Fact Sheets & Video - Canada

Discover British Columbia's quirky Salt Spring Island

British Columbia, the westernmost of Canada's provinces, is famed for its natural beauty. Every year tourists flock to its most popular holiday destinations such as the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver and Victoria, but few overseas visitors take the time to discover the Gulf Islands.

The Gulf Islands are the islands in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland Pacific coast of British Columbia, with Salt Spring Island the largest, most populated, and most visited of the Gulf Islands chain.

At 29 km long and up to 14 km wide, with 133 km of shoreline, the island became popular in the 1960s and 1970s when many young people moved there, attracted by the carefree artisan lifestyle and mild climate.

Today, over 12,000 people have taken up residence on this island, which has become one of Canada's premier vacation destinations and the "organic gardening capital" of Canada.

The island is home to some of the country's best painters, sculptors, potters, weavers and crafts people and the largest settlement on the island, Ganges, offers banks, post office, grocery stores, bakeries, department stores and a full range of professional and trade services, as well as many small shops and galleries.

The famous Saturday markets, nearby, attract hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors who come to buy unique (mostly organic) foods, crafts and art that symbolize Saltspring's idyllic lifestyle.

And when it comes to accommodation, a stay at the luxurious lodgings of Hastings House Country House Hotel is a must. The small luxury country resort, spa and restaurant sits on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, providing guests with luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere.

Because of its close proximity to Vancouver Island, Salt Spring is the most accessible of the Gulf chain of islands, and can be reached via frequent ferry sailings on BC Ferries or via Floatplanes.

Further Information:

British Columbia, CANADA

Air Canada

Air Canada return to Vancouver. From $2300 ex Sydney

Valid 1/4/08 to 16/6/08

1300 655 767

www.aircanada.com

Prices correct at 15/4/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply

Hastings House

From $310 per night

www.hastingshouse.com

BC Ferries return to Salt Spring Island

From $10 Adult, $27 Car ex Vancouver Island

bcferries.com

Foxglove Farm

Michael Ableman - Farmer, Author, Photographer

www.fieldsofplenty.com

Moonstruck Organic Cheese Inc

www.moonstruckcheese.com