Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands, is situated in the Straight of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the Coast of British Columbia. Salt Spring Island often referred to as ‘Salt Spring’ is the most populous and frequently visited of the Southern Gulf Islands. Originally home to Salishan First Nations people, later to African Americans seeking refuge from discriminatory legislation in California, and later still to non native settlers who were permitted to purchase land for personal and agricultural purposes, Salt Spring has a very rich documented cultural history.
Nowadays, Salt Spring is mainly celebrated for its great local food, its artisans and artists, its green practices and the idyllic setting in which a truly unique culture unfolds. Foodies and farmers from around the globe come to Salt Spring to experience its local cheeses, wines, bakeries, lamb, fish and other local organic food. The famous Saturday market, open from April through to late October, features hundreds of artisans, farmers, and so on. In addition, however, I believe that it is Salt Spring’s wild, majestic and natural environment that attracts people in the first place. Walking in the parks, along rocky beaches, and through quaint villages makes visiting Salt Spring Island like an experience of stepping back in time.