Salt Spring Island Accommodations

From an internationally celebrated five-star manor house to 100-plus B&Bs in prime scenic locations, Salt Spring is well-versed in the art of rest and relaxation. A vital point for those who don't want to overnight in their vehicles: Book early when planning visits on ultra-busy summer weekends.

Hotels & Motels

Routinely cited in Condé Nast Traveller magazine and one of the rare hotels listed in the bestseller 1000 Places to See Before You Die, the Hastings House Country House Hotel occupies a halcyon 22ac/8.9 ha of prime Ganges Harbour waterfront. Only those with deep pockets need apply when booking rooms in the Tudor-style manor house, the converted barn and various cottages on the property. Delightful gardens, a spa and an acclaimed slow-food restaurant add to the plush life.

A mid-priced option is the Harbour House Hotel, a favorite with sailors who have moored their boats in nearby Ganges Harbour. Its restaurant serves fresh produce plucked directly from an organic garden on the hotel property. Also in town near the marina is the Salt Spring Inn with its seven charming rooms.

The island's one motel, the hot tub-equipped Seabreeze Inn, is a short hike up the hill from Ganges off the Fulford Ganges Road.

B&Bs

At least one or two welcoming B&B shingles are hung on virtually every country road and waterfront view point on the island. High-season rates typically begin at $100 per night and peak at $250 for luxury spots. Off-season, the prices at most establishments drop by a minimum of 20 percent.

The Salt Spring Island Green Accommodation Program represents B&Bs that meet high eco-friendly standards. One such is Skipping Stone Beach B&B, an aesthetically lovely space in a private home on the ocean's edge south of Vesuvius. It's a great base for hiking up nearby Mount Erskine fuelled by several of owner Nora Layard's homebaked muffins. A brochure detailing all of these properties is available at the Visitor Centre.

Lakeside Resorts

While Salt Spring is surrounded on all sides by ocean, it also boasts lakeside lodgings with fully equipped kitchens. St. Mary's Lake (off North End Road northwest of Ganges) entices with fresh water swimming, canoeing and several prime parcels of sandy beach. Options here include the forested Cedar Beach Resort & Campground and the arbutus-shaded cottages at St. Mary's Lake Resort. Those seeking unplugged peace (no TV or phones) opt for the log cabins at the Cusheon Lake Resort, which sits on the tranquil edge of Cusheon Lake (a 10-minute drive south of Ganges off the Fulford-Ganges Road).

Campgrounds

Best spot to watch the sun rise from the comfort of a sleeping bag? Ruckle Provincial Park, which occupies a beautiful chunk of the island's southeastern corner at the end of Beaver Point Road. The Ruckle family continue to raise sheep on what is believed to be British Columbia's oldest family farm. The park itself features 78 walk-in and eight vehicle-accessible camping sites, all within steps of the ocean and available year-round on a first-come basis.

Several private campgrounds are also available on the island.

Kayakers and boaters will find 18 prime spots at Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park (off Salt Spring's northeastern shoreline near the village of Fernwood).

The annually updated Salt Spring Island Visitor Guide is available at the Ganges Visitor Centre.

Or search for approved accommodations on Salt Spring Island, using the booking tool below.

• Select your location within the region and choose your preferred type of accommodation, and we'll provide you with a list of approved lodgings.

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