Our Salt Spring Island adventure was a delightful escape, spanning from June 30 to July 2, 2017.
Day 1: From Anacortes to Salt Spring Island
Our journey began with a scenic drive to Anacortes, where we made a pit stop at Rock Fish Grill for a hearty meal. Recharged, we boarded the Anacortes Ferry to Sidney on Vancouver Island, followed by the Schwartz Bay Ferry to Salt Spring Island’s Fulford Port. The ferry rides offered breathtaking views, setting a perfect tone for our trip.
Arriving at the Harbour House Hotel, our initial apprehension about ongoing renovations quickly faded as we were welcomed into a newly refurbished room with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Settling in, we ventured to Salt Spring Inn, a charming eatery over a century old, for a pizza and curry squash soup dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Salt Spring Island
We started the day with breakfast at Salt Spring Island Trading Company. We grabbed a gluten-free pastry and set off to explore the island.
Our first stop was Fernwood Point, where we marvelled at the abundance of crabs being caught. Next, we visited the Blue Horse Folk Art Gallery, run by a couple from Vancouver who were cultivating lavender and building their future home.
A hidden gem on our tour was a kayaking dock surrounded by serene rocks, perfect for basking in the sun and listening to the waves. For lunch, we headed to The Tree House Café, a unique restaurant built around a tree, before enjoying live music and local interactions in town.
Day 3: Canada Day Celebrations
On Canada Day, we immersed ourselves in the local Saturday market and Mouat’s hardware store. After a quick grocery run at Thrifty Foods, we set off for a picnic at Ruckle Park. The park’s stunning views provided a perfect backdrop for our lunch on the rocks by the water.
Our afternoon included visiting the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, where we sampled exquisite goat cheese. We discovered a turmeric drink mix with purported healing properties. We concluded our day at Salt Spring Vineyards, where we enjoyed wine tasting and entertained the local ducks. Dinner at Moby’s Bar, followed by fireworks viewed from our hotel, capped off the evening.
Day 4: Farewell to Salt Spring Island
On our final day, we packed up and made a delicious stop at Embe Bakery before heading to Sidney. There, we joined the 150th-anniversary celebrations, enjoying music and arts. Lunch at Pier Bistro on Sidney Pier was delightful, followed by a walk along the waterfront and a visit to Victoria Distillers.
Our ferry ride home included a picturesque stop at Friday Harbor, capturing the last memories of a wonderful vacation filled with sunshine, warmth, and joy.
Salt Spring Island was a perfect blend of natural beauty, delightful local flavours, and a warm community spirit, making it a trip to cherish forever.
