Salt Spring Island is one of seven Gulf Islands in the southern half of the Strait of Georgia, but it is unlike any other you’ve visited.

Its artisan residents, relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make for the perfect day trip, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the town of Ganges, sample the locally-brewed beer or enjoy an organic lunch. For those looking to stay longer, this idyllic island has much to offer. Last year more than 200,000 visitors arrived on the island, accessible by boat, ferry, or float plane.

The island is best known for its arts and crafts community, which attracts creative and dynamic people from all over the world. On Saturdays, visitors can see local crafts first hand during the island’s weekly market in Ganges.

To see what’s on offer beyond the town, hop on a bicycle and explore the natural splendor of the island, enjoy the local fare at cafes and bakeries or visit the art galleries and cottage industries that dot the island’s winding roads.

Adventurous visitors can bring a tent and camp in Ruckle Provincial Park, which spans 1,200 acres. The park covers much of the original homestead of one of the island’s first settlers, Henry Ruckle. Visitors can even see Ruckle’s home, which he built in 1877.

If slightly more upscale accommodation is more to your liking, Salt Spring Island offers a host of bed and breakfasts, cabins, inns and even spas, where you can relax in an oasis of calm.
A jewel of an island roughly 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, it is the largest of the Gulf Islands and is home to rolling hills, freshwater lakes, lush forests, sandy beaches, fragrant apple orchards and bustling marinas.

Adding to Salt Spring’s uniqueness is the existence of the island’s own currency, which comes in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20. The money is collected to support local charities and community projects and can be spent at most business on the island or exchanged for Canadian dollars.