Be sure to stop by in July for the annual Saltspring Festival of the Arts, which presents a diverse and culturally rich program of talented performing artists. The adjoiningBeach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation spacefor our guestsenjoyment and is also suited for large group gatherings. This campsite is busy almost year-round. rates inc. 15 amp power and water. The Oxford Dictionary of Canadian Place Names indicates it was called Salt Spring Island by the Hudsons Bay Company in the early 1800s. We have 2 small unfurnished sleeping cabins that sleep 2 adults and a child comfortably. Fernwood provides a government wharf at Fernwood Point off Walker Hook Road, and a boat launching ramp over tidal sand flats at Hudson Point, north of the Fernwood Dock off North Beach Road. Texada may be a rugged island, but it does possess this jewel of a regional park midway along its west side, 27 km south of the Blubber Bay ferry terminal. You dont have to brave the winds; just driving the logging roads west of Cowichan Lake qualifies you to stay here. 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. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Pictured Youll find great views from both down onto the Saanich Inlet and Saanich Peninsula, and across Satellite Channel to Cowichan Bay. Ganges is the largest bustling seaside village in the Gulf Islands, located 7.5 miles (12 km) north of Fulford Harbour. Small wonder, when all the comforts of home, such as hot showers, gas barbeques in covered beachside picnic shelters, and firewood, are included in the camping fee. Vans and trucks carrying board sailors from around the world, and decked out with roof racks for windsurfing equipment, occupy many of the rustic campsites beside the lake. Island Hopping: Travelling between the Southern Gulf Islands and Northern Gulf Islands can be accomplished in small hops. Saltspring Island was engaged in one of BCs most high-profile environmental wars between local residents and the Texada Land Corporation. In fact, there are twice as many boat slips as campsites. But the thing I love most about Garden Faire is how seamlessly it fits into Mouat Park. Johnstone Strait & Broughton Archipelago Expedition, British Columbia This expedition is a professionally-guided 6-day kayaking journey exploring the beautiful Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait area of British Columbia. Much of this park has a weathered-limestone shoreline, characteristic of both Galiano and Gabriola Islands. Be sure to bring a tarp or two (plus plenty of rope) to help create a dry shelter for yourself. No matter where you travel and which way you turn on Vancouver Island, there will always be a park nearby. Ganges was named after HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navys Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Park on Langley Street, then go down a flight of stairs to the beach. Cortes Island: After going to the effort to reach Cortes Island, your reward is finding a campsite on the southwestern corner at Smelt Bay Provincial Park, a heavenly setting on this picturesque island. This park has two different sections. A popular family beach is close to the facilities at Vesuvius Bay. Located right next to the yet undiscovered Mouat Park, Garden Faire offers you everything you'll ever need for a great camping experience. Once a popular camping location, The Disc Golf course now occupies the old camping oval. As at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, there are short walking trails to view the Little Qualicum Falls beside the clear green waters of the river. Vast tracts of protected land and strict building restrictions have also increased property prices, with limits imposed on development and population density. Most of the campsites are set back from the expansive sand and polished pea-gravel beach. There are few freshwater lakes on any of the islands and 8 on Saltspring, 5 of which have public beaches. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, 19 km west of Parksville on Hwy 4, is quite similar in feel to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Kayak rentals and daily lessons are available from the four organizations offering equipment. Although the two parks are quite close together, the forests that surround them are noticeably different. Fernwood is a good launching spot for those wishing to cross Houston Passage to visit Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park in Trincomali Channel. Campbell River and Courtenay are the primary access points to the park with Courtenay providing two access routes to the Forbidden Plateau area. Cycling is popular, but most roads are narrow and none have shoulders. The park sits beside a sheltered bay at the northeast corner of Sproat Lake. 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). With no private campground located beside Highway 19 from Campbell River north to Cape Scott, travellers must seek out a provincial or regional park, or Forest Service recreation site, if they want an alternative to a private campground. Although this location doesnt guarantee complete privacy, it admirably suits most travellers purposes. Saltspring is 17 miles (27 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide, with 83 miles (133 km) of shoreline (182 square kilometres). All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The campground is located in a forested setting on the east side of the island, about 4 km from the ferry dock to Vancouver Island. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Saltspring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. The park features as interesting blend of easily reached sites in a wooded setting overlooking Swanson Channel, with North Pender Island on the far shore. Diving: Divers can explore sunken wrecks at Princess Margaret Marine Park (Gulf Islands NPR) on Portland Island, located between Saltspring Island and the Pender Islands. Short-term vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot. Most folks who come to Ganges don't even realize that there is a park like Mouat so close to town. Although Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park on the west side of Galiano Island was British Columbias first marine park, it has become just as popular with drive-in and cycle-in visitors as with boaters. