Salt Spring Island can be reached via BC Ferries (250/386-3431). For maps and information, including details on the island's popular self-guided Studio Tours, contact the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce (121 Lower Ganges Rd.; 250/537-5252). Prices listed are in U.S. dollars.
ACTIVITIES
Blue Horse Folk Art Gallery. Along with art and sculpture, you'll find espresso and Belgian chocolate Crow Bars made by one of the artists. 10-5 Sun-Fri, by appointment Sat. 175 North View Dr.; 250/537-0754.
Harlan's Chocolates. Handmade Belgian truffles and gelato. 9-5 Sun-Mon, 9-9 Tue-Sat. 100 Lower Ganges; www.harlanschocolates.com or 250/537-4434.
Island Gourmet Safaris. Guided daylong food tours with Wendy Hartnett. 10-5 Tue-Thu, Jun-Sep; from $66. www.islandgourmetsafaris.com or 250/537-4118.
Salt Spring Saturday Market. Colorful craft and food market held in Ganges' Centennial Park. 8:30-3:30 Sat, Apr-Oct. Lower Ganges; www.saltspringmarket.com.
Salt Spring Vineyards B&B, Winery. Sip Merlot and Pinot Noir in the cozy tasting room. Guests can spend the night in two suites overlooking vineyards (from $128). 11-5 daily. 151 Lee Rd.; www.saltspringvineyards.com or 250/653-9463.
DINING
Calvin's Bistro. Casual ambience, tasty bistro food, and patio with ocean views in central Ganges. $$; Tue-Sun. 133 Lower Ganges; www.calvinsbistro.com or 250/538-5551.
Hastings House. Elegant, three- and five-course prix fixe dinners are served in the Tudor-style manor house or on the veranda. $$$$; open daily (dinner only; reservations required). 160 Upper Ganges Rd.; www.hastingshouse.com, 800/661-9255, or 250/537-2362.
Raven Street Market-Café. Wood-fired pizzas are the favorite at this off-the-beaten-path grocery and cafe. $; open daily. 321 Fernwood Rd.; 250/537-2273.
LODGING
Cloud 9 Oceanview Bed & Breakfast. Three suites with panoramic water views in a B&B on a quiet road. From $128. 238 Sun Eagle Dr.; www.cloud9oceanview.com, 877/722-8233, or 250/537-2776.
Hastings House. The property resembles an English country estate, with views of sparkling Ganges Harbour. A member of the Relais & Châteaux hotel association. From $344. (See Hastings House under "Dining.")
Madrona Valley Farm Bed & Breakfast. Elegant B&B at a working organic farm. From $128. 171 Chu-An Dr.; www.madronavalleyfarm.com or 250/537-1989.
