The Gulf Islands of British Columbia are one of the jewels of natural beauty in the world.
British Columbia has been called "super-natural". This truly is a spectacularly beautiful part of the world. Salt Spring Island is part of an incredible broken coastline of sheltered inlets and tiny islands.
Deservedly famous, the rock, water, forests and wildlife provide an environment to remember. You can hike through the forests, kayak past gorgeous sculptured sandstone shores, watch eagles and hummingbirds, or simply sit and enjoy a spectacular view.
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 can enjoy secluded forests, lakes, beaches, rocky shores and pastoral farmland. You'll find amazing sheltered waters that are popular with yachters, kayakers and divers — in fact, the local provides top-quality diving spots. There is both freshwater and ocean swimming.
A moderate and beautiful climate
Salt Spring is sheltered from the extremes of Pacific weather by the 300 mile long bulk of Vancouver Island. Although the region is lush, we receive considerably less rain than nearby Vancouver.
The special microclimate 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 love Salt Spring. It's warm enough to sun-bathe, but not so hot or humid that you can't enjoy it!
A wealth of wildlife
Wild mink, humming birds, eagles, dear, sea lions, seals, otters, porpoises, 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 at one spot! Over 120 species of birds have been spotted.
Hiking
There are many areas to enjoy a stroll or a more demanding hike. View points provide spectacular vistas of Salt Spring's neighbourhood, a broken mixture of water and islands — truly an exquisitely beautiful area. The area has a very mild climate, so enjoyable walks are possible all year round.
Bicycling
Cycling is a popular way to go on this and other Gulf Islands. Expect to work! You can go up our small mountains if you like. But, even if you don't, the island is quite an 'up and down' area! There is a 100 km circuit route takes you around a good part of the island, with many shorter alternatives. You can take you bikes on the ferries or water taxis to explore nearby locations too.
Whale watching
Local ferries frequently slow down (or even stop altogether!) in spring and summer months to allow travelers a chance to see dozens of Orcas, parents and young, swimming and jumping together. You may simply see them while out boating. You can also join an organized whale-watching excursion. An incredible experience — one of those things you truly do remember for the rest of your life.
A mix of everything
17 miles (27 km.) long and 9 miles (14 km.) wide, with 83 miles (133 km.) of shoreline.
Several small mountains:
Hope Hill 648m (2,126 ft.), Mount Tuam, Mount Sulivan 630m (2,067 ft.), Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Park 605m (1,985 ft.) Mount Erskine 440m (1,444 ft.).
Population 10.000.
Located between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Part of a chain of islands extending from north-west Washington north along the coast of British Columbia.
Secluded forests, lakes, beaches, rocky shores, pastoral farmland. Sheltered waters that are popular with yatchers, kayakers and divers. Freshwater and ocean swimming.
You've got everything on Salt Spring.
