Crowned the “jewel of the Southern Gulf Islands”, Salt Spring Island: A Place to Be, is home to slightly more than ten thousand permanent residents, and summer playground for another 10,000 people who make their way to the island every year.

There is much to do and see for those who enjoy outdoor activities. From the Village Market held every Saturday morning from mid-March to October, to biking and a day out on the waters. Bed and breakfast, private and provincial campsites are also available for overnight stays depending on what you are looking for. There is something for people of all ages.

A captivating island, there is much to discover about Saltspring and why it is sometimes spelt “Salt Spring”. Contesting Rural Space: Land Policy And Practices Of Resettlement On Saltspring Island, 1859-1891, gives an engaging and insightful read into the history of this Gulf Island, a little piece of rural Canada.

An hour and a half away from mainland Vancouver, ferries depart via Tsawwassen and arrive at Long Harbour, Saltspring.

COSTS
One-way to Saltspring, per person: $14.85 (less fuel rebate of $1.20)

One-way to Saltspring, per vehicle less than 7ft: $47.60 (less fuel rebate of $4.45)

Tickets back to Vancouver are cheaper at $7.60 (less $0.65) per person and $20.25 (less $2.50) for your car.

Many also choose to go on their bicycles and the ferries have also made provision for that ($2, either direction).

PUBLIC TRANSIT
A year ago, Saltspring introduced scheduled public transportation. While I’ve seen one bus stop along the road, I’ve been told by a local that there are no bus stops, we just flag the bus along the major roads. This is a practice I’ve always found “cool”. While I like the idea if I were the one trying to catch the bus or wanting to hop off as close to my destination as possible, I would probably not have the patience for when others are wanting to hop on and off at locations I have no interest in.

WHERE WE STAYED
Cedar Beach Resort is where we chose to spend our nights. For $40 a night, you get a plot of land (shape and size varies from plot to plot) with a picnic table and shared bathroom/shower facilities with everyone else on site, one for the gents and another for the ladies. There is also a wash basin to do the dishes. I found shower facilities to be more than adequate, especially in comparison to the ones I made up in my head.

The Resort is a short eight minute drive to downtown Saltspring where you can shop for camping supplies you left at home, or enjoy a fancy dinner at the waterfront cafes, diners and restaurants.

We heard from a Saltspring resident we met on the ferry that men on the island have to “import” their women because not many women want to live on the island due to the lack of shopping. Unfortunately I am unable to verify that bit of information since I wasn’t there to shop and honestly didn’t see many young persons.

OUR MAIDEN CAMPING TRIP
Next up, how our camping trip unfolded…
Day 1: Arriving at Saltspring Island
Day 2: Romantic afternoon in a rowboat on St Mary’s Lake.