Akerman Museum in the Fulford Valley houses artifacts of local history dating back hundreds of years. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Other annual events include Fulford Days, the Apple Festival, the Guilds of Christmas, Saltspring Singers and Santa Ship in December. Camping: Ruckle Provincial Park offers the only public campground on Saltspring Island, and what a fabulous campground it is. Prior Centennial may be more accessible but the setting is tops at Beaumont/Mt. You could launch at Gordon Bay or hike in from the Marble Bay entrance to the park. Sites vary in width from 25 to 35 ft., and are in natural, tall tree settings. There are few freshwater lakes on any of the islands and 8 on Saltspring, 5 of which have public beaches. The Resort offers an exceptional venue for family reunions, friends gatherings, and small group weddings. @VicRegentHotel. The wharf at Fulford Harbour is also a good spot to begin a kayaking trip. Saltspring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts, and has an impressive selection of shops, restaurants and tourist accommodations. Swimming is excellent except near the falls. More experienced hikers face an eight-hour slog through some of the muddiest, most tortuous terrain of any trail in British Columbia to reach Cape Scott, a distance of 27 kilometres from the parking lot. Rates inc. one tent or one RV and two adults. The islands shoreline is varied and beautiful, offering rocky shores, tidal pools to explore, shell beaches for beachcombing, and a wide variety of sandy beaches. After the grounds close, campers have the whole site to ourselves and are free to further explore the grounds. All are easily reached by following either the North or South Shore Roads west of the community of Lake Cowichan. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Saltspring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. There are other ways to the park but this is my personal favourite because it takes you right from town to the trees. View more information on the benefits of bathing in the Salt Spring Mineral Water. Reservations are a necessity in summer, unless you are at the park entrance at noon when a number of first-come spaces may be available, depending on turnover. A large stand of Douglas-fir surrounds Elk Falls, which present a lively sight during spring runoff. Most backpackers set up camp at San Josef Bay, on a sandy beach fronted by sea stacks. Farther to the west, Woss Lake Provincial Park is even more undeveloped, offering great backcountry exploration. The adjoiningBeach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation spacefor our guestsenjoyment and is also suited for large group gatherings. Theres a BC Ferries dock in nearby Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on the BC mainland. 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. You wont find a softer surface on which to camp than the parks white sand. Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. In fact, if you walk from McPhillips Avenue (where the Library is), across Jackson Avenue, you can see the trailhead for Mouat Park. Have [], Pet-friendly Terrace Beach Resort offers secluded beachfront #cabins linked to #WildPacificTrail in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island #BritishColumbia. So, officially it is one word, but local usage tends to prefer two words, although it is not unanimous. WIFI is included. Information is available at the Sayward Village Office. Fulford Village, at the southern end of the island, bustles with activity when the ferry arrives from Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island. Its conveniently close to Sooke and a good place to stage explorations to a number of beaches farther north along Hwy 14. The Ruckle family first homesteaded here over a century ago, and although they donated most of their property to the province in 1974, the Ruckles still raise sheep on private land at the entrance to the campground. Ferry service from Sidney to Princess Margaret Marine Park (Gulf Islands NPR) on Portland Island, about 4 nautical kms from Sidney, is also available for groups of 10 or more. Ancient native middens can still be found at various locations along the shoreline. North of Port Hardy, look for small sites off Highway 19 at Georgie Lake and Nahwitti Lake on the way to Cape Scott. Saltspring Island has long been a seasonal home of the Coast Salish First Nations, with evidence suggesting that permanent settlements on the south coast of the island where the Tsawout Band Reserve is located today existed for centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans and European settlements. Whether you carry your pack on your back, pack your trunk or drive your home, youll discover an outdoor utopia amongst our pristine alpine lakes, rugged mountainous interior and challenging coastal trails. Strathcona Provincial Park is a rugged mountain wilderness of over 250,000 hectares that dominates central Vancouver Island. Fillongley Provincial Park on Denman Island is not particularly large, and it fills up quickly in July and August. Three private campsites are also available. Floatplanes also link the village of Ganges to Vancouver and Seattle. