About Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island has a rich and diverse community, with facilities to meet all your needs.

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Arts and Culture

A thriving artistic community that features both visual and performing arts, as well as a healthy community of crafters. A new Arts Center, a Gulf Islands Community Arts Council, and the popular Saturday Market. Many people become engaged in the arts after moving to Salt Spring.

A summer Festival of the Arts brings word-class performances from around the world. The island is home to a few choirs, many musicians and recognized authors. Salt Spring is proud to support the only remaining volunteer-operated library in British Columbia.

There is also a cinema which plays feature films, and there are several video outlets on the island.

Climate

Our climate is envied by the rest of the country. We boast a moderate, sunny climate where seasons blend together almost imperceptibly. Fall rains announce the approach  of a winter that usually stays above the freezing level. Snowfalls are rare, and are beautifully clean, pristine and very short-lived when they do occur.

Daycare

A choice of several daycare centers are available in all areas of the island.

Gardening

Salt Spring is in the Canadian 'Banana Belt" with a moderate, sunny climate, and yes, we do grow bananas here. Plenty of sunshine, and approximately 36 inches. of rainfall per year. The island is a haven for year-round gardeners.

For more information:

• Read an Historical Account of Fruit Growing in the Gulf Islands, by local orchardist Harry Burton.
• Read about gardening in Salt Spring's Banana Belt from local expert "Banana Joe".
• Visit Apple Luscious Organic Orchards for a first-person account of fruit growing on Salt Spring Island
• Visit Salt Spring Seeds and see how many varieties of flowers and foods can be grown year-round.

Island's Trust

The beauty, tranquility and unique natural environment of the islands in the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound have given the area national recognition. Realizing this, in 1974 the Government of British Columbia enacted special protective legislation entitled the Islands Trust Act. The Act states that the object of the Islands Trust is to: "preserve and protect the trust-area and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents of the trust area and of British Columbia generally, in cooperation with municipalities, regional districts, improvement districts, other persons and organizations and the government of British Columbia.". Visit the Island's Trust website for more information.

Medical Facilities

The Salt Spring medical community includes a hospital with extended care unit and lab., several doctors, physiotherapists, optometrists, alternative practitioners, dentists, massage therapists, two drugstores, and a pharmacy. Medical specialists also visit the island regularly and there is an active home care network in place.

Recreation

Two golf courses, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and of course, several beaches. Also a extensive array of walking and hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, a bowling alley, archery club, climbing wall, and more. To read more about the natural environment that makes Salt Spring Island such a special place to live, please see the Islands Trust notes.

Restaurants

Many restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from. Several coffee shops, bakeries, a bagel factory.

Schools

Five elementary schools for grades 1-5, one middle school, one high school, and many home-schooling families. Also two pre-school programs in place, including a very popular co-operative pre-school.

Seniors' Programs

Salt Spring Island is home to many enthusiastic retirees. Programs exist across the board for those more energetic, and support services are in place for those in need. 'Seniors for Seniors' is a local organization that supports the island seniors in many ways. Grocery stores make deliveries to local seniors and there is a hospice organization for those in need.

Wildlife

Some the the most prevalent island wildlife includes: deer, otters, herons, eagles, quail, and marine mammals. Spring and summer allows us to enjoy the company of hummingbirds at close range. To read more about the preserved wilderness that makes Salt Spring Island such a special place to live, please see the Islands Trust notes above.

Worship

The island places of worship welcome those from every denomination. Churches (old and new) are sprinkled across the countryside, and there are many opportunities for those who follow non-traditional spiritual practices.

Yacht Clubs & Marinas

Ganges Harbour accommodates two marinas and two government docks. There is an active Salt Spring Sailing Club, and an outpost station for the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.