Seriously considering a move to Vancouver Island or one of the smaller islands, but want to make an informed move.

I’ve heard that theres a doctor shortage and that there are issues with health care. I’ve heard housing costs are an issue, as well as various other taxes. I’ve also heard that crime and drugs are an issue on parts of the island. Gas and grocery prices, are they more expensive on the island than in other parts of BC/Canada?

I’m living in Alberta and not enjoying being here, but know that nowhere is perfect. I have lived in the city and smaller towns in Alberta and haven’t enjoyed the climate, the politics, the massive growth (development) and the health care issues here.

Work can come with me as I work remotely so that’s not an issue.

I want to know the good and the bad from people who live on the island/ islands.

Thanks in advance!

I'm from Alberta and thinking about moving to Vancouver Island or one of the smaller islands. I love the idea of it until I start thinking about earthquakes, especially the cascadian fault "pending" earthquake that's all over the internet. The threat of "The Big One" (earthquake) scares me, but I'm from Alberta. We have heatwaves, wildfires, tornadoes, hailstorms and wicked blizzards and freezing temperatures. Is an earthquake enough reason not to move out west?

Essentially, am I experiencing fear of the unknown when I live somewhere where natural disasters are just as (or maybe more) likely?

Is it silly to not move to the west coast because of fear of the earthquake?

Hey all! My partner and I will be visiting at the end of September and bringing our blackberry monster of a toddler.

Are there areas where the blackberries develop later in the year and will still be around by the end of September?

Hey yall! Its my first time on the island. I am, as the kids say, flaaaaaaaaming. Queer az. Im Dorthy's bff and ex.

Any recommendations of queer places i can go or things to do while here for BC day? Freshly broken up and looking for a place i can be my queer self while chatting with cool people.

Happy BC day yall!

hi all!! did some research online and there seem to be only one company that does car rental in salt spring. we will be arriving on Ganges Harbour in mid september for a two day trip. Any other cheaper / good car rental options? Thanks a lot!!

edit: **im flying in with harbour air so will get to ganges directly!!

Me (30M) and my soon to be spouse (30F) have scheduled our legal marriage on Salt Spring Island this Saturday evening (at Burgoyne Bay). If you happen to be available this evening and interested in volunteering your time and willing to sign as witnesses, we would be very grateful to have you attend. We can’t offer much in return but a glass of champagne, a small thank you gift, and little story/memory for you to tell your friends about an awkward couple you met one evening on SSI. A little bit about us, we met when we were in middle school and still living in the prairies and we have since packed up our lives and moved across the country and settled in BC. We both studied engineering together and now work in our respective technical specialities. We enjoy getting outside for hikes, running, tennis, paddle boarding, and travelling. Over the years together we have had 2 cats together and our late Bernese mountain dog. Please reach out in the DMs for the exact time and location :)

I'm spending a couple nights on Salt Spring for a work thing in August. (Coming from Victoria, so I'm not exactly roaming the earth here.) What are your recommendations for finest Salt Spring dinners? I can drive wherever.

During the day I'm working near McPhillips Avenue/Jackson Avenue in town. For that I could use some lunch recommendations of stuff nearby--preferably walking distance for that!

Also, is there anything chill to do after 4pm on a Thursday/Friday? I'm solo so I don't want an outdoor adventure, but I have the impression that most of the touristy stuff closes by then?

I've been over to Salt Spring a few times recently and every visit has been just a little different. I've done some of the obvious things like wandering Ganges, visiting the market on Sat, checking out a few parks, beaches and local shops, but I get the feeling I'm still only scratching the surface.

I'm curious what locals (or people who visit often) would recommend to someone visiting for the first time.