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. Camping pads are provided at the campsite at Eric Lake on the Cape Scott Trail. Hanggliding and Paragliding: Mount Bruce (2,326 feet/709 metres) is the highest point on Saltspring and a popular launching spot for hang-gliders, who soar and glide over the Fulford Valley down below. Named by officers of the Hudsons Bay Company for the cold and briny saltwater springs on the north end of the island, Saltspring Island in British Columbia is the largest, most populated, and most visited of the Southern BC Gulf Islands. He also named the island Admiral Island, but islanders continued to use the name Saltspring Island, which became the official name of the island in 1905. Ganges is the largest bustling seaside village in the Gulf Islands, located 7.5 miles (12 km) north of Fulford Harbour. Cedar Beach Resort offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom self-contained cabins, a large duplex unit, Link River Regional Park lies 50 km west of Highway 19 on the Port Alice Road, on the west shore of Alice Lake near the southern end of the lake. Theres a BC Ferries dock in Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on the mainland. Nestled in the woods, the RV sites are easily accessible for large units and have water, power and septic hook-ups. The park overlooks an expansive body of freshwater with Mount Anderson rising to the south. The campsites are also separated from the day-use area of the boot-shaped park by a network of hiking and walking trails that provides a further degree of privacy, particularly in early fall when thousands of day trippers converge on the north end of the park to witness the annual salmon run. This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. The park features as interesting blend of easily reached sites in a wooded setting overlooking Swanson Channel, with North Pender Island on the far shore. The island has over 200 farms and is known for its sheep-raising; be sure to tour the rolling pastures on the north end (visit in the spring, and youll never order rack of lamb again). Salt Springs: The 14 salt springs located on private property on the north end of the island are the only springs in the Gulf Islands. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. If youd like to savour a Mediterranean-like climate, head for Texada Island and Shelter Point Regional Park. Drummond Park at the head of nearby Fulford Harbour has a pebble beach to explore. The landscaped Rotary Maritime Park, in downtown Ganges overlooking the harbour, has a small dock for kayak and dinghy launching. A breeze blows almost constantly across the Strait of Georgia, but Shelter Point comes by its name honestly. The year-round residents of Saltspring Island include an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. 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 Hudsons Bay Company. Campbell River and Courtenay are the primary access points to the park with Courtenay providing two access routes to the Forbidden Plateau area. This campsite is busy almost year-round. Studios showcase ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, furniture, metal craft, stained glass, moulded candles, wool and fleece products, and many other unique island products. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions. Set in the Nimpkish Valley, this is one of the most beautiful camping areas on the island. Private campsites are located at Cedar Beach Resort and Mowhinna Creek Campground (links on this page). French Beach Provincial Park: Campsites are limited along the Sooke Basin section of the coast, in part because of the rugged terrain, but also because of its location. Although the two parks are quite close together, the forests that surround them are noticeably different. The marine park is also a favoured kayaking destination. The local economy is service-oriented and heavily reliant upon the tourist industry, with a high level of services on the island, concentrated mostly in Ganges. 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. Pi, Happy BC Day! The springs vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter. Located right next to the yet undiscovered Mouat Park, Garden Faire offers you everything you'll ever need for a great camping experience. This park has two different sections. Mowhinna Creek Campground Saltspring Island, Having an exciting weekend of adventure with our O, A picture is worth a thousand words See more he, An incredible thing to experience up close! Visit the native artifacts museum housed in a beautiful log building. Although this location doesnt guarantee complete privacy, it admirably suits most travellers purposes. ADDRESS: 1136 North End Road, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada V8K 1M1. Other lakes on Saltspring include Stowell Lake and Cusheon Lake. As at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, there is a beautiful waterfall here that is sure to soothe even the most jangled nerves. Hiking trails lead beside the lake onto the mountain ridges above the park, which are slowly beginning to regenerate after having being clear-cut in the 1970s. There are plenty of animals about: red-headed woodpeckers (they're huge! Many vacationers come to Saltspring simply to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak in the quiet island lifestyle and spirit. Until a disputed right-of-way reopens, youll have to boat to Galianos northeastern tip to reach Dionisio Point Provincial Park, 35 km from Sturdies Bay. Arts & Crafts: Saltspring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park south of Parksville has acres of campsites to match its 2.1 kms of beaches. Mouat Regional Parkin Ganges is just a short