|
|
Summer is a time for boating for many tourists and residents of the Southern Gulf Islands. One of our favourite stops is Portland Island, partly because it is accessible only by boat but it also boasts many wonderful hiking trails and beaches as well. The island is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada and is therefore well protected and cared for.
A previous post (Portland Island) covers the history and visiting information for the island. Words don’t do Portland Island justice however so here are some more photographs.
Portland Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada
Portland Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada
Kayaking at Portland Island, British Columbia, Canada
Hiking Trail on Portland Island, British
Continue reading Boating in the Gulf Islands
Welcome to our beautiful Salt Spring Island Accommodations!
Ango Retreat, Salt Spring Island
Ango Retreat is an enchanting waterview haven: 20 gorgeous acres of sunny meadows, orchards, woods and gardens nestled privately at the end of an idyllic country lane.
‘Ango’ means ‘Peaceful Dwelling’, as both an action or state of being, as well as a place to be.
Here, birds and frogs sing, tall fir trees dance in the breeze, the water reflects ever-shifting light, bright dragonflies flash over the pond, the air is fresh and sweet. Here we breathe deeply, drink in beauty, and forget for a while the busy world beyond.
With fully self-contained guest suites and a variety of facilities for group activities, Ango offers an extraordinary setting for your
Continue reading Ango Retreat – Salt Spring Island
Portland Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia
British Columbia’s Portland Island is a much-loved location in the Southern Gulf Islands for both boaters as well as kayakers. The island is a wonderful destination for a day trip or multi-day boating and camping adventures with a pair of protected moorages and three campgrounds available. Portland Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada.
First Nations people utilized Portland Island going back 3,000 years as is verified from the middens that can be found on the island. These middens are classified as archaeological sites and are protected legally. As such these middens must not be disturbed. Subsequently the island ended up being
Continue reading Boating to Portland Island – Gulf Islands National Park
The Villas at Vesuvius
www.vesuviusvillas.com rentals@vesuviusvillas.com
770 Vesuvius Bay Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 1L6
Phone: 1-250-537-9768
Relax and take in the famous vistas and sunsets of Vesuvius from Salt Spring’s newest and most unique vacation accommodation, just a short stroll from store, restaurant and the island’s warmest swimming beach.
Set against a wooded hillside overlooking Vesuvius Bay, the Mediterranean style Villas contain 12 independently owned, tastefully furnished one and two-bedroom suites ranging in size from 900 to 1,300 square feet. The upper floor suites are accessed by elevator and covered breezeways.
All suites feature an open plan kitchen/dining and living area with fireplace, opening onto a large shaded porch or balcony. In addition each of the four terrace level suites
Continue reading The Villas at Vesuvius
anitataj@hotmail.com www.tajmahalacres.com
Welcome to the Taj Mahal Acres, a beautiful accommodation on Denman Island that is a perfect place to relax, play and feast.
Come and relax in peaceful surroundings of the open living concept of the ‘Taj Mahal’. Your booking includes the entire 3 story studio building on 15 acres of forested footpaths and stunning ocean and mountain views. Perfect for reunions, group getaways and extended weekend escapes, that is steps from the beach. Spend your time in comfort, reading by the wood stove, bird watching, barbecuing local seafood and relaxing in the freshest air imaginable.
Wildlife at Taj Mahal Acres is ever present, with song birds flying about and deer grazing on the edges of the property. We are
Continue reading Taj Mahal Acres – Denman Island Accommodation
Salt Spring Islands is stunning from the air. Unlike many of the other smaller islands, Salt Spring Island has numerous lakes, a number of fine sandy beaches and massive valleys. Here’s a sampling of this beautiful island. For additional Salt Spring Island aerial photographs please visit the Gallery.
The large town of Ganges is of course the hub of the island. While Ganges seems busy from the narrow streets, from the air one notices that it is quite small and actually very picturesque. Ganges must truly be one of the prettier little towns in British Columbia!
Ganges, Salt Spring Island Aerial Photographs, British Columbia, Canada.
The Fulford Valley at the south end of Salt Spring Island is a picturesque farming community. Mount
Continue reading Salt Spring Island Aerial Photographs
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park contains one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island The views are superb with Vancouver Island looming to the west, the surrounding Gulf Islands and the mainland of British Columbia and Washington State in the background. The lower portion of the park has stands of old-growth Douglas fir, Garry oak meadows and salmon bearing creeks.
The view from Mount Maxwell looking south down the Fulford Valley, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
The view of Burgoyne Bay from Mount Maxwell, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Skunk Cabbage, Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Ruckle Provincial Park is a stunning park overlooking Swanson Channel. From the rocky shoreline you can watch ferries and pleasure boats ply the waters while enjoying one of the most spectacular camping spots in the Southern Gulf Islands. Orcas and sea lions are often seen and the 7 km of rocky shoreline is great to explore.
The park is named after Irish emigrant Henry Ruckle who homesteaded here in 1872 and married Ella Anna Christensen in 1877. Most of the property was donated to the province in 1974 but the Ruckle family continues to farm on private land near the entrance to the park.
Old farm buildings at Ruckle Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Ruckle Provincial Park from the water,
Continue reading Ruckle Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island
Burgoyne Bay is both accessible by land from a turn off in the Fulford Valley as well as water as there is a government dock and good moorage in the area. The tree lined roads to the bay are very picturesque with many old farm buildings and funky fences. This road is also incredibly dusty!
The area around Burgoyne Bay was recently acquired and is now Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park. The park contains wooded Douglas fir forests, a beautiful Garry oak forest, a number of old farm buildings and a native archaeological site.
Tree lined roads near Burgoyne Bay, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
The public wharf at Burgoyne Bay, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
The rocky shore at Burgoyne Bay,
Continue reading Burgoyne Bay, Salt Spring Island
Walker Hook is located on the north end of Salt Spring Island and was named after schooner captain Edward Walker. The area has been used for fish farming in recent years and is also one of the largest archaeological sites in the Gulf Islands. This beautiful spit is well worth a visit.
Aerial photograph of Walker Hook with Wallace Island in the background, Salt Spring Island, BC
A boat at Walker Hook, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
|
|
|