A Few Days in Salt Spring, March

Long ago I saw the movie, Five Easy Pieces and had to know where this unbelievably beautiful place was.  I found out it was filmed at the University of Victoria and Salt Spring Island, and I vowed I had to go there.  I have several times and still think it is lovely.  I was thrilled to be able to keep my friend, Sandy, company, on a trip over there during the second week of March break.

Not all ferry rides are full of sunshine so we had a bit of a rainy trip over.  We took the ferry from  Tsawwassen and then caught the small ferry to Salt Spring.  This is a small ferry which just takes 45 minutes to make the trip from Schwartz Bay where the Vancouver ferry comes in.  You can go to  Salt Spring from Tsawassen but there are not very many ferries and they take a circuitous route stopping at other Gulf Islands.

I like the smaller BC ferries where you can even sit in your car if you like and watch the scenery-this ferry has small waiting rooms on each side of the car deck.

We drove into Ganges and then after we settled into Sandy's mom's condo (which Sandy is hoping to eventually sell) we had a delicious lunch at Auntie Pesto's Cafe.  We spent from Tuesday to Friday on the island and here are a few pictures from our time there.













Ganges is a lovely town.  Recently they have a new library and it's amazing.  I took a few pictures but they don't really do it justice.  












There is some really neat art, no doubt thanks to all the artists who make their homes in Salt Spring.  Here is one example of what you may find on the walls.


















In the summer this park is the site of a big outdoor market every Saturday but in March it is quiet and peaceful.


















There are many interesting stores in the village, this is one wax candle display that i came across.















Just one of the lovely scenes you will see on the island.













I love this rural picture… Other than the town of Ganges and the smaller communities of Fulford and Vesuvius the island is very rural with rolling countryside.


















One beautiful place is Ruckles Park.
Here are a few pictures

Salal, a native plant with edible berries

a little about the original Ruckles family

The original homestead

Another fun place to visit is the Salt Spring Cheese company. There are many interesting places you can visit on the island, but in the winter and early spring some studios are closed or open on weekends or by appointment. For instance, we didn't get to visit any of the three wineries!  You have to plan carefully!







There are lovely ocean views





















It was so beautiful being there this time of year-and watching the cherry and plum trees blossom

Our last night there we had fish and chips in Vesuvius.  This was our lovely view.

more beautiful blossoms
















This picture was taken from the deck of our friends' house!












On our way out our final day we stopped at this tiny church.


At the Fulford ferry we had a bit of a wait but had fun poking in the shops and having a cup of coffee at the cafe.




But soon we had to head back onto the ferry and leave lovely Salt Spring behind!