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Salt Spring Island Bed and Breakfast

Beachfront Vesuvius - Questions and Answers


Do you allow children ?

No, we’re sorry but our accommodation is adult-oriented and is suited for two persons. We do not have a sofa bed.

Do you allow pets ?

We’re sorry but pets are not allowed .

Do you allow smoking ?

Smoking is not permitted inside or outside.

Are you close to a beach ?

We are right on Vesuvius Beach (the warmest swimming beach on the island & great for beachcombing)

Do you have cooking facilities ?

Our mini kitchen has a small fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee maker, but no stove.

Do you have a hot tub ?

Yes, there is a private hot tub for our guests use that is in an enclosed sunroom perched over the ocean.

Do you have a separate entrance ?

Yes, there is a separate entrance and covered deck for our guests use.

What is your cancellation policy ?

Payment is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you cancel prior to 30 days your money will be refunded minus a $50.00 administrative fee. There is no refund if you cancel less than 30 days prior to your arrival.

Do you have games or videos ?

Yes, we have a selection of cards, board games & DVD’s in the suite. Do you have a stereo or DVD player?

Yes, we have both as well as a 40 "LCD TV. Do you have internet access? Yes, have wireless internet is available in the suite.

What time is check in and check out ?

Check in time is 3 pm and check out is 11:00 a.m. Are you close to the town of Ganges? Yes, it is a 10 minute drive to the center of town.

Are there any restaurants or stores close to you ?

Yes, there is a corner store right up the street and the Seaside Kitchen is also a 3 minute walk away. The Vesuvius Pub is just up from the Seaside Kitchen and is expected to be re-opened in 2007.

What is there to do on Salt Spring Island ?

Ganges: On Saltspring, all roads lead to the village of Ganges, in mid island, the biggest town in the Gulf Islands. There are more shops, services, amenities, restaurants, and galleries (not to mention tourists and cars) crammed into Ganges than exist on any other island. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch. Ganges was named after HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters.

Fulford Village, at the southern end of the island, bustles with activity when the ferry arrives from Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island. The laid-back atmosphere of Fulford Village, the historic Fulford Inn, the historic grocery store, the Mexican cafe, and the few crafts shops all combine to add to the unique character of Fulford Harbour and the ferry terminal. Visit the native artifacts museum housed in a beautiful log building.

Fulford Harbour was named after Captain John Fulford, commanding officer of the HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters. Charming Fulford Harbour provides temporary anchorage in the shallow waters at the head of the long inlet, a favourite destination among cruising boats.

Tiny Vesuvius Bay on the northwest side of Saltspring offers more studios, hiking trails, and spectacular sunsets! BC Ferries operates a ferry service from Vesuvius to Crofton on Vancouver Island. This is one of the few ferry docks where you can park your car in line and wander over to a pub (the Vesuvius Inn re-opening in 2007) and quaff a beer and enjoy the great view from the veranda while you wait for your ship to come in. A popular family beach is close to the facilities at Vesuvius Bay. Park on Langley Street, then go down a flight of stairs to the beach. Amateur geologists will find some deeply inclined rock strata to study, and warmer ocean waters make it a good spot for swimming. Vesuvius Bay was the home of the first settlers on Saltspring Island (1857), the nine American blacks who had purchased their freedom from slavery. Vesuvius is named after the Royal Navy's paddle sloop Vesuvius, which did duty in the Black Sea during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

The fourth community on the island is Fernwood, facing Galiano Island on the northeast coast of Saltspring. Fernwood is a good launching spot for those wishing to cross Houston Passage to visit Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park in Trincomali Channel. Fernwood provides a government wharf at Fernwood Point off Walker Hook Road, and a boat launching ramp over tidal sand flats at Hudson Point, north of the Fernwood Dock off North Beach Road.

Saltspring Island even has its own currency! Saltspring Island Dollars are available on a one-to-one exchange with the Canadian Dollar and accepted on Saltspring on the same basis as the national currency. The goal of the local currency, which was introduced to the Island in September 2001, is to raise funds for worthwhile community projects while promoting local commerce and goodwill. Limited editions of Saltspring Island art are featured on the back of the notes, which help to make the bills collectible after the two-year expiry date. The not-for-profit Saltspring Island Monetary Foundation facilitates the process of returning the proceeds of the venture back to the community. Legally considered gift certificates, the Saltspring Island Dollar is Canada's only local legal-tender currency in circulation.

The 14 salt springs located on private property on the north end of the island are the only springs in the Gulf Islands. The brine springs are rather unspectacular, and vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter.

Overlooking Fulford Harbour is the tiny stone Roman Catholic St. Paul's Church, built between 1880 and 1883. The church can be viewed from the ferry when sailing into Fulford Harbour.

Head to the heart of Ganges every Saturday to see the wares and talents of the islanders on display at the local Farmer's Market (April to October). The colourful event includes a variety of impromptu musical performances and the occasional theatrical or dance exhibition.

Akerman Museum in the Fulford Valley houses artifacts of local history dating back hundreds of years. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Saltspring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. The private museum is open to the public and well worth a visit. ?

Enjoy theatre and live entertainment throughout the year at the ArtSpring Theatre in Ganges, Saltspring Island's premier venue for concerts, theatre, exhibitions and much more.

Saltspring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. Studios showcase ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, furniture, metal craft, stained glass, moulded candles, wool and fleece products, and many other unique island products. Pick up a Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges. The unique tour is a self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans, showcasing their individual talents and creations for your enjoyment and purchase.

One of the biggest events of the year is the annual Fall Fair, held on the third weekend of September just outside Ganges. The two-day fair attracts thousands of visitors who attend to see award-winning displays of fruit and vegetables, prize-winning livestock and riding exhibitions by local equestrians.

Be sure to stop by in July for the annual Saltspring Festival of the Arts, which presents a diverse and culturally rich program of talented performing artists. ?

Other annual events include the Garlic Festival, Fulford Days, and the Street Dance in August, the Terry Fox Run and Apple Festival in September, and the Guilds of Christmas, Saltspring Singers, and Santa Ship in December.