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. A group of 9 Negro slaves, who had purchased their liberty in the United States, arrived at Vesuvius in 1857. French Beach Provincial Park is the place many visitors head to for camping. Cedar Beach Resort offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom self-contained cabins, a large duplex unit, 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. Bamberton Provincial Park is located just south of the Mill Bay ferry terminal beside Hwy 1. It only takes several minutes to walk from the dock on Newcastle Island to the campsites. Boating & Sailing: Summer sees many cruising sailboats from the US, which usually stop in on their trip through the Gulf islands and the US San Juan Islands. The adjoiningBeach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation spacefor our guestsenjoyment and is also suited for large group gatherings. The setting is West Coast Canadian; forested islands, wide meadows and beautiful landscapes surrounded by emerald ocean and wonderful vistas. 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. 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. Private campsites are also located on Saint Mary Lake. 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. Because of its close proximity to Vancouver Island, Saltspring is the most accessible of the Gulf chain of islands, with the most frequent ferry sailings on three routes to three ferry terminals. Saltspring Island Dollars are available on a one-to-one exchange with the Canadian Dollar and accepted on Saltspring on the same basis as the national currency. Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds, where many old buildings have been restored. This is an extremely exposed area, so come prepared to wear waterproof clothing on top of waterproof clothing in an attempt to stay dry. The campsites are well spaced, close to all park amenities, including hot showers, and within easy walking distance of Goldstream River. Salt Spring Island Camping on Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and Discovery Islands, This Steelhead was a TANK! One leads north off Musgrave to Bruce, while another leads south to Tuam. Children under 14 are free. 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. Campground amenities include 30-amp power, flush toilets, showers, WiFi internet, a playground and friendly campground hosts. Fillongley Provincial Park on Denman Island is not particularly large, and it fills up quickly in July and August. Miracle Beach Provincial Park is located 23 km north of Courtenay beside Hwy 19. Golf: Tee off on either of the islands two golf courses. ADDRESS: 1136 North End Road, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada V8K 1M1. 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. Serviced R.V. The colourful event includes a variety of impromptu musical performances and the occasional theatrical or dance exhibition. Information on Provincial Park Campgrounds and Reservations, National Park Campgrounds and Reservations, Camping on Crown Land in BC Recreation Sites, Frequently Asked Questions on Parks and Campgrounds, and Provincial Park User Fees. Each site has a firepit. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions. Set in the Nimpkish Valley, this is one of the most beautiful camping areas on the island. 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. Two forest service sites are located on the east side of Alice Lake, Alice Lake Recreation Site, and Pinch Creek Recreation Site. Rated Victorias #1 whale watching company on Trip Advisor since 2007, Eagle Wing Tours guarantees adventure and the most transformative marine experiences on the Salish Sea. A Hump, This looks delicious! BC Ferries links Fulford Harbour with Swartz Bay (near Sidney), and also links Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. Quiet time is from 10 p.m. 7 a.m. Location: Saltspring Island is located in the sheltered waters of the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, off the west coast of Canada. @wildcoast_kayak. You wont find a softer surface on which to camp than the parks white sand. Hiking trails lead beside the lake onto the mountain ridges above the park, which are slowly beginning to regenerate after having being clear-cut in the 1970s. Pi, Happy BC Day! The year-round residents of Saltspring Island include an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. The park features easily reached campsites in a wooded setting overlooking Swanson Channel and one of the prettiest beaches on all the islands. Elk Falls Provincial Park is near the union of the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers. If you raise an issue or express an opinion, expect a lively debate from the locals. http://britishcolumbia.com/premier-listings/name/prince-rupert-adventure-tours/ @Khutzeymateen #BritishColumbia. The church can be viewed from the ferry when sailing into Fulford Harbour. The campground enjoys a beautiful location on Ladysmith Harbour, with a beach and shoreline nature trails. Mount Maxwells Baynes Peak is crowned by a forest of mature grand fir and Garry oak. Farther to the west, Woss Lake Provincial Park is even more undeveloped, offering great backcountry exploration. Taylor Arm Provincial Park is a forested site on the north shore of Sproat Lake about 15 km west of Port Alberni on Hwy 4. Ruckle Provincial Park is located 9 km northeast of Fulford Harbour. The cabins have power and water onsite, and one is situated on a large site that can accommodate a RV or tent at additional cost. All three of these lakes provide excellent trout and bass fishing, and great warm, freshwater swimming. This is one of the few ferry docks where you can park your car in line and wander over to a pub (the Vesuvius Inn) and quaff a beer and enjoy the great view from the veranda while you wait for your ship to come in. While a few of Saltsprings attractions can be seen in a whirlwind two-hour drive, a thorough exploration of Saltspring could take weeks. Schoen Lake Provincial Park is located about 12 km south of Hwy 19, north of Sayward. Theres a BC Ferries dock in nearby Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen on the BC mainland. