For a honeymoon getaway brimming with romance, scenery and plenty of relaxation, escape to the peaceful shores and natural beauty of British Columbia’s Salt Spring Island. Named for the cold and briny saltwater springs on the north end of the island, Salt Spring Island is the largest, most populated and most visited of the Southern Gulf Islands.
The vibe on the island is as west coast Canadian as it gets; featuring forested islands and stunning green landscapes surrounded by emerald green ocean. Don’t let the island’s small size fool you, the island boasts a large number of art galleries and craft studios and is home to many talented artists, sculptors and musicians.
Stay
Relax and reconnect at the ultra-luxe Hastings House (hastingshouse.com), a small yet eloquent country resort, restaurant and spa. The hotel’s sprawling estate features a magnificent 11th-century Sussex-style Manor House overlooking the peaceful shores of Ganges Harbour. Eighteen elegant guest suites are situated in seven buildings, each with its own unique history. Romantics at heart will want to consider The Post, a two-room cottage located in the middle of the property with views of the sea and garden (Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell are rumoured to have stayed here). Indulge your palate from morning to night, from the complimentary wake-up hamper of steaming coffee and fresh-baked goods to hearty English breakfasts and afternoon tea. Planning on exploring the island for the day? Order a gourmet picnic basket and head off on a romantic hike à deux.
Are you still in the planning stages of your wedding? Consider a Hastings House weddingmoon. With its beautiful gardens and casually elegant accommodations, Hastings House is one of the most idyllic wedding locations in B.C. Whether your dream is an intimate garden ceremony or a lavish outdoor wedding, the hotel’s on-site wedding co-ordinator will take care of everything from licences and commissioners to florists, musicians and photographers.
Play
Wine lovers will want to tempt their taste buds with a wine tasting at Garry Oaks Winery (garryoakswine.com). Located on a terraced 10-acre vineyard, the 100-year-old farm is renowned for its award-winning wines. Purchased in 1999 by owners Marcel Mercier and Elaine Kozak, the century-old orchard of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees has been rehabilitated and now yields Garry Oaks classic and original series labels. Be sure to try the Labyrinth, a medium-bodied red wine inspired by the winery’s on-site seven-circuit Cretan labyrinth that runs between the hundred-year old apple orchard and the pond (guests are encouraged to walk through it, as well). A stand of magnificent Garry Oaks, a species of oak unique to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, was also preserved on-site giving the estate its name.
A visit to Salt Spring Island isn’t complete without a drive to the top of Mount Maxwell. A car is recommended for the 5-km drive to the mountain’s highest point. The gravel route is uphill all the way so make sure you’re up for the challenge if you decide to hike it. The spectacular southwest view waiting for you at the top is worth it though. The lookout’s sheer 558-metre drop (fenced, of course) offers a spectacular view out over Burgoyne Bay, across to Vancouver Island, to Bruce Peak and stretching out south to the Fulford Valley. It’s a rare view guaranteed to take your breath away—a romantic moment you won’t want to miss.
Eat
Salt Spring Island is known as "The Organic Gardening Capital of Canada.” Nowhere is this experienced better than with the gourmet cuisine at Hastings House Country Estate. The hotel wins out again boasting the only five-star dining experience on the island. European-trained Chef Marcel Kauer’s daily menus revolve around what is fresh and in-season. Savour the fresh herbs, greens and fruit grown on-site in the estate’s very own gardens and orchards. Dine on fresh seafood from local waters, Salt Spring Island lamb, meat, poultry, game and produce—all from Island farmers. Toast to your exquisite multi-course dinner with a bottle of wine from the hotel’s award-winning wine cellar featuring the best local and international gems.
More casual dining is also available on Salt Spring Island. While you won’t find any big name chain restaurants, the island has many unique cafés and grills to suit all tastes. Take a seat on the patio at the The Oystercatcher (250-537-5041) and enjoy seaside dining for lunch or dinner. As the name suggests, you’ll find a tasty selection of wild salmon, halibut, crab legs, mussels – and yes – oysters on the menu. Other tasty offerings include lamb, steak and lots of starters. For entertainment, step across the courtyard where you’ll find The Tree House Café (250-537-5379). Featuring an organic menu of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, the café also plays host to local musicians every night of the summer. Mix and mingle with fellow islanders while enjoying the local talent.
Shop
Every Saturday from early April through late October, Salt Spring Island plays host to a renowned farmer’s market (saltspringmarket.com) where more than 100 artists, craftspeople and farmers gather to share their creations. Browse through booths featuring handmade jewellery, art, clothing and woodwork. Sample organic foods, fresh-baked breads and farmstead cheeses. Market rules guarantee your purchases will be one of a kind: vendors must make it, bake it or grow it themselves. The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. but you’ll want to get there early – popular vendors (think fresh breads and cheeses) have been known to sell out by 10 a.m.
There’s no better way to embrace the warm hospitality and creativity of the island’s artists than with a local studio tour. The local studio tour (saltspringstudiotour.com) is a self-guided tour featuring more than 30 artists who open their home studios to the public. Free maps are available at most accommodation providers or through B.C. Ferries and the Salt Spring Visitor Info Centre. Once you have a map, follow the numbered sheep signs along the road and discover the many different art forms the island offers. On this tour, you’ll find everything from herbal and organic body products to paintings and sculptures to flowers and food. You’ll have the chance to meet the artists themselves, watch them at work and shop and experience their crafts at your own leisure.
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