Marinas, Anchorages, and More on Salt Spring

This Southern Gulf Coast Island offers a multitude of activities and attractions all season.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

In a time when terms like ‘social distancing,’ ‘mandatory masks,’ and ‘sanitizing’ take on a whole new meaning, ‘chill’ is still one of the keywords to describe the atmosphere on Salt Spring Island. Even though it’s the one of most populated of all the Southern Gulf Islands, solace and tranquility are the ways of this coastal boating destination.

With COVID-19 safety measures in place for its marinas, parks, and other outdoor spaces – not to mention the variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops – the notion of visiting its core business centre is a viable one, and can certainly enhance your visit. Yet, it’s the open spaces and activities surrounding Salt Spring that draws enthusiasts to its local waters. And the real beauty about nature is you can enjoy it to your heart’s content and always come back for more.

Getting Here and Finding an Anchorage

There are many routes and passages to Salt Spring, including Georgia Strait, which is a north-south route between Vancouver and Vancouver Island; Porlier Pass that’s exposed to south easterlies with little places to ride out foul weather; and Active Pass, a more protected route with areas to wait for inclement weather to pass.

Once you determine your route and make your way closer to Salt Spring, there are a variety of anchorages as recommended by Ahoybc.com. They offer the best of both worlds with their isolated location but are within a quick run to Salt Spring’s full-service marinas and local business centre. Here are three to consider on your next cruise to Salt Spring:

Portland Island

There are a few great anchorages here and what’s especially convenient is that it’s one of the closer islands to Salt Spring. The area is popular among boaters, yet it’s important to remember that the anchorage off the northeast shore is an acclaimed diving site as enthusiasts come from around the world to explore the G.B. Church, a sunken freighter, which rests at the bottom. So, remember to throw caution in the wind and keep an eye out for designated buoy flags.

If swimming and floating on the hook is more your speed, Princess Bay at the south end of the island can accommodate many boats. If it gets a little crowded during peak season, it’s recommended to tie-off the metal rings on the shoreline and you can even tender in and use one of the shoreside campsites. Nevertheless, depth in the bay is a very manageable 5 m (16 ft).

Another anchorage to consider is Royal Cove, which is protected from the south but there might be some rockin’ and rollin’ due to wakes from ferry traffic in Satellite Channel. You may also want to drop anchor a little early in the day during the summer as it’s limited to about six to eight boats.

Glenthorne Passage and Prevost Island

If you cruise between Glenthorne Point and Owl Island you’ll enter Glenthorne Passage. This is one of a handful of anchorages and is known to offer optimal protection in rougher weather. If you’re brought along a kayak or paddleboard, you’ll appreciate the protected waters even more. Setting an anchor will be quick as there is good holding on the mud bottom with a depth of 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) below the surface.

Russell Island

Russell Island is also close to Salt Spring and just off the mouth of Fulford Harbour. There’s a nice setting for about 12 boats on its northwest side and the National Park Service provides a dinghy dock to access the island. Setting the hook is also relatively easy with a depth of 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) and rock and gravel bottom. You can also cruise right into Fulford Harbour to access a variety of amenities including groceries on Salt Spring.

Salt Spring Island: Stay and Enjoy

More enjoyment in this area can be found on Salt Spring Island, and cruising into Ganges Harbour is one of the best ways to see other attractions. What’s convenient about the harbour is its home to two marinas offering transient moorage with more options at the nearby at Harbour Authority – Salt Spring. Of special note are the two harbour marinas – Salt Spring and Ganges – recently underwent renovations for 2021 to offer more convenience for recreational boaters.

Both marinas offer many marine necessities including shorepower, free WiFi, shower and laundry facilities, a marine supplies store, and more. Although they are conveniently located within walking distance to the business district, they do offer free shuttle services, and on-site car and scooter rentals are available at Salt Spring Marina to explore the island further.

When it comes to shopping or restocking the galley, the Salt Spring Saturday Market held near the Harbour Authority is always a good bet. The island encompasses more than 200 working farms, which produce an array of organic produce and meats, and most are at the market. 

