Boasting eight natural lakes (with no motorized boats allowed), a rugged coastline, and the mountain peaks of Bruce Peak (2,326 feet/709 m) and Mount Tuam (1,975 feet/602 m), there is no shortage of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Farming is important on the island, which bills itself as the Organic Gardening Capital of Canada. And local farmers and growers form the backbone of the popular Salt Spring Saturday Market. Farms include sheep and lamb products, poultry, llamas, hand-crafted cheese, fruit orchards, and certified organic produce.
Salt Spring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Many local artisans open their studios for tours. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges. The unique tour is a self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans, showcasing their individual talents and creations.
The Lakehouse is located on St. Mary's Lake, in the northern section of the island.
The lake is warm and easily accessible from a private dock on the property. The water is approximately five to six feet deep at the dock. A ten-minute walk down the road takes you to an area of the lake where you can wade in.
Situated in its natural country setting, the house will make you feel 'right at home' with its beautiful, peaceful view over the lake. One acre of large lawn make up the property -- and allow for all sorts of extracurricular activities.
This 30-year-old, rancher-style home has three bedrooms, and will comfortably accommodate any family. It's newly and tastefully renovated with Italian tiles and wood trim -- giving it a great country style.
You can take a walk to the water's edge where you'll find rare birds, turtles, and beavers. A 17-foot, two-person canoe is provided for your enjoyment. This area of the lake is renowned for its great bass and trout fishing.
You can even fish from the dock! A 100-foot dock leads you to a 10- x 20-foot platform that's perfect for swimming off of and for sunbathing.
A six-person hot tub is set into the deck off of the master bedroom and living room, allowing for easy access day or night. Exterior speakers allow you to listen to music while lounging in the hot tub or on the deck. This home makes for a great family holiday destination or a romantic retreat.
Due to the island's population, there are many services available. There are two supermarkets, a natural food store, excellent cafés, a coffee roastery, pharmacies, video rental stores, a fresh fish store, clothing boutiques, art galleries, a hardware store, a fishing tackle store, live music, festivals, several restaurants, pubs, and car, kayak and moped rentals.
The island's proximity to Vancouver and Victoria attracts visitors from far away. Day trips to Victoria are possible from Salt Spring Island.
Golf:
The house has one full bathroom with a tub/shower, and one two-piece (toilet and sink) bathroom en suite to the master bedroom. There is a large open-plan kitchen/dining/living area. The full kitchen includes an electric stove and fridge, a washer, dryer, an ice cream maker, a French press or filter coffeemaker, and a coffee grinder -- among other things. Additional amenities include color TV, a VCR, a CD and tape player (bring your own Cd's) a wood-burning fireplace, a telephone, a spacious deck on the back (lakeside) of the house with a six-person hot tub, outdoor furniture, a 'Vermont Castings' cast-iron gas barbecue, various children's life jackets, a croquet set, a swing chair on the dock, games, puzzles, videos and books.
Cleaning is provided before your arrival and after your departure. Linens and bath towels are provided; however, renters must supply their own beach towels and paper products such as paper towels or bathroom tissue.