Salt Spring Delights

Shop. Dine. Wine. Explore. This boating-friendly hot spot is a must-see with its many services and amenities.

Words by Chamber of Commerce & Salt Spring Tourism

One the great things about visiting Ganges Harbour and Salt Spring Island is its easy accessibility from the water to all the shops, restaurants, and many natural attractions, making it great place to take a break from the helm and enjoy the many things to see and do. What’s more convenient for boaters is the fact that there’s three marinas that combine to provide up to 300 available slips and all the services you need - or desire – are within walking distance from shore.

One of the series of The Gulf Islands between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring attracts enthusiasts from as close as the mainland of Vancouver to as far away as the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. While there are a series of Salt Spring communities, Ganges is the hub of the island with many great restaurants, galleries, cafes, grocery stores, marine services, plus some of the best boutique shopping in the region.

What’s interesting about Salt Spring, however, is there are more than 200 working farms on the island that produce some of the best organic and gluten-free options, including garlic, greens, apples, lamb, mushrooms, tomatoes and more – and the choices are vast. While much of the fresh produce and meats can be savoured in one of the many dining establishments, why not stock your galley with a visit to the island’s Famous Saturday Market. It’s where everything – from baked goods to fresh produce, poultry and beef – is grown and raised on the island.

No gift for someone back home? No problem. The market is home to an array of artisans include potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, and photographers all offering their unique works. Keep in mind, based on the time of year, the market offerings change depending on the season and what artisans are working on. It’s open every Saturday from April to October. If you visit mid-week, there’s also The Tuesday Farmer’s Market, which is open from June to the end of October.

Getting Around

Salt Spring just isn’t limited to shopping. In addition to many natural attractions, a short walk from the main centre leads to Ganges Mouat Park and an easy 8 km (5 mi) hiking trail. Access is from Seaview Drive (just past ArtSpring) or from the 200 block of Rainbow Road. You may also like Churchill Beach – located off Churchill Road – where there’s a great view of Ganges Harbour plus a small dock to launch your kayak and dingy.

Cycling is also popular on the island and bike and e-bike rentals are available at Salt Spring Adventure Company, while scooter rentals are also available on the island. Other outdoor activities include kayaking, whale watching, paddle boarding, to name but a few.

If you can’t part with your golf clubs, the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club has been open since 1928 and offers some of the top golfing in the Gulf Islands. It’s consists of a nine-hole track that has an assortment of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s with a number of hills, long fairways and challenging greens. The course is great for beginners or seasoned golfers alike and there’s a restaurant and pro-shop on site. Nearby the downtown centre are public tennis, pickle ball and squash courts as well as a running track.

Art and Music Lovers Rejoice

With much artistic talent on the island, it’s hard to resist leaving without that special masterpiece that caught your eye. Named as one of the top artist’s towns in Canada, Ganges showcases many forms of art and is home to approximately a dozen galleries featuring talent from across the country with an emphasis on West Coast artists. First Nations artwork is also available as is the work from famous local artists. Priced for every budget, work goes from a few dollars for art cards to a few thousand for original paintings and sculptures.

Live music is also a big part of the vibe on Salt Spring. Be sure to drop by the Tree House Café that presents Music under the Stars every evening June through September or the nighty live music at the Oystercatcher Restaurant and Moby’s Pub. You can also catch great performances at ArtSpring, a 265-seat community arts centre, which attracts talent from across the globe for music, dance and literary art.

Stay for a While

Should you need a break from your berth for a few days, there’s a range of accommodations that vary in price and amenities. More importantly, as the operators are passionate about the island, chances are high they will make your stay memorable. You can choose from camping and cozy guest suites to B&B’s, Airbnb’s, and cottages. You may also want to visit the Hastings House Country House Hotel or the Harbour House Hotel. Both are within walking distance of the harbour.

While the summer is a popular time to visit, perhaps skip the crowds in the off-season after mid-September. There are still many things to see and do and some of the popular events include October Fest, which includes the Fall Fair and Apple Festival, plus several Farm to Table dinners; Christmas on Salt Spring; and the February Festival that consists of a month-long arts and culture celebration.

Ganges is not the only community on Salt Spring Island to visit. Not far away are three other villages to include Fulford, Vesuvius Bay (that’s known as one of the sunniest spots on the island), as well as Fernwood located on the north-east of the island.

However, no matter when or where you plan on visiting, in the summer or spring, there’s always something to enjoy, savour, and experience in this popular getaway in the Gulf Islands.

Taste the Difference

The salt air from the sea is part of the terrier of the islands soil and you can taste the difference in the food and wine. Long part of the organic food movement, the permaculture and sustainable practices have become a model that many places around the world follow and the local farmers have become leaders in Canada’s sustainable farming movement. This also spills over into several food trucks located in Ganges Village with a focus on local fare.

Got Spirits?

Wineries, micro beer, cider and spirits are other products of the great farming of Salt Spring. In fact, there are three award-winning wineries, two cideries, a brewery, and even a distillery. It’s worth noting that The Salt Spring Wild Cider House has extended its number of flavours offering a tasting flight of 10 different ciders, while cheese platters, cold meats and daily specials have been added to its menu.

Other great spots to visit include Salt Spring Vineyard, Garry Oaks Vineyard, Salt Spring Island Ales, and Salt Spring Apple Co. All offer relaxing picnic areas and some sell food to compliment your tasting experiences. Tours as well as a local bus service are available. Or, visit Tour Salt Spring, which is a local business that offers a great way to see the island and it now offers new Wine and Food tours to their series of services.

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