After browsing the fresh meats and produce, you’ll want to see the fine works from local artisans who showcase their creative wares as well.  From pottery and hand-crafted jewelry to woodworking and photography, you’re bound to find something unique and special.  If you’re travelling during the week, there’s also the Tuesday Farmer’s Market to check out. Given current restrictions with COVID-19, hours and capacities may be limited, so it’s best to visit Salt Spring’s Parks and Recreation website for operating hours and regulations.

There’s a certain amount of pride on the island when it comes to the locally raised meats, produce, and dairy and can be savoured in the island’s restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and dairy shops (the locally produced goat cheese is a must-try). The local wine, craft beer, even the island’s spirits are impressive and certainly worth a sample or two.

Additionally, during your morning coffee or following lunch or dinner, it’s definitely worthwhile to browse Salt Spring’s many boutiques and fine art galleries. While a lot of the local works are showcased at the weekly markets, plan to visit a studio if your itinerary doesn’t correspond to the market schedules.

Salt Spring also has many natural attractions unique to anywhere. A short walk from the main commercial centre leads to Ganges Mouat Park where you can play a round of disc golf and access the easy 8 km (5 mi) hiking trail. It’s accessible from Seaview Drive or from the 200 block of Rainbow Road. Churchill Beach, just off Churchill Road, is also popular and has great views of Ganges Harbour. 

When your plans include staying for a few days or longer, there are a variety of accommodations. Choose from guest suites, B&B’s, Airbnb’s, and cottage rentals. You may want to visit the Hastings House Country House Hotel or the Harbour House Hotel. 

Ganges is not the only area to visit on Salt Spring. Nearby are three other rural villages to include Fulford Harbour that’s home to another marina and services; Fernwood on the north-east end of the island, which has great views from the extensive government wharf and a beach at low tide; and Vesuvius Bay, that’s considered to be one of the sunniest spots on the island.

Regardless of how you want to spend time here, there’s a guarantee you’ll find enjoyment and something new with every visit. In addition to admiring stunning scenery from your bridge or cockpit, and the chance to find a select piece of fine art or relax over an excellent farm-to-table meal, this Gulf Coast Island can enhance your summer cruising experiences every season.

For more details drop by the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges or visit www.saltspringtourism.com

Here are just a few of the upgrades and developments to expect at this popular marina in Ganges Harbour for 2021. 

  • The completion of 6,107 linear feet of docks and the outer dock consists of one 45 m (147 ft) section and a 113 m (370 ft) section on the outside. Both are designed to mitigate wave action inside the marina to protect smaller boats from rough weather. Ample 50-amp power on the outer floats is also available for larger vessels.
  • There are 140 slips that can accommodate boats from 5.5 m (18 ft) and larger with 30- and 50-amp power. It's important to note there's shallow water on the northeast side of the marina (the Hastings House side) as there is a reef that couldn't be removed with dredging. The approach channel is marked with five red buoys, so always stay close to the marina side of the floats.
  • Sanitized facilities (laundry, shower, restrooms) to meet COVID-19 regulations and safety protocols.
  • The on-site Moby's Pub has a new extra patio on the Marina Deck with reduced seating to ensure social distancing. Boaters may reserve a front-row table to ensure seating.
  • The Hastings House Country Hotel, Dining, and Spa will be open from March to November for Seaside Social Hour with appetizers and cocktails. Full dinner service will be offered on the Terrace as well as the Heritage Rooms and Verandah. What's more, 18 rooms will be available for the 2021 season.
  • Emergency boat repairs are offered at Harbour's End Marine Repair and the Salt Spring Marina Boat Launch can be used for a nominal charge
  • Car and Scooter rentals are available on-site (250) 537-3122. BC Transit will stop at Marina if hailed. New safer walking path to the village of Ganges.

Expect Great Changes at Salt Spring’s Ganges Marina

With many years of boating experience (50,000 NM to be exact), new managers – Shelley and Kyle Benger – bring much experience to meet the needs of recreational boaters. Some new major upgrades on its grounds include:

  • A new landing, plus railings and ramps
  • Upgraded WiFi  and shower facilities
  • New decking and bull rails on the 1,161 m² (12, 500 ft²) breakwater dock.
  • New coded security/fob-entry system with 16 security cameras.
  • All finger docks have been replaced on the B dock with plans to restore the A dock and replace the E dock.