Salt Spring Island

Canada has many scenic delights and tourist attractions. British Columbia is an interesting region, including its Gulf Islands chain, of which Salt Spring Island is the largest and most popular for visitors. It took its name from the saltwater springs found there. One of the reasons for its appeal to tourists is the friendly climate and mild winters.

The Island is well known for its artistic community, which grew from the 1960s and attracted young people to live there. A hippie lifestyle developed during the Vietnam War era when many people avoiding the draft settled there. There are still many artists and craftspeople resident today, which is reflected in the number of art galleries and craft outlets. It is also a favorite destination for those in retirement and anyone who appreciates the laid back feel of the place. The census from 2001 records the Salt Spring Island population at just over 9,000. The residents are very proud of their home and have preserved its unspoilt qualities whilst welcoming visitors.

The geology of the coastline has resulted in numerous beaches and rock pools. Locals and tourists enjoy looking for shells. The southern tip of the island is mountainous and has a more rugged terrain. Mount Erskine has trails to the summit and offers a terrific view of the area. There are Douglas Fir trees on the mountain. Salt Spring Island has a valuable facility in the Crow's Nest Ecological Research Area, which is a reserve, used by students from the local University to study and do research.

Backpackers, cyclists and hikers love to come to Ruckle Provincial Park, a large area teeming with land and marine wildlife that has numerous campsites. There are pebbled beaches and coves to explore, a forest and a Heritage Farm with authentic farm buildings and barns. Beaver Point is where scuba divers gather to dive from the shoreline.

Ganges is the largest town on the Island and has several restaurants and galleries. There are many marinas with facilities to hire boats. Anyone wanting to visit nearby Vancouver can go by seaplane from the Salt Spring Island aerodrome. Shopping is best done at the weekly Saturday Art and Farmer's Market in the town. The stalls offer a mixture of home made, organic food such as cheese and honey, clothes and local craftwork. There is jewelry, pottery and woodcarving. The rule here is that vendors have to make or grow the goods themselves and this keeps the market genuinely local and of a high standard.

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