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History
Salt Spring Island has been a seasonal home of the First Nations of the Coast Salish language group since the time of European settlement, and evidence suggests that permanent settlements existed for centuries before that on the south coast of the island where the Tsawout Band Reserve is today. The Wsanec people of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan people from the Cowichan Valley frequented the island's shores and harvested its resources.
The island was explored by the Spanish and British in the 1700s, and settled in the 1850s by early pioneers who had abandoned their Fraser River gold rush hopes. A group of 9 African-American slaves, who had purchased their liberty in the United States, arrived at Vesuvius in 1857.
Further black settlers, mainly from California, were followed by European immigrants from Portugal and Scandinavia, and British and Hawaiian (Kanakas) settlers originally recruited by the Hudson's Bay Company. As well, many Japanese settlers arrived on the island to fish. There are still descendants of all of these groups living on Salt Spring Island.
In the 1960s and 1970s many young people moved to the island attracted by the carefree artisan lifestyle and the mild climate. During the Vietnam war, the "hippie" lifestyle attracted many draft dodgers and those opposed to the US-led war.
In 2001, Salt Spring began a new initiative to promote the island. Salt Spring Dollars were first issued on September 15. Purchased from select stores on the island at par with the Canadian Dollar, they are valued only on the island. A new .999 fine, 1/2 oz (14 g) silver coin was minted in November 2006.
Today Salt Spring is home to many. This includes retired people from all over the world who seek the quiet life and mild winters, and artisans who enjoy the creative environment on the island, fostered by the many galleries and artists.
Location
Salt Spring Island is located in the sheltered waters of the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, off the west coast of Canada. Because of its close proximity to Vancouver Island, Salt Spring is the most accessible of the Gulf chain of islands, with the most frequent ferry sailings on three routes to three ferry terminals. BC Ferries links Fulford Harbour with Swartz Bay (near Sidney), and also links Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. There's a BC Ferries dock in nearby Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on the BC mainland. Floatplanes also link the village of Ganges to Vancouver and Seattle.
Places to See
- Ganges
The village of Ganges is located in the middle of Salt Spring Island. Most businesses on Salt Spring are located in or near Ganges. Ganges is a popular destination for boaters from all over the Pacific North West, and there are several private marinas in Ganges Harbour, in addition to the BC Government dock. While Ganges has always had a nautical feel to it, the addition of the ex-Coast Guard buoy "Delta 10," with a marine mural, really emphasizes this.
- Landmark Mural
The famous Landmark Mural on a retired can buoy is a "must see" while in Ganges. The buoy used to mark a spot 420 kilometres up the coast at a location known to the Coast Guard as Delta 10 near Skeena River. It now marks the entrance to Centennial Wharf in Ganges. There are Orcas, salmon, cod, an octopus, seals, and other marine life adorning the buoy, as well as a Coast Guard cutter and kayaks. The mural depicts what would be seen on and below the water near Salt Spring Island.
- Fulford Village
If you arrive on Salt Spring Island from Swartz Bay/Victoria on Vancouver Island, the pretty little hamlet of Fulford Harbour is the first place you see. Restaurants, galleries, a marina, a general store, and a cluster of houses surround the harbour where the ferry docks. Some delightful galleries, shops and cafes are located in Fulford village, and there's a pub just half a mile away from the harbour.
- St. Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church is a Fulford landmark that can be spotted from the ferry as it approaches the harbour. The church was built in the 1880s and could be considered one of the island's first recycling projects: it was made in part with materials from a Cowichan Bay church transported by boat to Salt Spring Island.
- Fulford Harbour
Fulford Harbour was named after Captain John Fulford, commanding officer of the HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Charming Fulford Harbour provides temporary anchorage in the shallow waters at the head of the long inlet, a favourite destination among cruising boats.
- Vesuvius Bay
Tiny Vesuvius Bay on the northwest side of Saltspring offers more studios, hiking trails, and spectacular sunsets! BC Ferries operates a ferry service from Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. This is one of the few ferry docks where you can park your car in line and wander over to a pub (the Vesuvius Inn) and quaff a beer and enjoy the great view from the veranda while you wait for your ship to come in. A popular family beach is close to the facilities at Vesuvius Bay. Park on Langley Street, then go down a flight of stairs to the beach. Amateur geologists will find some deeply inclined rock strata to study, and warmer ocean waters make it a good spot for swimming. Vesuvius Bay was the home of the first settlers on Saltspring Island (1857), the nine American blacks who purchased their freedom from slavery. Vesuvius is named after the Royal Navy's paddle sloop Vesuvius, which did duty in the Black Sea during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
- Fernwood
The fourth community on the island is Fernwood, facing Galiano Island on the northeast coast of Saltspring. Fernwood is a good launching spot for those wishing to cross Houston Passage to visit Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park in Trincomali Channel. Fernwood provides a government wharf at Fernwood Point off Walker Hook Road, and a boat launching ramp over tidal sand flats at Hudson Point, north of the Fernwood Dock off North Beach Road.
- Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park
Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park, located in beautiful Trincomali Channel between the northern ends of Salt Spring Island and Galiano Island, is a popular destination for boaters and kayakers exploring the southern Gulf Islands.
The numerous beaches, coves and offshore islets provide plenty of sheltered paddling opportunities in this picturesque park, which is ideal for day trips from Vancouver Island and overnight camping. Bald eagles, black-tailed deer and mink are common in the park, as well as harbour seals, sea lions, and river otters, which can often be spotted offshore.
This park has limited development, but offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Walking trails will take you throughout most of the park, providing views of the folded rock formations that compose the island. Facilities are limited to an information shelter, water, pit toilets, picnic tables and 18 walk-in campsites at the designated camping areas of Conover Point, Chivers Point, and Cabin Bay. Campfires are not permitted. A small dock is available at Conover Cove, as well as an octagonal dingy dock at Princess Bay. Sheltered anchorage and stern tie rings are available in Conover Cove and Princess Bay.
- Bob Akerman Museum
The Bob Akerman Museum in the Fulford Valley houses artifacts of local history dating back hundreds of years. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Salt Spring Island. The private museum is open to the public and is well worth a visit.
- Artspring
ArtSpring is Salt Spring Island's premier venue for concerts, theatre, exhibitions, and much more! Visit ArtSpring and experience the best of what Salt Spring has to offer plus the finest in visiting artists.
Things to Do
- Cycling
Salt Spring Island is notorious for its scenic beauty, mild weather and natural surroundings, and there is no better way to see it all up close than by bicycle. A most popular activity throughout the summer, cycling on Salt Spring is considered an intermediate level, as are many of the Gulf Islands. Mountain biking is particularly popular on Mount Maxwell and several other locations around the island.
- Charter a Boat
Ever wanted to see the Gulf Islands from the water, but don't have a boat of your own? See the beauty of the islands, picnic and swim at a secluded beach, visit a marine park, and see seals, dolphins, sea lions, eagles, and killer whales! Call one of Salt Spring Island's boat charters and book a marine tour.
- Golf
If golf is your passion there are two golf courses on Salt Spring Island: Blackburn Meadows Golf Club south of Ganges, and Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club.
- View Salt Spring's Unique Art
A number of Canada's most renowned artists, inspired by the beauty and the tranquil lifestyle, have made their homes on Salt Spring Island. Galleries and artisan studios in the villages and along the country roads offer everything from paintings, sculptures, and prints, to weaving, pottery, stained glass, basketry, and jewellery.
- Hiking
Salt Spring Island has a wide variety of parks which feature hiking trails for both beginners and experts. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park has a network of hiking trails with fabulous views of the Burgoyne Valley.
Events
- Village Market
The Village Market takes place between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm from mid-April to mid-October rain or shine. Held at Centennial Park right in Ganges on Salt Spring Island, BC, the "farmers market" has become a major event right through the summer, attracting both locals and visitors to the island. Dozens of local farmers sell fresh produce and many local artists, craftspeople and artisans display their work at the Village Market. If you want to buy local produce or crafts, you won't have to go far to find what you are looking for.
- Salt Spring Island Fall Fair
An Island tradition not to be missed. See agricultural displays, eat great local food, enjoy games, music, and more. Takes place at the Farmers Institute on Rainbow Road. There are shuttle buses from downtown.
- Salt Spring Apple Festival
This is your chance to visit Apple Heaven while still on earth! Become a Salt Spring Island Apple Connoisseur for a day. Where else do you have over 350 different apple varieties being grown organically? Salt Spring's apple history dates back to 1860.
Contact Information
Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce
121 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K 2T1
For Visitor Information:
11 am to 3 pm (Pacific)
Phone: (250) 537-5252
Fax: (250) 537-4276
Toll-free (866) 216-2936
E-mail:chamber@saltspring.com
Website: www.saltspringtoday.com
A Guide to Salt Spring Island
E-mail: info@saltspringisland.org
Website: www.saltspringisland.org
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