Vesuvius Village
on Salt Spring Island
If you are coming to the island from Crofton on Vancouver Island, you will arrive at the Vesuvius ferry terminal.
This crossing takes only 20 minutes and there is no ferry fee for departing from this terminal when leaving Salt Spring, heading back to Crofton. (BC Ferry details)
Aside from the ferry terminal though, Vesuvius village has a few attractions worth a mention. This page highlights the best reasons to visit this quaint corner of Salt Spring Island.
Amenities | Beach access | Food | Exploration | History
AMENITIES
Along the main road, there is a small (and adorable) general store which carries a tiny stock of groceries and necessities.
There's also fresh produce, coffee and tea, and a deli counter boasting assorted edibles.
Take a seat at one of the cafe tables, either indoors or out, to enjoy your snacks before continuing on your adventure.
BEACH ACCESS
Vesuvius Bay (accessed from Langley road) is a fantastic beach to swim and frolic in the afternoons. Great for kids.
The water is warm and shallow and the bay is surrounded by rocky outcroppings, so it's well protected from the powerful currents of the outer channel.
Throughout the summer months, there are a handful of surfboards for public use and an outdoor toilet on the south side of the beach.
There's a small 'beach access' sign and a long, steep set of stairs leading down. Parking is limited to a patch of grassy roadside.
Due to the western exposure, this is the beach to be at for a stunning sunset view!
EATS
The Seaside Restaurant, which is right across the road from the ferry parking, is the very deserving title-holder of the 'best fish and chips on the island!'
I'm fairly sure they make other stuff too, but I've never been able to resist the fish! ;)
Reservations are definitely recommended for this restaurant during the high season. It's a small space. No... let's go with 'intimate setting.' :)
Just a sprinkle of small tables inside and a strip patio outdoors, overlooking Vesuvius Bay.
It's quite a treat to relax on their waterfront patio and take in the sunset while feasting on the bounty of the surrounding sea.
They do have a take-out window, which is handy if you simply MUST have a fish fix and can't get a seat. Also handy to grab an ice-cream on a hot day.
In the works
The Vesuvius Pub, a long-time island favorite, was sold several years ago and is currently closed. The new owner has grand plans for a renovation and re-opening, but is facing developmental constraints. The location, right on the seashore, tucked in behind the ferry terminal/parking area, is very limiting. But, with luck it will happen within the next few years.
MORE TO EXPLORE
A stroll through the tiny maze of roads that make up the village is a delight in itself.
Colorful historic homes nestled in charming postage-stamp yards. Flowering fruit trees, climbing vines, exotic tropicals, and wild berries are a feast for the senses.
There are several Bed & Breakfast accommodations in and around Vesuvius, along with a few home based art studios to visit.
Nearby Duck Creek Park (accessed from the east at Sunset/Monteith roads) is a great spot for an easy hike through the woods.
HISTORY
- The village is named after HMS Vesuvius, which was assigned to the Royal Navy base Esquimalt in the 19th century.
- The first canadian settlers to arrive on Salt Spring were a group of 9 black slaves who had managed to buy their freedom and flee from the US in 1857. They settled in Vesuvius.
For more on the rich history of this island, have a look at... Salt Spring: The Story of an Island by Charles Kahn
DETAILS
ISLAND ART
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