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Its conveniently close to Sooke and a good place to stage explorations to a number of beaches farther north along Hwy 14. Campsites with tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are provided beyond the parking area on the service road at the main park entrance. Drummond Park at the head of nearby Fulford Harbour has a pebble beach to explore. As at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, there is a beautiful waterfall here that is sure to soothe even the most jangled nerves. Powerboats are not permitted here, except those with electric motors. Theres great picnicking, summer swimming, and a 3 km walking trail that passes through a stand of maple trees to an impressive waterfall and gorge. Garden Faire Campground has beautifully situated campsites in an old growth forest, just a 10 minute walk via the Mouat Park Trails (BC Ferries links Fulford Harbour with Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.) The springs vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter. The campground is supervised and we welcome both children and well-behaved pets. The north end of the island has a lower elevation, with rolling pastures, deciduous forests and the majority of residential developments, mainly around the village of Ganges. Ruckle Provincial Park: Saltspring Island is home to the biggest Gulf Island provincial campground, at Ruckle Park, located 5.5 miles (9 km) northeast of Fulford Harbour. The campground is tucked in between the Pay Bay Highway and the shoreline of Canoe Bay. More information on Camping in Pacific Rim National Park. The Forest Service recreation site at Nitinat Lake has the international cachet that youd also find in select places such as the Gorge in Oregon or the Squamish Spit. Walk-in sites are accessed by a ring road. 1998-2021 Shangaan Webservices Inc. All Rights Reserved. Surround [], Historic Lund Resort at Klah ah men (1905) on the #SunshineCoast offers oceanfront guest rooms, romantic weddings, corporate retreats, a pub, restaurant, marina, and boat cruises at the gateway to Desolation Sound #BC. Canada Post accepts both spellings of the name. If you make this hike in summer, take plenty of drinking water with you as these open slopes are baked by the sun. At the Green Point Campground on Long Beach, about 10 km north of the Tofino/Ucluelet junction on Hwy 4, youll find vehicle/tent sites, and walk-in sites on the beach, sheltered by thick stands of salal. Private campsites are located at Cedar Beach Resort and Mowhinna Creek Campground (links on this page). Pacific Rim National Park: With almost one million visitors a year to Pacific Rim National Park, its important to have somewhere for them to camp, especially after theyve driven all that way. It is nestled in a beautiful forest, and campers will find a boat launch and a beach for swimming. Campsites are situated 6 km away on the Quinsam river. A large stand of Douglas-fir surrounds Elk Falls, which present a lively sight during spring runoff. West Coast Trail hikers overnight here before catching a ride to the trailhead. 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. 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 challenging 9-hole Saltspring Island Golf Club on Lower Ganges Road welcomes the public and operates on a first-come-first-served basis. The 47 vehicle/tent sites are located just beside Johns Creek on the hillside above Sechelt Inlet. Park, located on the southern tip of Quadra Island, at Heriot Bay Inn on the southeast coast of Quadra Island, and We Wai Kai Campsite near Rebecca Spit. Hiking is a major activity on Saltspring, with many mountain, beach, and park trails. In late 1999 the private logging company purchased 10 percent of Saltspring Island and promptly proceeded to log it. The lay of the land here traps heat, and daytime temperatures are hot by coastal standards. 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. View more information on the benefits of bathing in the Salt Spring Mineral Water. The decidedly laid-back atmosphere of Fulford Village, the historic Fulford Inn, the historic grocery store, the Mexican cafe, and the few crafts shops all combine to add to the unique character of Fulford Harbour and the Fulford Harbour Ferry Terminal. Kayak in the realm of the killer whale. Is the island named Saltspring or Salt Spring? An outdoor barbecue/ bonfire and lakefront picnic tables are very popular features. In fact, you can make reservations for both vehicle/tent and walk-in sites. 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. There are plenty of animals about: red-headed woodpeckers (they're huge! Vesuvius is named after the Royal Navys paddle sloop Vesuvius, which did duty in the Black Sea during the Crimean War (1853-1856). A public bus transit system covers the main routes on Saltspring Island, and the Ganges Faerie MiniShuttle service operates between the ferry terminals (Fulford, Long Harbour, Vesuvius) and Ganges, Ruckle Park, and Fernwood. and one bedroom suites. Ganges: On Saltspring, all roads lead to the village of Ganges, in mid island, the biggest town in the Gulf Islands. Sit on one of the benches and watch the sea birds and marine life on the beach, or look for the ancient pictograph image of a seal carved on the face of one of the larger boulders on the beach. Saltspring Island Dollars: Saltspring Island even has its own currency! As much as visitors are drawn west by the magnetism of Long Beach on the coast, Sproat Lake Provincial Park has a fine beach of its own, and much warmer water than the ocean.