walk uphill from the commercial heart of Saltspring and provides a relaxing break amongst its beautiful trees, streams and enormous ferns. It is nestled in a beautiful forest, and campers will find a boat launch and a beach for swimming. Across the water on North Pender Island theres camping at Prior Centennial Park (Gulf Islands NPR); reservations recommended, as well as paddle or boat-in sites at Beaumont Marine Park. Cape Scott Provincial Park lies 60 km west of Port Hardy on a well-maintained gravel road. In late 1999 the private logging company purchased 10 percent of Saltspring Island and promptly proceeded to log it. Although youll find a lot of marine traffic swirling around the area during the day, in the evening the pulse slows to a sleep-inducing rhythm, especially once the last ferries have sailed or docked for the night. Strathcona Provincial Park is accessible by vehicle via Highway 28 which passes through the northern section of the park and provides access to Butte Lake. The one-two punch of a superb view and a sandy beach makes this park a knockout for lucky visitors. Cycling is popular, but most roads are narrow and none have shoulders. The campground is supervised and we welcome both children and well-behaved pets. Marble River Provincial Park is west of Hwy 19 on the Port Alice road near the mouth of Alice Lake. 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. A Hump, This looks delicious! Cortes Island: After going to the effort to reach Cortes Island, your reward is finding a campsite on the southwestern corner at Smelt Bay Provincial Park, a heavenly setting on this picturesque island. Welcome to my site SaltSpring-Island.com Celebrating fourteen years! Campsites with tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are provided beyond the parking area on the service road at the main park entrance. INSPIRE. The campground is located in a forested setting on the east side of the island, about 4 km from the ferry dock to Vancouver Island. This is an extremely exposed area, so come prepared to wear waterproof clothing on top of waterproof clothing in an attempt to stay dry. Island Hopping: Travelling between the Southern Gulf Islands and Northern Gulf Islands can be accomplished in small hops. Numerous rough sites have been used for decades at Fairy Lake by holidaying forestry workers and fishers. While a few of Saltsprings attractions can be seen in a whirlwind two-hour drive, a thorough exploration of Saltspring could take weeks. Raft Cove is located just south of San Josef Bay. Tent sites vary from very sunny to partly shaded. A tall forest surmounts the beach, much of it sturdy first-growth Douglas fir, but there are also a number of hardwood species planted by the Ruckles that are a delight come fall. Schoen Lake Provincial Park is located about 12 km south of Hwy 19, north of Sayward. Reservations recommended. Classic Whitehall Spirit 1, Wolf Pack in British Columbia, Canada. Small wonder, when all the comforts of home, such as hot showers, gas barbeques in covered beachside picnic shelters, and firewood, are included in the camping fee. http://vancouverisland.com/premier-listings/name/terrace-beach-resort/, Guided Wildcoast Adventures #kayaking tours to #DesolationSound, the Discovery Islands, #Orca Camp, Johnstone Strait, #VancouverIsland #BC. Reservations are recommended in July and August, when the sun shines brightest on this southern exposure. Bamberton Provincial Park is located just south of the Mill Bay ferry terminal beside Hwy 1. The Forest Service recreation site at Nitinat Lake has the international cachet that youd also find in select places such as the Gorge in Oregon or the Squamish Spit. The lay of the land here traps heat, and daytime temperatures are hot by coastal standards. Campsites are situated 6 km away on the Quinsam river. There are no public or private campgrounds on Saturna Island, but Mayne Island does have two private campsites (no public campground or recreation site on Mayne Island). In 1910 the name was changed to Saltspring by the Geographic Board of Canada (now the Geographical Names Board of Canada), which often fused multiple-word place names. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch. You may find that the experience of visiting Portland Island is well worth the cost of getting there. Saltspring Market: 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). Kayak in the realm of the killer whale. The park lies 8 km north of the BC Ferries dock at Sturdies Bay. Pockets of Forest Service sites occur around McCreight Lake, about 40 km north of Campbell River, as well as at nearby Pye Lake and Stella Lake. Waterfront West is the first and only marketplace dedicated exclusively to buyers and sellers of waterfront and waterview real estate in British Columbia. BC Ferries operates a ferry service from Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. The water throughout the campground is good for drinking and there are water and electric hook-ups in the camper/RV sites. 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. Taylor Arm Provincial Park is a forested site on the north shore of Sproat Lake about 15 km west of Port Alberni on Hwy 4. Just past Drummond Park is Mill Farm Regional Park, home to two endangered species of butterfly and three endangered plants; the phantom orchid, the yellow montane violet, and the scalepod. Stamp River Provincial Park lies about 14 km north of Port Alberni. 