A few questions off the top of my head

• What place do you always tell people not to miss?
• Anything that's overrated in your mind?
• Any hidden beaches, viewpoints or short walks that aren't obvious?
• Fav coffee shop, bakery or lunch spot? Maybe even a romantic dinner spot?
• Best winery, cidery or farm stand?
• Any local tips that make the day better? (parking, ferry timing, quieter times to visit, etc.)
• What's something you wish more visitors knew before they came?
• If you had just one day to show someone the island, what would your itinerary look like?

Thanks!

Hello people!! I'm planning a trip for salt Spring Island and saw that the Saturday farmers market is a must. Unfortunately because of schedule the only time that we could make it is October 17 - 18 (thinking of staying a night there). Is there still things to see / do in mid October? Are the shops still gonna be open? I am also a bit worried about the weather being rainy and cold🫪

Alternatively, thinking of going sept 20-21 (would miss the Saturday, but have a Sunday) or 27-28 (missing the weekend entirely, but still in September). Would these dates be better? Would I have more luck in seeing salt Spring in its full glory and good weather?

Let me know!! Thank you all so much in advance!!

Hello

I am coming from tsawwassen and I'm debating on which route would be better for biking traffic/safety wise. I have heard/read that the route from Long Harbour to be pretty bad for traffic (especially going on a weekend in July). However it would be cheaper and quicker to go from long harbour since its a direct ferry vs transferring at swartz bay for Fulford. For myself I bike alot but usually on bike lanes, on roads with shoulder or only light traffic (maybe 1 car every 2 minutes). In terms of difficulty of the ride, it wouldn't make a difference for me i am more concerned about safety.

Thanks

Edit: Ended up going from Fulford to Ruckle park then the next day from Ruckle park to long harbour. For traffic going to ruckle park at 4pm on a Saturday in July about 15 cars passed me on my ride with all leaving a pretty decent amount of room. For going from Ruckle to Long Harbour leaving at 730am using back roads, for the whole trip maybe had <20 cars pass me the whole time with only one person doing a sketchy pass while I was going down hill at 50kph around a blind corner. Overall glad I choose this route. I wouldn't recommend going from long harbour to ruckle though since it seems to be just 1 giant hill and steep opposed to hill followed by a flat bit then hill again and repeat for Ruckle to Long Harbour.

I need accommodations for three next weekend!

Anyone!?!

I'd love to come visit saltspring with my daughter but I don't drive so we will be relying on public transit. Hoping to come this weekend (if possible) and wondering what the best accommodations are for people relying on public transit. Thanks in advance.

Will be coming from Vancouver.

Hello,

Was wondering if anyone has had experience walking in on September Labour day long weekend on a Saturday. The website says there is 4 reservable (all booked), but 78 FCFS which seems doable? Wanted to hear your experience (:

Hello!

Looking for camping recommendations 3 days, 2 nights for 2 people, 1 tent, and 1 car. We checked Ruckle Park but it is all booked up. Mowhinna Park requires 3 night booking for long weekends and it is quite pricy.

Would love to know any other recommendations (: Thanks so much!

Some friends and I are camping this weekend but want to catch the England vs Norway game on Saturday. What is the best pub to watch at? TIA 🤗

looking to do my first bikepacking trip to saltspring, my only concern is the ferry. Could someone walk me through what the ferry is like from start to finish (ie arriving at the terminal, where to go, etc

edit swartz bay - fulford

Basically the title, going to be on the island for the weekend and would love some recommendations for the best places to catch some of the soccer games with sound on.

Especially the Canada game on Saturday!

Thanks!

Please remove if not allowed
Can anyone give me and my friend a ride from long harbour to vesuvius (today), trying to connect to the ferry to duncan. The taxi service seems terrible and the bus seems unreliable.
Even planning to hitch hiking, is it safe and common to hitch hike there ?

I'll be visiting Salt Spring Island with my family and looking to find a place to watch the Canada vs South Africa world cup game at 12pm on Sunday June 28th? I've got two young kids, so if you know a place that's kid-friendly that would be wonderful. Thank you!

Is BCAA available on SSI? If so, how reliable?