| Size: | 180 square kilometers (70 square miles) |
| Population: | 10,500 |
| Ferry Terminal: | Fulford Harbour, Vesuvius Bay, Long Harbour |
| Tourist Info: | 121 Lower Ganges Road 1.866.216.2936 |
When the British Navy first patrolled the Gulf, Salt Spring Island was called Chuan Island. They renamed it Admiral island in 1859, in honour of Rear-Admiral R.L. Baynes. His flagship was the HMS Ganges, for which Ganges Harbour was named. In 1906 the official name 'Salt Spring' was designed as one word by the Geographic Board of Canada, a bureaucracy that cared nothing for local opinion or Island tradition.
The first settlers arrived in 1859, and encouraged their families to come to the island and establish farms and business around Vesuvius, Fernwood, Ganges and St. Mary Lake.
The Burgoyne Valley was settled as far south as Fulford Harbour by 1870, and in 1874, Henry Ruckle bought the land at Beaver Point, which is now Ruckle Park.
Salt Spring Island TODAY
Salt Spring Island is now the largest of a group of islands nestled in the Strait of Georgia between mainland Vancouver and Vancouver Island (Victoria). Salt Spring enjoys a mild climate year round.
Artists, farmers, chefs, mechanics, romantics, retirees and dreamers have been drawn to its shores and have recognized it, as one of the world's best places, to stay.
Renowned for its creativity Salt Spring Island is known as one of North America's best small arts towns. With gallery and artists' studios offering the visitor a wide choice of high-quality arts & crafts from paintings to pottery and weaving to woodwork. Salt Spring also has its own currency that can be purchased and spent on the island.
The seaside village of Ganges is a focal point for arts, restaurants and unique shops. Marinas attract pleasure boaters, commercial and sports fishermen.
There's lots to do on Salt Spring Island in addition: hiking, beachcombing, kayaking, fishing and golf are among the more popular outdoor activities. You can also pamper yourself with various alternative health treatments that are offered by local spas and practitioners.
And when the days is done, Salt Spring Island has a vast array of accommodations to choose from.
Although Salt Spring Island is well known to boaters and is reached by three ferries and scheduled air-flights, it remains an unknown paradise to most North American travellers.