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. With [], Just thirty minutes south of Vancouver, in the quaint Historic fishing village of Steveston, youll find a gateway to some of the best whale watching Vancouver has to offer! 1998-2021 Shangaan Webservices Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", Read the reviews for Garden Faire Campground at TripAdvisor.com, Copyright SaltSpring-Island.com 2008-2022 Short-term vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot. Fulford Harbour was named after Captain John Fulford, commanding officer of the HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navys Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Boating & Sailing: Summer sees many cruising sailboats from the US, which usually stop in on their trip through the Gulf islands and the US San Juan Islands. BC Ferries links Fulford Harbour with Swartz Bay (near Sidney), and also links Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. A Reservation through Parks Canada is required to stay overnight at Fort Rodd Hill. Goldstream Provincial Park offers visitors to Victoria better camping than provided in any other urban centre in British Columbia. The 47 vehicle/tent sites are located just beside Johns Creek on the hillside above Sechelt Inlet. Youll share the park with thousands of shorebirds that populate the extensive tide flats and salt marshes, which sustain an astonishing spectrum of plant and animal life. Theres great picnicking, summer swimming, and a 3 km walking trail that passes through a stand of maple trees to an impressive waterfall and gorge. 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. Freshwater is available from a hand pump located at the old Youth Crew camp. Diving: Divers can explore sunken wrecks at Princess Margaret Marine Park (Gulf Islands NPR) on Portland Island, located between Saltspring Island and the Pender Islands. Hope Hill offers 7 kilometres of trails through forests of fir and cedar, and great views over Fulford Harbour, southern Saltspring, the San Juan Islands and Washingtons Mount Baker. Strathcona Provincial Park offers vehicle/tent campsites at Ralph River campground and Buttle Lake Campground Camping in Strathcona Park. Canada Post accepts both spellings of the name. The picnic/day-use area is located near the waterfalls on the Campbell River as it enters John Hart Lake. Dense western hemlock and sitka spruce blanket the shoreline, where youll find wilderness campsites on nearby beaches. Advertising Realtors' listings, private sales and developments, [], EXPLORE. Farming includes sheep and lamb products, poultry, llamas, cheese, fruit orchards, and certified organic growers. Serviced R.V. 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. Annual Events: One of the biggest events of the year is the annual Fall Fair, held on the third weekend of September just outside Ganges. Saltspring Island was engaged in one of BCs most high-profile environmental wars between local residents and the Texada Land Corporation. Children under 14 are free. Hanggliding & Paragliding on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Saltspring Island Dollars: Saltspring Island even has its own currency! Youll find great views from both down onto the Saanich Inlet and Saanich Peninsula, and across Satellite Channel to Cowichan Bay. Plus, there's a beautiful, babbling brook to keep you company on your short walk to Garden Faire. 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 Fulford Harbour Ferry Terminal. Boating, Sailing & Cruising around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We have 2 small unfurnished sleeping cabins that sleep 2 adults and a child comfortably. A provincial ecological reserve has been created here to protect the enclave and provide biologists an opportunity to study this vibrant ecosystem. More information on Camping in Pacific Rim National Park. Texada may be a rugged island, but it does possess this jewel of a regional park midway along its west side, 27 km south of the Blubber Bay ferry terminal. Campers in pursuit of paradise migrate to Vancouver Island as if on a pilgrimage. Land use on the island is governed by the Islands Trust, which aims to preserve and protect the unique qualities of the Gulf Islands. Boaters can choose to land at pebble beaches on either side of Dionisio Point and thus avoid the tidal currents in Porlier Pass. Showers and toilets include unisex, handicapped facilities. 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. What a chorus! Walk-in tent sites for 1 tent/2 people $35, 305 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island B.C. Leashed pets are welcome. Three day reservations are required for long weekends for drive in sites. Each of these islands is a world unto itself, each with its own history, culture and colourful characters each island deserves at least a day or two for exploring. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Centre in Ganges. At our 5 acre resort, we have 17 cabins and suites as well as 23 fully serviced RV and camping sites. Once a popular camping location, The Disc Golf course now occupies the old camping oval. Saltspring Island is the most densely populated of the Gulf Islands, and is also home to the biggest Gulf Island provincial campground. Pictured This is a showcase for provincial parks, and many visitors fortunate enough to stay a day or two here end up wishing they could take up permanent residence.
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