Saltspring Island, BC Gulf Islands

A public bus transit system covers the main routes on Saltspring Island, and the Ganges Faerie MiniShuttle service operates between the ferry terminals (Fulford, Long Harbour, Vesuvius) and Ganges, Ruckle Park, and Fernwood. Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car, motorbike, scooter or even a bicycle to take in some of the breathtaking views to be seen on Saltspring Island. Cycling is popular, but most roads are narrow and none have shoulders.

Population: 12,000

Location: Saltspring 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, Saltspring 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.

• Ganges: On Saltspring, all roads lead to the village of Ganges, in mid island, the biggest town in the Gulf Islands. There are more shops, services, amenities, restaurants, and galleries (not to mention tourists and cars) crammed into Ganges than exist on any other Gulf Island. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch. Ganges was named after 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.

• Fulford Harbour Ferry Terminal

  Fulford Village, at the southern end of the island, bustles with activity when the ferry arrives from Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island. The decidedly laid-back atmosphere of Fulford Village, the historic Fulford Inn, the historic grocery store, the Mexican cafe, and the few crafts shops all combine to add to the unique character of Fulford Harbour and the Ferry Terminal. Visit the native artifacts museum housed in a beautiful log building.

• 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.

• 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 had 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).

• 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 Marine Provincial 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.

• Saltspring Island even has its own currency! Saltspring Island Dollars are available on a one-to-one exchange with the Canadian Dollar and accepted on Saltspring on the same basis as the national currency. The goal of the local currency, which was introduced to the Island in September 2001, is to raise funds for worthwhile community projects while promoting local commerce and goodwill. Limited editions of Saltspring Island art are featured on the back of the notes, which help to make the bills collectible after the two-year expiry date. The not-for-profit Saltspring Island Monetary Foundation facilitates the process of returning the proceeds of the venture back to the community. Legally considered gift certificates, the Saltspring Island Dollar is Canada's only local legal-tender currency in circulation.

• St. Paul's Church in Fulford

  The 14 salt springs located on private property on the north end of the island are the only springs in the Gulf Islands. The springs vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter. View more information on the benefits of bathing in the Salt Spring Mineral Water.

• Overlooking Fulford Harbour is the tiny stone Roman Catholic St. Paul's Church, built between 1880 and 1883. The church can be viewed from the ferry when sailing into Fulford Harbour.

• Head to the heart of Ganges every Saturday to see the wares and talents of the islanders on display at the local Saturday Market (April to October). The colourful event includes a variety of impromptu musical performances and the occasional theatrical or dance exhibition.

  Farmer's Market is a small market held on Tuesdays in the greenspace next to the United Church, between McPhillips and Hereford Avenues. Ganges is the largest bustling seaside village in the Gulf Islands, located 7.5 miles (12 km) north of Fulford Harbour.

• 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 Saltspring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. The private museum is open to the public and well worth a visit.

• Enjoy theatre and live entertainment throughout the year at the ArtSpring Theatre in Ganges, Saltspring Island's premier venue for concerts, theatre, exhibitions and much more. Graffiti Theatre Company utilizes the talents of island artists whilst engaging theatre professionals from away to enrich and broaden their work.

• Saltspring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. Studios showcase ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, furniture, metal craft, stained glass, moulded candles, wool and fleece products, and many other unique island products. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges. The unique tour is a self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans, showcasing their individual talents and creations for your enjoyment and purchase.

• One of the biggest events of the year is the annual Fall Fair, held on the third weekend of September just outside Ganges. The two-day fair attracts thousands of visitors who attend to see award-winning displays of fruit and vegetables, prize-winning livestock and riding exhibitions by local equestrians.

• Be sure to stop by in July for the annual Saltspring Festival of the Arts, which presents a diverse and culturally rich program of talented performing artists. Other annual events include Fulford Days, the Apple Festival, the Guilds of Christmas, Saltspring Singers and Santa Ship in December.

• Tee off on either of the island's two golf courses. The challenging 9-hole Saltspring Island Golf Club on Lower Ganges Road welcomes the public and operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Ten minutes south of Ganges is the Blackburn Meadows Golf Club.

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