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Photos by Glenn Kohaly
Salt Spring Island
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Story and photos by Glenn Kohaly
Lis and Shawn Walton, owners of Auntie Pesto’s Café on Salt Spring Island have been keen supporters of local sailor Richard Clarke and during the recent Olympics in London, England Shawn joined the Star-Class sailing team as their personal chef. While the team trained and worked hard preparing for the competition Shawn was out shopping for the special foods the team would need and then prepared all of their meals.
Back home now Shawn has resumed his regular duties as chef, sourcing all the fresh home-grown ingredients for his own restaurant. This is a great spot for a glass of wine on the deck while the sun goes down over a view that is constantly inspiring and ever-changing. The pesto pasta is incredible and it's a pretty safe bet that you would never find a more perfect fillet steak than right here. Gold medal dining!
Inspired by the beauty and the tranquil lifestyle the 13,000 year-round residents of Salt Spring Island include an eclectic mix of artists and musicians. Arts and culture are not just big here – they are a way of life. On Salt Spring, all roads lead to the village of Ganges, the largest bustling seaside village in the Gulf Islands.
Solace Organic Spa with two locations on Salt Spring Island offers an array of holistic therapies. Their spa menu offers certified massage, RMT massage therapy, acupressure, reflexology, aromatherapy, shiatsu, facials, wraps, salt glows, steam sessions, solace skin care, Licensed Esthetic services, waxing, manicures and pedicures. On a recent visit in September both Virginia and I were introduced to their services and can easily say it was one of the highlights of our visit to the Island. Pure relaxation and it’s good for you.
Like everything else on Salt Spring, shopping is a unique experience. You will want to set aside a few hours to spend at the world famous Saturday Market running from April to October. Vendors must "make it, bake it, or grow it" themselves. For an island that is known as the "Organic Gardening Capital of Canada" visitors are always in for a treat.
When visiting the Island be sure to bring your clubs or just rent a set but do visit the Salt Spring Golf & Country Club. You will enjoy their 9 hole, 3100-yard, par 36 course. After a game of golf take in the Studio Tour. Throughout Salt Spring you will see the distinctive Studio Tour signs showing you the way to one of the over 30 local crafts people, woodworkers, potters, jewellery makers, fabric and culinary artists on the island.
Ganges Village offers great boutique shopping featuring galleries, clothing stores, souvenirs, jewellery, kitchen gadgets, unique “made on Salt Spring” crafts and gourmet food items. Include a visit to Mouat’s, a locally owned mercantile that has been operating for over 100 years in the same location. Visit their hardware store, Mouat's Clothing Co. with its unique collection of products and Old Salty, "the place" for greeting cards and gifts.
For years RVers to the area have been taking the opportunity to take on provisions at Thrifty Foods which is just a few short steps from the harbour. The selection is complete with right-out-of-the-oven baked goods, freshly cut meats, baskets of fruits and vegetables and all the staples boaters or day-trippers could want.
You too can enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of this beautiful island community. There are a number of highly professional realtors that can help you achieve your dreams of island living. Whether you're looking to relocate, purchase investment property or find the ideal family vacation home, they can match you with the perfect Gulf Island property. Li Read of Sea to Sky Premier explains that she receives requests from people all over the world who are drawn to the island's idyllic countryside and dramatic maritime scenery.
Whether you are arriving in your own boat, hitching a ride with BC Ferries or treating yourself to a float plane ride you will find Salt Spring Island residents keen to share with you their little piece of paradise.
Events: May 17-19 Round Saltspring Race
Mowhinna Creek Campground
This newly opened campground is centrally located, 1 km from Ganges, has tent and easy access RV sites, showers, Wi-Fi, playground, and friendly campground hosts.
515 Fulford-Ganges Rd., Saltspring Island, BC V8K 2K1, (250-537-7861)
http://www.mowhinnacreekcampground.com
camphost@mowhinnacreekcampground.com
Garden Faire Campground
Tent and RV sites, beautifully situated in the filtered sunlight of an old growth forest, just a 10 minute walk via the Mouat Park Trails to all the amenities in Ganges, and across the road from their new indoor pool, hot tub and showers.
305 Rainbow Road (at Atkins), Salt Spring Island V8K 2M3, 250-537-4346