Some of what people say they've found on Salt Spring :

. Escape from the rat-race
. Safety and security
. A clean environment
. People
. A vibrant, small town atmosphere

All this with convenient access to Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle

You can, undoubtedly, find the right combination of privacy, community involvement and facilities to suit your taste.

The region has a well-deserved reputation as an area of exceptional beauty...
As you'll see in photos throughout this site, this is an extraordinarily beautiful area of forest, rocks and sea. And within that area, Salt Spring has been named one of the top artistic communities in North America. You can view and buy work of world-class artists of every type. You can attend performances and exhibitions, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.

You can enjoy probably the most moderate climate in North America...
Not very cold in the winter, and not too hot in the summer. Seasons are a "proper" length - no five-month winters or summers here! Temperatures can be around freezing for a while, but not much lower. Snow lasts no more than a few days; in a heavy year, maybe a couple of weeks. Summers are pleasantly warm, good picnicking and sunbathing, but no so hot as to be oppressive.

Living on an island has a particular and very special feel...
There's a sense of being in a knowable community. The average person has a much wider range of acquaintances that the average North American. You'll probably find yourself getting to know artists, business people, hippies, labourers and millionaires. Or you may, as some do, prefer the privacy of your forested estate.

Recreational opportunities abound.
ArtSpring offers top performances by local and touring artists. Particularly in the warmer weather, there are numerous cultural events. Outdoor activities include kayaking, sailing, hiking, bird-watching, golf, swimming (salt water and lake), scuba-diving, horseback riding, hang-gliding, fresh and salt water fishing, and tennis. You'll find excellent children's stores and activities. There are elementary and high schools, Waldorf and Montessori schools and support for home schooling. You'll find gourmet dining at $100 per person, or pizza delivery. In short, Salt Spring has a community that is vibrant and varied beyond what its size might indicate.

Everything you need...
The waters between the islands are a favourite with sailors and kayakers. Top quality ski hills are nearby. You've got everything from true wilderness to world-class downtown within easy reach. For shopping or visiting, Victoria is within easy reach. A little further away is Vancouver, a city of about 2 million that has developed into a cosmopolitan center. Just past Vancouver are three local ski hills. And about 90 minutes drive further you'll find Whistler/Blackcomb, repeatedly recognized as the top skiing destination in North America.

Victoria
Victoria is a relatively small city, the capital of the province. Condé Naste Traveler Magazine reader's poll rated Victoria one of the top ten cities to visit in the world! The downtown area has an old-world feel. Building are often renovated, or built to fit in with that character ambience. The Inner Harbour is a gorgeous area surrounded by many of Victoria's most famous landmarks including the Empress Hotel and the provincial Legislature. Nearby are numerous small and charming stores offering everything from Irish linens to post-modern art. And about 20 minutes drive away are the renowned Buchart Gardens.
( more information )

Vancouver
You can eat at world-class restaurants, attend the symphony, shop at exclusive boutiques along Robson Street and never cast so much as glance at the surrounding sea and sky scape, and the incredible outdoor recreation available. Those with an appreciation for the outdoors can windsurf at dawn, get in a round of golf after lunch, and take in the city lights at night while skiing atop a North Shore mountain. Vancouver is clean, colourful and friendly, with the open cosmopolitan flair that West Coast cities are known for.
( more information )

Whistler
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have over 200 runs and 33 lifts combined - the largest ski area on the continent with the longest vertical drop: over 28,000 hectares (just over 7,000 acres) of skiing area, with over 200 marked trails and 12 massive Alpine bowls.
( more information )

Whale watching
One indication of the incredible richness around this area is the opportunity to watch whales. Local ferries frequently slow down in spring and summer months to allow travelers a chance to see our local pod of dozens of Orcas swimming and jumping - parents and young together. You may very well see them while out boating, or just from the shore. An incredible sight - truly something that will leave an indelible memory.