Island Living - Life on Salt Spring

When you visit Salt Spring Island, be prepared to linger. Be prepared to come back. But more, be prepared to be tempted to stay. The attraction of this place is not just the climate, although Salt Spring Island has on occasion been called the Banana Belt of Canada or Canada's Caribbean! It's not just about the beauty, although it would be difficult to surpass the beauty of a summer's sunset atop Mount Maxwell or the incredible countryside around RUCKLE PARK. It's more than the seductive relaxed pace of "Salt Spring Time". The lure of Salt Spring Island as a home is largely about the people and this friendly, safe and interesting community.

Salt Spring Island has something to offer everyone. There are several places for those seeking privacy and seclusion, as well as a vibrant social life for those who wish to become more involved in the community. There are special places to discover, to relax, to work, to become involved,to create a home.

Someone once said that 'there are many things in life that catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...'. Newcomers soon discover that at first sight, Salt Spring Island will catch your eye, but after a while, it will surely grab your heart.

Geography, Demographics and Environment

Locally known as "The Rock", Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands, lying between Vancouver Island and the Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Within an area of about 185 sq. km., (or 72 sq. mi.), Salt Spring Island accommodates a population of about ten thousand people. MORE INFORMATION…

Character

Then there's the character of this eclectic island. The people of Salt Spring can be described as vibrant and conscientious, and one of the more colourful descriptions is, 'a community of 10,000 people with 30,000 opinions'. MORE INFORMATION …

Villages, Governance and Facilities

Ganges is the largest of 4 villages on Salt Spring Island, and is the hub of most of the island's commercial and social activity. The other villages include Fulford, Vesuvius and Fernwood, each a unique and interesting neighbourhood. MORE INFORMATION …

Economy

The economy on Salt Spring Island reflects that of the rest of the province of BC in many ways, and like the rest of Canada, enjoys stability and consumer confidence.  The economic profile shows a community with a high proportion of entrepreneurs, many working in a variety of art, craft and service-related enterprises. MORE INFORMATION …

Cuisine

This island is a gastronome's heaven, not only owing to its excellent restaurants, but also the local production of quality food. Because of our temperate climate and abundant sunshine, it is easy to understand the preoccupation with organic farming. In fact, we have gained a reputation for being the 'Organic Gardening Capital of Canada'. MORE INFORMATION …

Transportation

Salt Spring Island is within easy reach of large centres such as Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle by way of frequent flights or ferries. Although close to major centres the island seems totally removed from the noise and frenetic pace of metropolitan living and, in fact, seems to be a world away. MORE INFORMATION …

Culture, Entertainment and Activities

Every season brings a festival or a special event of some kind of Salt Spring Island. ArtSpring, a splendid arts centre, accommodates our diverse visual and performing arts community, and continues to provide pleasure to residents and guests. Several world-renowned artists, such as Robert Bateman and entertainers like Valdy, Randy Bachman and Harry Manx as well as local artists and musicians showcase their talents at Artspring. MORE INFORMATION…

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