Salt Spring Activities
Something For All Interests In All Seasons
Huh?
Perhaps if your definition of 'fun' is limited to weekend club-hopping (although we do have a few lively pubs for a bit of night-life).
But for those who have a more diverse idea of entertainment, here are a few things you can do on Salt Spring Island...
swimming movies kids' crafts climbing wall
golf scuba diving hiking ocean kayaking fishing
wildlife viewing cycling skatepark
Also check out the major Saltspring events and attractions that happen throughout the year.
INDOOR FUN
Rainbow Road Swimming Pool
Located on (you guessed it!) Rainbow Road, this brand new pool just opened in early 2008. It replaced the outdoor 'Shelby Pool' which was the island's long-time location for swimming lessons and other aquatic adventures.
Of course, you can always swim in the ocean, or one of the public lakes on the island if the weather is favorable.
Contact the pool at 250-537-1402 or check the schedule online
Movie Theatre
The Fritz Theatre (named after Fritz the Cat, who made the theatre his home and charmed his way into the hearts of many community members) is a great place to spend a few hours... especially on a rainy day!
The theatre, housed at Central Hall, is tiny and quaint. But don't let the exterior fool you, the equipment is up to date and they always have the latest movies playing. And... in true Salt Spring style, organic popcorn with real butter! Yum.
Open Friday - Tuesday throughout the year. Seven days a week July & August. Call 250-537-4656 for current show times.
Fables Cottage
In the heart of Ganges on Salt Spring Island, sits this sweet little cottage painted a bold purple. Inside, it's full of top-rated kids' books and craft supplies.
They host craft workshops where kids get to make fun things (i.e., pirate ships, airplanes) from wood.
This past summer (2008) Fables Cottage organized a kids craft market. It was held Tuesdays, in conjunction with the local growers' market. Children set up tables showcasing their hand made items for sale. We hope to see this fun event continue next summer!
Call 250-537-0028
Climbing Wall
Salt Spring Community Services provides an indoor climbing facility. Their hours are very limited, but if you catch them at the right time it can be a fun way to spend a few hours.
See their dedicated web page for more information.
OUTDOOR FUN
There's never a shortage of outdoor activities on and around Salt Spring, regardless of the season! Here are some favorites...
Golf Courses
The island has two 9-hole golf courses, one of which operates throughout the entire year (weather permitting).
Check out our page on the island's golf courses for more detail on each.
Scuba Diving
Canada's Gulf Islands are renowned as one of the best cold-water diving destinations in the world. Our waters boast artificial reefs (i.e., the GB Church in the Princess Margaret Marine Park), caves, and pinnacles and a bevy of fascinating sea life. Wall-dives are popular, as are shallow-water dives in the intertidal areas.
Hiking
This is probably the most obvious of outdoor activities on the island.
There are trails for hikers of all skill levels, from a leisurely stroll (Mouat Park) to more challenging treks (Mt. Erskine).
For full details on Salt Spring's hiking trails, you may want to get a copy of Hiking the Gulf Islands: An Outdoor Guide to BC's Enchanted Isles
Kayaking
A few outfits offer kayak rentals and tours. I recently went on a tour with Island Escapades (my first time in a kayak) and found the guides to be really knowledgeable about the island's history and marine life, etc. It's a great way to get up close with the coastal surroundings and create some fun memories.
http://www.saltspring.com/kayaking/
http://www.islandescapades.com/
Fishing
Opportunities to 'reel one in' are plentiful on Salt Spring Island. Both fresh water (trout, cutthroat, small-mouth bass) and salt water (cod, salmon and halibut) fishing.
Wildlife Viewing
Head out on a whale watching trip or a bird watching vacation. And bring your camera! You may have a few chances to photograph some local wildlife.
Cycling
Looking for a challenge? Well, cycling on Salt Spring's roads will provide it. The multitude of hills and curves, coupled with narrow roadside shoulders and spurts of heavy traffic can make for a rigorous (and slightly treacherous) cycle.
A popular route for cyclists arriving in Fulford Harbour is to head straight up the road from the ferry (Beaver Point Road) staying right, and continuing on Beaver Point Rd to the east, then south into Ruckle Park.
Skate Park
Got teens that have had it with all the nature and relaxation? Swing them by The Kanaka Rd. Skatepark for some fun with local kids who share an interest. It's tucked into a cozy little pocket of Ganges off of Rainbow Rd towards Aldous.
http://www.coastalbc.com/skate/saltspring.htm
DETAILS
ISLAND ART
|
|
|
