gardening Capital of Canada, and local farmers and growers form the backbone of the popular Salt Spring Market. Farming includes sheep and lamb products, poultry, llamas, cheese, fruit orchards, and certified organic growers.

Salt Spring is 17 miles (27 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide, with 83 miles (133 km) of shoreline (182 square kilometres). The island attracts visitors and prospective residents with its mild climate and annual sunshine in excess of 2,000 hours.

Today, the cost of property on Salt Spring Island is amongst the highest in Canada, an indication of the popularity of this lovely, trippy, safe and secluded island. Vast tracts of protected land and strict building restrictions have also increased property prices, with limits imposed on development and population density. Land use on the island is governed by the Islands Trust, which aims to preserve and protect the unique qualities of the Gulf Islands. Popular with retirees who like the openness and sense of community on the island, the median age of Salt Spring is more than 9 years older than the BC average.

A public bus transit system covers the main routes on Salt Spring Island, and the Ganges Faerie MiniShuttle service operates between the ferry terminals (Fulford, Long Harbour, Vesuvius) and Ganges, Ruckle Park, and Fernwood. Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car, motorbike, scooter or even a bicycle to take in some of the breathtaking views to be seen on Salt Spring Island. Cycling is popular, but most roads are narrow and none have shoulders.

Population: 12,000

Location: Salt Spring Island is located in the sheltered waters of the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, off the west coast of Canada. Because of its close proximity to Vancouver Island, Salt Spring is the most accessible of the Gulf chain of islands, with the most frequent ferry sailings on three routes to three ferry terminals. BC Ferries links Fulford Harbour with Swartz Bay (near Sidney), and also links Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. There's a BC Ferries dock in nearby Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on the BC mainland. Floatplanes also link the village of Ganges to Vancouver and Seattle.

Ganges: On Salt Spring, all roads lead to the village of Ganges, in mid island, the biggest town in the Gulf Islands. There are more shops, services, amenities, restaurants, and galleries (not to mention tourists and cars) crammed into Ganges than exist on any other Gulf Island. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch. Ganges was named after HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters.

Fulford Harbour Ferry Terminal
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Fulford Village, at the southern end of the island, bustles with activity when the ferry arrives from Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island. The decidedly laid-back atmosphere of Fulford Village, the historic Fulford Inn, the historic grocery store, the Mexican cafe, and the few crafts shops all combine to add to the unique character of Fulford Harbour and the Ferry Terminal. Visit the native artifacts museum housed in a beautiful log building.

Fulford Harbour was named after Captain John Fulford, commanding officer of the HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Charming Fulford Harbour provides temporary anchorage in the shallow waters at the head of the long inlet, a favourite destination among cruising boats.

Tiny Vesuvius Bay on the northwest side of Salt Spring offers more studios, hiking trails, and spectacular sunsets! BC Ferries operates a ferry service from Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. This is one of the few ferry docks where you can park your car in line and wander over to a pub (the Vesuvius Inn) and quaff a beer and enjoy the great view from the veranda while you wait for your ship to come in. A popular family beach is close to the facilities at Vesuvius Bay. Park on Langley Street, then go down a flight of stairs to the beach. Amateur geologists will find some deeply inclined rock strata to study, and warmer ocean waters make it a good spot for swimming. Vesuvius Bay was the home of the first settlers on Salt Spring Island (1857), the nine American blacks who had purchased their freedom from slavery. Vesuvius is named after the Royal Navy's paddle sloop Vesuvius, which did duty in the Black Sea during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

The fourth community on the island is Fernwood, facing Galiano Island on the northeast coast of Salt Spring. Fernwood is a good launching spot for those wishing to cross Houston Passage to visit Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park in Trincomali Channel. Fernwood provides a government wharf at Fernwood Point off Walker Hook Road, and a boat launching ramp over tidal sand flats at Hudson Point, north of the Fernwood Dock off North Beach Road.

Salt Spring Island even has its own currency! Salt Spring Island Dollars are available on a one-to-one exchange with the Canadian Dollar and accepted on Salt Spring on the same basis as the national currency. The goal of the local currency, which was introduced to the Island in September 2001, is to raise funds for worthwhile community projects while promoting local commerce and goodwill. Limited editions of Salt Spring Island art are featured on the back of the notes, which help to make the bills collectible after the two-year expiry date. The not-for-profit Salt Spring Island Monetary Foundation facilitates the process of returning the proceeds of the venture back to the community. Legally considered gift certificates, the Salt Spring Island Dollar is Canada's only local legal-tender currency in circulation.

St. Paul's Church in Fulford

The 14 salt springs located on private property on the north end of the island are the only springs in the Gulf Islands. The brine springs are rather unspectacular, and vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter. View more information on the benefits of bathing in the Salt Spring Mineral Water.

