Overview
Salt Spring Island is the largest of British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands, drawing visitors with its blend of working farms, artist studios, and rural island pace. The population has grown from 10,000 to 13,000 in five years as baby boomer retirees and Alberta oil money arrived, yet the island retains an artist-farmer character from the 1960s-70s back-to-the-land influx.
Day Trips · Island · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Campground $20 tent/$25 RV. B&Bs and vacation rentals throughout island. Harbour House Hotel summer from $120. Hastings House is a higher-end manor property.
Connectivity
Area code (250). Cell coverage spotty; Telus best, Rogers some coverage. WiFi availability varies by establishment.
Emergency
Lady Minto/Gulf Islands Hospital at 135 Crofton Rd has 24/7 emergency department.
Food
Ganges has most eateries within 300m of Tourist Info Centre. Budget eats $5-12 at bakeries, falafel stand, and cafes. Mid-range dining $15-40 entrées.
Money
Cash is useful at Saturday Market and smaller establishments. Credit cards accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. No ATMs mentioned specifically for the island.
Packing
Bring layers for variable island weather. Cycling gear useful given hilly, twisty roads. Ferry map available on board.
Transport
BC Ferries serves three terminals (Fulford Harbour, Vesuvius Bay, Long Harbour) connecting to Victoria, Crofton, and Vancouver. Fares around $16.20 adult foot passenger from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour. BC Transit buses $2.25 per ride.