Each site has a firepit. After the grounds close, campers have the whole site to ourselves and are free to further explore the grounds. Location: Saltspring Island is located in the sheltered waters of the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, off the west coast of Canada. Ganges was named after HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navys Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Premier Listings: Camping Services on Vancouver Island & BC Islands. Reservations are recommended in July and August, when the sun shines brightest on this southern exposure. The campground offers a convenient central location from which to explore the island and is located on the local bus route. http://vancouverisland.com/victoria-regent-waterfront-hotel-suites/. Farther north, youll find walk-in campsites on Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. Note: Raccoons are numerous of Portland Island; be sure to secure all food supplies in containers (a tent is not a secure container!). Mountain Peaks, some eternally mantled with snow, dominate the park while lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks and streams. The springs vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter. Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds where many old buildings have been restored. Ocean beaches are nearby at Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Boaters can choose to land at pebble beaches on either side of Dionisio Point and thus avoid the tidal currents in Porlier Pass. A Reservation through Parks Canada is required to stay overnight at Fort Rodd Hill. Most folks who come to Ganges don't even realize that there is a park like Mouat so close to town. Hanggliding and Paragliding: Mount Bruce (2,326 feet/709 metres) is the highest point on Saltspring and a popular launching spot for hang-gliders, who soar and glide over the Fulford Valley down below. Strathcona Provincial Park is accessible by vehicle via Highway 28 which passes through the northern section of the park and provides access to Butte Lake. In 1859, Captain Richards named the highest peak Mount Baynes, in honour of Rear Admiral Baynes who was in command of the Pacific Station at the time. Raft Cove Provincial Park is located about 8 km south of Cape Scott Provincial Park, about 42 km west of Port Hardy. In late 1999 the private logging company purchased 10 percent of Saltspring Island and promptly proceeded to log it. Cape Scott Provincial Park lies 60 km west of Port Hardy on a well-maintained gravel road. Land use on the island is governed by the Islands Trust, which aims to preserve and protect the unique qualities of the Gulf Islands. Strathcona Provincial Park is a rugged mountain wilderness of over 250,000 hectares that dominates central Vancouver Island. Two forest service sites are located on the east side of Alice Lake, Alice Lake Recreation Site, and Pinch Creek Recreation Site. The local economy is service-oriented and heavily reliant upon the tourist industry, with a high level of services on the island, concentrated mostly in Ganges. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park near Fulford Harbour offers boating, horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking along park roads, and a government wharf provides kayak launching and limited boat mooring facilities. Fulford Harbour was named after Captain John Fulford, commanding officer of the HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navys Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Centre in Ganges. Three private campsites are also available. Youll share the park with thousands of shorebirds that populate the extensive tide flats and salt marshes, which sustain an astonishing spectrum of plant and animal life. Stocked with trout and smallmouth bass, the lake is reached from a small beach and boat launch at the junction of Upper and Lower Ganges Roads and Vesuvius Bay Road. Plus, there's a beautiful, babbling brook to keep you company on your short walk to Garden Faire. Named by officers of the Hudsons Bay Company for the cold and briny saltwater springs on the north end of the island, Saltspring Island in British Columbia is the largest, most populated, and most visited of the Southern BC Gulf Islands. There are few freshwater lakes on any of the islands and 8 on Saltspring, 5 of which have public beaches. There are other ways to the park but this is my personal favourite because it takes you right from town to the trees. More experienced hikers face an eight-hour slog through some of the muddiest, most tortuous terrain of any trail in British Columbia to reach Cape Scott, a distance of 27 kilometres from the parking lot. Each of these islands is a world unto itself, each with its own history, culture and colourful characters each island deserves at least a day or two for exploring. People from all over the world flock to Garden Faire Campground year after year Return from Salt Spring Island Camping to SaltSpring-Island.com, "Hi, I'm Bill Nash. @VicRegentHotel. Heed the warning notices. Norman (Gulf Islands NPR). The unique tour is a self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans, showcasing their individual talents and creations for your enjoyment and purchase. If you make this hike in summer, take plenty of drinking water with you as these open slopes are baked by the sun. Raft Cove is located just south of San Josef Bay. Although they donated most of their property to the province for a park in 1974, the Ruckles still raise sheep on private land at the entrance to the campground. If you raise an issue or express an opinion, expect a lively debate from the locals. The campground is a provincial recreation site maintained by the by Sayward Futures Society and is considered a wilderness camp, but does provide water, tables and outhouses. Wilderness campsites are located at three places on the island. All three of these lakes provide excellent trout and bass fishing, and great warm, freshwater swimming. A group of 9 Negro slaves, who had purchased their liberty in the United States, arrived at Vesuvius in 1857. Many vacationers come to Saltspring simply to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak in the quiet island lifestyle and spirit. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Bamberton Provincial Park is located just south of the Mill Bay ferry terminal beside Hwy 1. Floatplanes also link the village of Ganges to Vancouver and Seattle. All are easily reached by following either the North or South Shore Roads west of the community of Lake Cowichan. The campsites are also separated from the day-use area of the boot-shaped park by a network of hiking and walking trails that provides a further degree of privacy, particularly in early fall when thousands of day trippers converge on the north end of the park to witness the annual salmon run. Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds, where many old buildings have been restored. Drummond Park at the head of nearby Fulford Harbour has a pebble beach to explore. Gordon Bay Provincial Park on the Cowichan Lake east of Duncan is a large park with 130 vehicle/tent sites. The park features an astounding number of undeveloped campsites, and is particularly popular with groups such as the Boy Scouts. Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Legally considered gift certificates, the Saltspring Island Dollar is Canadas only local legal-tender currency in circulation. The goal of the local currency, which was introduced to the Island in September 2001, is to raise funds for worthwhile community projects while promoting local commerce and goodwill. Mount Maxwells Baynes Peak is crowned by a forest of mature grand fir and Garry oak. This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. So, officially it is one word, but local usage tends to prefer two words, although it is not unanimous. While a few of Saltsprings attractions can be seen in a whirlwind two-hour drive, a thorough exploration of Saltspring could take weeks. This is [], Kayaking British Columbia is the ultimate way to view BC's abundant wildlife. Waterfront West is the first and only marketplace dedicated exclusively to buyers and sellers of waterfront and waterview real estate in British Columbia. Limited editions of Saltspring Island art are featured on the back of the notes, which help to make the bills collectible after the two-year expiry date. Ferry service from Sidney to Princess Margaret Marine Park (Gulf Islands NPR) on Portland Island, about 4 nautical kms from Sidney, is also available for groups of 10 or more. Farmers Market is a small market held on Tuesdays in the greenspace next to the United Church, between McPhillips and Hereford Avenues. The one-two punch of a superb view and a sandy beach makes this park a knockout for lucky visitors. In 1910 the name was changed to Saltspring by the Geographic Board of Canada (now the Geographical Names Board of Canada), which often fused multiple-word place names. Set in the Nimpkish Valley, this is one of the most beautiful camping areas on the island. Tiny Vesuvius Bay on the northwest side of Saltspring offers more studios, hiking trails, and spectacular sunsets! Mouat Regional Parkin Ganges is just a short walk uphill from the commercial heart of Saltspring and provides a relaxing break amongst its beautiful trees, streams and enormous ferns. Kayaking: Exploring offshore waters by kayak is the best way to discover the islands, either on day trips, paddles to marine parks rich in bird and wildlife, or guided multi-day camping expeditions. Two small sites Spring Beach and Bald Mountain are located on the north side of the lake across from Gordon Bay Park and are limited to those campers who arrive by boat, kayak or on foot. Pi, Happy BC Day! ADDRESS: 1136 North End Road, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada V8K 1M1. Although youll find a lot of marine traffic swirling around the area during the day, in the evening the pulse slows to a sleep-inducing rhythm, especially once the last ferries have sailed or docked for the night. The island was explored by the Spanish and British in the 1700s, and settled in the 1850s by early pioneers who had abandoned their Fraser River gold rush hopes. Premier Listings: Private Campgrounds & RV Parks on Vancouver Island & BC Islands The township of Saltspring was incorporated in 1873, but strong anti-government sentiment by island residents resulted in the reversal of the incorporation by the BC Legislature ten years later. The setting is West Coast Canadian; forested islands, wide meadows and beautiful landscapes surrounded by emerald ocean and wonderful vistas. Fillongley Provincial Park on Denman Island is not particularly large, and it fills up quickly in July and August. Stamp River Provincial Park lies about 14 km north of Port Alberni. Pockets of Forest Service sites occur around McCreight Lake, about 40 km north of Campbell River, as well as at nearby Pye Lake and Stella Lake. Have [], Pet-friendly Terrace Beach Resort offers secluded beachfront #cabins linked to #WildPacificTrail in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island #BritishColumbia. So good does the living get here that some families spend their entire vacation at Rathtrevor Beach, where the maximum stay permitted is 14 consecutive days. The wharf at Fulford Harbour is also a good spot to begin a kayaking trip. In addition, theres wilderness camping in the Reserve at Pachena Bay Campground, about 5 km south of Bamfield. There is no telling in advance whether youll find room here. The park sits beside a sheltered bay at the northeast corner of Sproat Lake. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch. Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car, motorbike, scooter or even a bicycle to take in some of the breathtaking views to be seen on Saltspring Island. In fact, if you walk from McPhillips Avenue (where the Library is), across Jackson Avenue, you can see the trailhead for Mouat Park. An outdoor barbecue/ bonfire and lakefront picnic tables are very popular features. The rugged and mountainous southern end of the island is dominated by Mount Tuam and Mount Bruce, separated from the equally mountainous mid-island region by the Fulford Valley, located between Fulford Harbour and Burgoyne Bay. Campground amenities include 30-amp power, flush toilets, showers, WiFi internet, a playground and friendly campground hosts. A breeze blows almost constantly across the Strait of Georgia, but Shelter Point comes by its name honestly. Saltspring Market: Head to the heart of Ganges every Saturday to see the wares and talents of the islanders on display at the local Saturday Market (April to October). Three day reservations are required for long weekends for drive in sites. Although the two parks are quite close together, the forests that surround them are noticeably different. We have 2 small unfurnished sleeping cabins that sleep 2 adults and a child comfortably. The islands shoreline is varied and beautiful, offering rocky shores, tidal pools to explore, shell beaches for beachcombing, and a wide variety of sandy beaches. In fact, there are twice as many boat slips as campsites. http://vancouverisland.com/premier-listings/name/terrace-beach-resort/, Guided Wildcoast Adventures #kayaking tours to #DesolationSound, the Discovery Islands, #Orca Camp, Johnstone Strait, #VancouverIsland #BC. Port Alberni hums with visitor activity during fishing season. The Oxford Dictionary of Canadian Place Names indicates it was called Salt Spring Island by the Hudsons Bay Company in the early 1800s. Annual Events: One of the biggest events of the year is the annual Fall Fair, held on the third weekend of September just outside Ganges. Leashed pets are welcome. Of the 22 ocean beaches, 4 are designated for swimming.
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