Overlooking Fulford Harbour is the tiny stone Roman Catholic St. Paul's Church, built between 1880 and 1883. The church can be viewed from the ferry when sailing into Fulford Harbour.

Head to the heart of Ganges every Saturday to see the wares and talents of the islanders on display at the local Saturday Market (April to October). The colourful event includes a variety of impromptu musical performances and the occasional theatrical or dance exhibition.
Farmer's Market is a small market held on Tuesdays in the greenspace next to the United Church, between McPhillips and Hereford Avenues. Ganges is the largest bustling seaside village in the Gulf Islands, located 7.5 miles (12 km) north of Fulford Harbour.

Akerman Museum in the Fulford Valley houses artifacts of local history dating back hundreds of years. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Salt Spring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. The private museum is open to the public and well worth a visit.

Enjoy theatre and live entertainment throughout the year at the ArtSpring Theatre in Ganges, Salt Spring Island's premier venue for concerts, theatre, exhibitions and much more. Graffiti Theatre Company utilizes the talents of island artists whilst engaging theatre professionals from away to enrich and broaden their work.

Salt Spring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. Studios showcase ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, furniture, metal craft, stained glass, moulded candles, wool and fleece products, and many other unique island products. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges. The unique tour is a self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans, showcasing their individual talents and creations for your enjoyment and purchase.

One of the biggest events of the year is the annual Fall Fair, held on the third weekend of September just outside Ganges. The two-day fair attracts thousands of visitors who attend to see award-winning displays of fruit and vegetables, prize-winning livestock and riding exhibitions by local equestrians.

Be sure to stop by in July for the annual Saltspring Festival of the Arts, which presents a diverse and culturally rich program of talented performing artists. Other annual events include Fulford Days, the Street Dance in August, the Apple Festival in September, the Guilds of Christmas, Saltspring Singers, and Santa Ship in December.

Golf: Tee off on either of the two golf courses on Saltspring Island. The challenging 9-hole Salt Spring Island Golf & Country Club on Lower Ganges Road welcomes the public and operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Ten minutes south of Ganges is the Blackburn Meadows Golf Club.

Click here for More Attractions in Salt Spring Island

	Harbour House Restaurant & Lounge, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Located at the head of Ganges Harbour, the Harbour House Restaurant offers a beautiful harbour view, a casual relaxing atmosphere and garden patio. The delicious menu features a gourmet selection at reasonable prices, local craft beer and wine. Enjoy local entertainment each weekend on Fri - Sun at 6:30 - 9:00 pm. Local organic produce is utilized in the menu, straight from our own organic farm! Join us for a good time, good food and good fun.

	Hastings House Country House Hotel, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Hastings House Country House Hotel is a small luxury country resort, spa and restaurant on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Whether your accommodations are in the stately Tudor-style Manor House, the restored historic Post Cottage, or any one of 18 distinct suites, you�ll be captivated by the ambiance of this pastoral estate.

	Joe Squire - Sutton West Coast Realty, Vancouver	Listing Details
	As a Gulf Island resident and REALTOR with experience in Vancouver and the Southern Gulf Islands, I can give you the insightful advantage you need when buying and selling in the region. Gain from my perspective and negotiating skills when making a move in today's challenging market. You deserve my prompt energetic service and professionalism, contact me directly now.

	Maple Ridge Cottages, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Salt Spring Island's smallest and most accommodating resort offers four lakeside cottages on the west side of St. Mary Lake, surrounded by watershed and protected land. Great hiking and birdwatching, and superb trout and bass fishing. Complimentary rowboats, canoes and kayak. Beautifully landscaped garden ensures privacy for each cottage. Only three miles from Ganges. Open Year Round.

	Mowhinna Creek Campground, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Mowhinna Creek Campground is located in the heart of Saltspring Island, 1 km south of Ganges. Convenient central location from which to explore the island. Accessible by local bus. Nestled in the woods, the easy-access RV sites have full hookups. Tent sites vary in amount of shading. Pets welcome. Camp hosts on site. Reservations recommended.

	Peter Nash Real Estate, Victoria	Listing Details
	Dedicated to excellent service, Peter Nash has been successfully selling city and country waterfront and prestige properties on southern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands since 1972. PeterNash.com is one of BC's original and most productive real estate sites. Native to Victoria and Saanich Peninsula, Peter Nash has always been involved in boating, fishing, and wildlife, the very things that make Vancouver Island one of the world's most desirable places to live. An innovative professional approach, in combination with unparalleled service, makes Peter Nash the premier choice in this competitive market.

	Quarrystone House, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Quarrystone House is located on five country acres on the crest of a ridge on the north end of enchanting Salt Spring Island. Four beautifully decorated spacious suites separate from the main house, with complete privacy and tranquility, private fireplace and jacuzzi tub, and expansive ocean views from your secluded balcony.

