A very special place

Beautiful West-Coast Nature

The Gulf Islands of British Columbia are sometimes called The Marthas Vineyard of the West Coast and Canadas Caribbean. Between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, along the boundary with USA, is an archipelago of hundreds of islands. Those south of the border are called the San Juan Islands, while those in Canada are the Gulf Islands. This is an area of extraordinary natural beauty, sheltered in the Georgia Strait, between the mainland of British Columbia and the 300-mile long Vancouver Island.

Salt Spring Island gives you the best of all worlds spectacular natural beauty, but with all the amenities right here. You can hike through the forests, kayak past gorgeous sculptured sandstone shores, watch eagles and hummingbirds, or simply sit and enjoy a spectacular view. You’ll find secluded forests, lakes, beaches, rocky shores, pastoral farmland. We are surrounded by sheltered waters that are popular with yachters, kayakers and divers. Freshwater and ocean swimming are excellent. The rock, water, forests and wildlife provide an environment to remember.

Wild mink, humming birds, bald eagles, deer, sea lions, seals, river otters, porpoises, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, swans, starfish, sea cucumbers. No large predators and no poisonous insects. One visitor to Salt Spring spotted 86 species of birds in three mornings, just sitting on the deck of a nearby house! Over 120 species of birds have been spotted.

Gorgeous Weather

The region is lush, but because of the sheltering effect of Vancouver Island, we receive considerably less rain than nearby Vancouver. The highest year-round temperatures in Canada actually occur here. The special micro-climate in this area is referred to as “cool Mediterranean”. If you live where the summers give you either searing heat or sauna-like humidity, you’ll absolutely love Salt Spring! It’s warm enough to sunbathe, but not so hot or humid that you can’t enjoy it!

Recreational Opertunities Abound

Salt Spring Island is Canada’s arts and crafts island, and has been named one of the top artistic communities in North America. Since the late sixties, artists and crafts people have been drawn here from all over the world. The artistic and cultural richness of the island is goes far beyond what the size of the community might suggest. Indeed, the community includes many world-renowned individuals and many others who are shown in major galleries and museums in cities such as New York, London and Paris.

Canada’s Arts and Crafts Island

ArtSpring offers top performances by local and touring artists. Particularly in the warmer weather, there are numerous cultural events. Outdoor activities include kayaking, sailing, hiking, bird-watching, golf, swimming (salt water and lake), scuba-diving, horseback riding, hang-gliding, fresh and salt water fishing, and tennis. Youll find gourmet dining at $100 per person, or pizza delivery whatever suits.

AND all this with convenient access to Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle.

YOUVE GOT EVERTHING ON SALT SPRING ISLAND!