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Harbour House Hotel
Staying at The Harbour House is something special with well-furnished rooms and ocean-view balconies.
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Harbour House Hotel
The stylish patio is ideal to dine or enjoy casual cocktails.
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Harbour House Hotel
From craft beer, wine and cocktails to a great menu, Woodley’s offers a great place to relax.
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Harbour House Hotel
A series of rooms and suites are available, including the Salish Suite seen here.
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Harbour House Hotel
Words by Steve Fennell
There’s a lot to like about Salt Spring Island and Ganges Harbour. Shopping and dining are plentiful and the series of marinas make it boating-friendly, providing a great destination for transient cruisers.
One of the longest standing buildings on Salt Spring, The Harbour House Hotel recently underwent a complete, multi-million-dollar restoration to provide new experiences for transient boaters and visitors alike. In addition to its 50 newly-decorated rooms, plans included a state-of-the-art kitchen, fully-licensed restaurant, an expansive patio, business meeting spaces, and facilities for weddings and special events. Yet, with all the current changes, it still manages to retain its rustic ambience and blends in seamlessly with the Salt Spring culture.
“The initial concept of the renovations was to have a modern facility that fit in to Salt Spring’s general architecture,” says general manager Spencer Villam. “So, when you see the wood beams, cedar decks, overall design and landscaping, it provides a very welcoming place and special feel on the island.”
Designed for all types of visitors, the hotel couldn’t be in a better location – especially for boaters. It’s directly across the street from Salt Spring Marina at Harbour’s End (that is currently in the planning phase of adding 30 new slips for 2019) and is literally minutes from Salt Spring’s shopping and dining district, including the famed Salt Spring Saturday Market. The island’s transit service can also stop right in front of the hotel from the ferry terminal upon request for added convenience.
Dining and Accommodations
Staying at The Harbour House is something special for its guests. All rooms are completely redecorated with the choice two queens or a king bed with the latter offering spacious, ocean-view balconies with chez lounges and plush chairs. High-speed WiFi, flat screen televisions, modern décor, and large living spaces will make your stay that much more comfortable.
“Obviously, we are very convenient for boaters,” says Villam. “Even if they have ample living and sleeping space on their boat but they have been cruising for a few days, the larger beds, well-appointed bathrooms, and the living spaces here are the perfect solution for their needs.”
Dining is another key focus at The Harbour House. Visitors have a vast choice of menu items at Woodley’s, which has a capacity 190 and with its leather and wood furnishings, it offers an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere. Menu items are based on local, contemporary cuisine sourced from local artisan food producers, including produce, seafood, meats, and dairy. What you don’t see on the menu, the creative daily specials will make up for it. Woodley’s outdoor patio is another highlight and whether you dine inside or out, it provides a great space to enjoy a full course meal, light appetizers, or simply just cocktails.
However, accommodations and dining are just two of the key focal points. Guest and visitors have access to the in-house spa that employs registered therapists and services range from specialty messages and salt scrubs to the opportunity to leisurely soak in the large hot tub, which all combine to provide a well-rounded, relaxing experience.
Special Events Space
One of the few facilities on Salt Spring to offer the ideal space and services for special events, including weddings, reunions, group retreats or corporate events, the Harbour House has a large conference room, expansive grounds with vista views and pristine landscaping, not to mention a diverse events dining menu. Various packages are also available to meet certain needs and budgets.
Although dining, relaxing and the ability to host events are some the key concepts here, it’s – quite simply put – an all-around resort with natural style and décor. It can cater to many different tastes but most of all, it has a sense of welcoming that will make your visit to Salt Spring that much more memorable and special.
For all the details and reservations visit www.saltspringharbourhouse.com