Super Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is the largest of the gulf
islands and is a very unique and friendly place. There are only around
11,000 inhabitants on the island and all but those with at least 3
generations of family can consider themselves new arrivals.
The
Ferry from Victoria arrives into Fulford Harbour, a small wooden pier
connecting the ferry to the road, oh and there is a café to refuel while
you wait for one of a handful of taxis to come back to pick you up. The
harbour like the rest of the island you are about to discover is beautiful
green and warm. In fact the island is one of the warmest places to be in
the whole of Canada and gets little rainfall compared to the likes of
nearby Vancouver. In short if you want quiet sunny days in Canada this
could be the place to go!
The main town is Ganges and is about 10
minutes drive from Fulford Harbour. It is a small town; think a handful of
nice restaurants, a couple of good pubs and a harbour. No star bucks, no
chain stores just great island living. Book ahead though as there is also
only a handful of places to stay. Harbour House Hotel is the biggest
lodgings to be had and is a good choice, otherwise maybe check out the
local bed and breakfast offerings.
Once you are settled there is a
lot of island exploring to do if you have a car, but for the ferry foot
passengers you are pretty much stuck in Ganges as there is no public
transport.
Definitely include a Saturday stay on
Salt Spring as there is a wonderful market held in Ganges where local
people sell only locally made produce and crafts.
For the fun
loving outdoor type or for those who don't yet know they are, Sea
Kayaking is an excellent way to spend a few hours under the instruction of
a local guide who can show you some of the local history and biology from
your own arm power sea level craft. A typical 2 hour trip for the complete
beginner will cost around $40 each and have you paddling around the mini
Goat island in the harbour. Watch out for landing sea planes!
When leaving Salt Spring Island charter
a Salt Spring Air sea plane for the 25 minute flight back to Vancouver.
Getting the sea plane gives a fantastic view over the islands and is very
much recommended for all.
All in all spending a couple of days on
Salt Spring island is a must for anyone who like the ideas of being off the
beaten track experiencing local island
life.
Article Written By
CraveCanada
Last Updated: Thursday 15th December 2005 - 6:48pm
GMT
United States Edition