Last week my friend, Val, and I went to
Salt Spring Island. Although Val is a native Vancouverite and has been to Japan, Egypt, and other exotic places somehow she had never visited any of the Gulf Islands although she had sailed by them many times when she visited Victoria on the ferry.
Our friend, Sandy, had lent us her mom's condo which she won't have much longer as it has been sold. We decided we didn't mind taking the milk run ferry that stops at Galiano, Mayne, and Pender Islands before Salt Spring. And that way Val got to check out those other islands as well.
It is a lovely journey and we had breakfast and did a bit of shopping as well on board.
Each island is unique and lovely
It was still an enjoyable trip even though it was overcast!
But I kind of like that misty look!
We eventually did arrive
and drove from Long Harbour into Ganges, the main town on Salt Spring
There is lots of fun shopping in Ganges although, unfortunately, we were missing the weekend market. This time of the year Salt Spring is rather quiet during the week, but other commitments prevented us being there on the weekend, but there are still lots of stores, galleries, and restaurants open in town.
These flowers are from Sandy's mom's garden
After a little exploring around the island we took an evening stroll
Here is a map to give you a bit more of an idea of Salt Spring's layout!
The next morning I took this picture in the condo complex and then we walked into town for breakfast
Then we checked out a couple of stores and galleries on our way
This gallery has work by many local artists-this island just has too many talented people!
I wanted to show Val the beautiful quite new Salt Spring Library which has some lovely art work by local artists
such as those birds and books on the wall!
After that we went island exploring heading towards Fulford
There are many studios, wineries, cheese factories etc. you can visit around the island but quite a few were still on winter hours and were closed but we enjoyed our visit to
Salt Spring Cheese.
Our next stop was Our next spot was
Ruckles Farm. the oldest farm in BC operated by the original family, and located in
Ruckles Provincial Park.
It is such a lovely place!
I am afraid Salt Spring is famous for its lamb!!!
There is a nice hike down to the ocean in the park but we were really getting hungry so we went on to Fulford where you can get the ferry to Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island then take the non stop ferry to the mainland if you want.
Our view from lunch at the
Rock Salt Restaurant and Cafe.
We resisted temptation here but love the building
On our way back to Ganges we stopped at the
Salt Spring Winery but at this time of year only open from Friday to Sunday or by appointment.
But certainly a lovely setting and nice wine as well!
Back in Ganges we took a walk
and got some fish tacos for dinner.
Wednesday morning after we had packed up, did laundry so there would be clean sheets for the next guests, and had a delicious breakfast at the
Salt Spring Inn, I took Val to a really neat spot,
Fernwood Dock.
After exploring it seemed to be time for lunch in Vesuvius where you can take a ferry to Crofton on Vancouver Island and where you find the
Seaside Restaurant with its famous fish and chips!
By now we decided it was time to head to Long Harbour to get our ferry. I should note that this day had every type of weather!
From sunshine to rain!
And soon we were on the ferry heading back to Vancouver
but I know Val really enjoyed her first visit to Salt Spring Island
and the journey is almost as much fun as the destination!
