|
Where is Salt Spring Island?
Almost parallel to the American/Canadian border on the west coast
of Canada is a chain of Islands that lies like a necklace of jewels
in the Pacific Ocean. Known north of the 49th parallel as the
British Columbia Gulf Islands and south of the 49th as the San
Juan Islands of Washington State, only 5 kilometres of ocean separate
them. The largest of the B.C. Gulf Islands is Salt Spring Island,
a cozy haven of 45,000 acres of green hills, weaving shoreline,
blue lakes, valleys and majestic mountains, nestled between the
mainland and the protective bulk of Vancouver Island.
About Salt Spring Island
While the rest of the country may be under a frigid white cover
and even Vancouver is drowning under torrential rains, the Gulf
Islands remain temperate and relatively dry. The waters surrounding
these Islands are considered to be among the finest sheltered
boating waters in the world. The 'cool Mediterranean' climate
provides an 8-month growing season and year round outdoor pleasures.
Home to over 10,000 permanent residents, Salt Spring Island is
a part time home and tourist destination for many more from around
the world who flock here for the relaxed west coast lifestyle,
spectacular beauty; stimulating community and safe environment. The Salt Spring Lifestyle
It is no surprise that Salt Spring Island attracts people of varied
ages and backgrounds who are seeking an alternative to the impersonal
frenetic pace of city life. The Island offers a rural lifestyle
with no compromise. With the growth in population has come an
expansion of services & products offered locally. A hospital;
all levels of school; long term care; library; all health care
with great emphasis on alternative treatments; an array of foodstuffs
for the well traveled Islander with diverse tastes; building supplies;
and almost anything else you can think of are here. Visit the
summer long 'Artcraft' sale and local galleries where you will
find a range of artwork that reads like a "who's who" in art.
The highlight of Saturday morning in the summer is the "Farmer's
Market" in the village where you can buy more than fresh farm
produce. Warm bread from a wood fired oven, fresh local world-class
cheese and flowers for the table are just a few things available.
You can buy pottery; jewelry; paintings; clothing; and more at
the Saturday market and order a Thai lunch while listening to
an eclectic variety of musicians, including children fiddlers.
Whatever activity you are interested in, there is a like-minded
group of people to meet. Languages; fitness; music; theatre; sailing;
basket weaving; painting; dance; photography; politics; cooking;
volunteer work; hiking; swimming; golf; and more. Farming is alive
and well with an active 4H club and an old fashioned Fall Fair
that attracts thousands from near and far. Islanders are known
to be well traveled and well educated. The resulting eclectic
mix has created a stimulating diversity in the community. Our
senior population (about 20% of the population are over 65) is
active, fit and independent. It's about attitude and the healthy
sea air! The fact that there isn't a traffic light on the Island
may help.
Transportation
There are 3 ferry routes on and off Salt Spring: the Vancouver
route, the Victoria on Vancouver Island connection and to Crofton
on Vancouver Island as well. There is also regular floatplane
service, which is appealing to the many who work remotely on Salt
Spring but need to get to the city quickly when required (20 minutes).
Further information about Salt
Spring Island.
|
