| Salt
Spring Island has been used by the natives for hunting, fishing and gathering
shell fish for thousands of year. The middens evident on some of the beaches show
what an important place this was for the Coastal tribes. 
Salt
Spring Island was first mapped by Spanish and British explorers in the 1700's
and first settled by ex-gold rushers for farming in the 1850's. A
colorful history of settlement saw freed slaves settle here as well as Kanaka's
from the Hawaiin Islands. Dutch, Irish, British, Japanese and Scandinavians also
made this Island home. One
of the mildest and most temperate climates in Canada, the island now attracts
retirees, artists and people
from all walks of life. It is the most populated of the gulf islands and has a
Hospital, High School and 3 ferry terminals.
The population is about 12,000 permanent residents and rises in the Summer time
with tourism. The famous Saturday Market
is a great place to browse the local artists wares and locally grown and made
foods.
The Island is 29kms (18 miles) long and 14km (9 miles) wide. Named after the briny
springs found at the North end of the island it has suprisingly numerous lakes,
mountains and beaches. Also
home to Vineyards,
organic farms,
coffee roasting and almost everything
else you can imagine. Salt Spring is definitely a community that enjoys a rural
atmosphere in a small town climate with all the anemities that you need for a
comfortable life.
Salt
Spring Links
There
is always lots to do on Salt Spring, or maybe you just want to relax and enjoy
a glass of wine and the sunset.
BC
Ferries (ferry reservations are recommended)
Fly
here via float plane from Victoria, Vancouver or Seattle:
The Salt
Spring guide has maps and contacts. The
Chamber of Commerce has information
on events, tourist brochures that you can order, business contacts... you name
it. Here
is a Google
map that can give you directions to our B&B. The map shows us at then
end of Elizabeth Drive though and actually we're the first house on the right
after you turn off from Chu-an Drive. There
is also a great map at mapofsaltspring.com
More
great links:
Royal Bed and Breakfast; PENTICTON, British Columbia; CANADA: Come stay with
us and experience the beauty and tranquility of the Okanagan Valley - Canada's
all season destination! All rooms have King or Queen sized beds, air-conditioning,
private baths, view of lake or mountains, on-site masseuse and much more! Chamber
of Commerce This is where you will find Salt Spring's list of businesses and
accomodations Browns Townhouse
- Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Waterford, Ireland Vancouver
Bed and Breakfast - Jane's Gourmet Bed and Breakfast in Vancouver British
Columbia. Jane welcomes you to her contemporary home in Deep Cove, North Vancouver
and the luxurious warmth of the private four star accommodations. | 