	Royal LePage Salt Spring Realty, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Salt Spring Realty has been introducing people to unique Salt Spring Island since 1928. Let us share the magic with you, with detailed information on all properties for sale on Salt Spring Island, including recreational and residential homes, lots and acreages, waterfront and view properties, and businesses. Our realtors provide information on local real estate values, taxes, utility costs, services and amenities.

	Salt Spring Inn, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Salt Spring Inn offers seven tastefully appointed guest rooms: three deluxe rooms with Queen beds, fireplaces, sea views, and their own private bathrooms, and four guest rooms with Queen beds and access to shared facilities. Come and enjoy oceanfront dining at one of Salt Spring's finest restaurants. Located in the heart of Ganges, across from the Visitor Centre.

	Salt Spring Island Golf & Country Club, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Located in the heart of beautiful Salt Spring Island, and just minutes from the downtown core, the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club is truly a memorable experience. Established in 1928, and since remodelled and improved, this nine-hole, par-36 course is open year round to members and the general public and operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Includes a 250-yard driving range and practice putting green. Twilight rates available. Treat yourself to an island getaway!

	Salt Springs Spa Resort, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	This highly acclaimed seaside spa resort features ocean and forest view chalets, each with their own wood burning fireplace, kitchen and 2 person mineral water jet bath. Canada's most complete organic health spa offers a full range of traditional Ayurvedic and Modern holistic body, beauty and fitness therapies including customized herbal, diet, weight loss, yoga and cleansing programs and retreats.

	The Villas at Vesuvius, Salt Spring Island	Listing Details
	The Vesuvius Villas offers an attractive vacation rental destination in the century-old village of Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island. Relax in one of 12 luxurious, self-contained suites and take in the famous vistas and sunsets of Vesuvius Bay. Fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace opening onto spacious balcony with ocean views, bathroom with each bedroom, and washer/dryer. A pleasant stroll to store, restaurant, or the island�s warmest swimming beach.

	Waterfront West Real Estate, Courtenay	Listing Details
	Waterfront West is the first and only marketplace dedicated exclusively to buyers and sellers of waterfront and water view real estate in British Columbia. Advertising Realtors' listings, private sales and developments, we are pioneering the market for this prime real estate. Featuring private and brokered sales, waterfront developments and a complimentary Buyers' Club.

	Cedar Beach Resort, Salt Spring Island	Listing Details
	Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island. Our 5 acre resort ofers 17 cabins and suites as well as 23 fully-serviced RV/camping sites. We have our own private, sandy beach right on the lake. Our heated, outdoor swimming pool (open mid-May to mid-September) and hot tub offer fabulous lake views. All cabins and suites are fully furnished with cooking facilities, and the adjoining Beach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation space. An exceptional venue for family reunions, gatherings, and small group weddings.

	Cusheon Lake Resort, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Listen to the quiet on Saltspring Island in the Southern Gulf Islands. Modern log cabins and cozy cedar chalets. Quality through and through. Elegant park-like setting. Quiet - Relaxing - Renewing. Fireplaces, Outdoor Hot Tub, Decks overlooking Cusheon Lake, with boating, swimming and fishing at your door. Getaways for all seasons - Couples, Families, Friends, Weddings, Business, Groups. Peaceful and Romantic - Great Views and Privacy.

	Duck Creek Farm, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	Duck Creek Farm is a 13-acre farm with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, greenhouses, sheep, ponds, and five acres of forested land. The farm offers bicycle campsites and a farmstay caravan. Campers can pitch their tents in the grassy open on the edge of the woods, in the middle of farm, or in the forest. Located minutes from the Crofton/Vesuvius ferry terminal and a few kilometers from the centre of Ganges.

	EcoFabulous Homes Delivered to Your Site, Vancouver	Listing Details
	Our EcoFabulous Homes have all the advantages of Modules built in a Factory, never subjected to rain or snow, minimal waste, and sustainable construction products and materials. Green homes are healthy homes. Equally suitable for urban sites or remote areas with beautiful workmanship and custom design. Take advantage of our experience to create your dream home.

	Falconshead Grill & Lounge, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	The fully licensed Falconshead Grill & Lounge at the Salt Spring Island Golf & Country Club is your home to great food and great service. Open for lunch, dinner and drinks, seven days a week and twelve months a year. We can accommodate groups from 2 to 200, both inside and outside on our panoramic deck. Enjoy sports action on our 72� big-screen television.

	Harbour House Hotel, Restaurant & Organic Farm, Saltspring Island	Listing Details
	The Harbour House Hotel on Salt Spring Island offers 36 comfortable and affordable rooms within walking distance of Ganges Village. We have rooms with harbour views, balconies, patios or fireplaces. The deluxe rooms offer large whirlpool bathtubs. Our amenities include a restaurant, patio & lounge, plus spa, yoga studio, organic farm and special event conference or meeting rooms. 100% smoke free environment. Pet friendly rooms available.

Back to Top