Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You can also visit artisans around the island. Among the best place is the rustic Blue
Horse Folk Art Gallery, complete with some funky carvings of horses. The friendly
owners also run an on-site B&B, if you're looking for an excuse to stay a little longer.
SALT SPRING ISLAND CHEESE
FARM
(
www.saltspringcheese.com
;
285 Reynolds Rd; 10am-5pm May-Sep, to 4pm Oct-Apr)
Among
a tasty host of island farm and dairy producers, this lovely spot is a standout. You can
take a self-guided tour of the facili ties - be sure to check out the miniature pon ies -
then sample up to 10 curdy treats in the winery-style tasting room. You're almost cer-
tain to fall in love with a cheese here: consider a picnic for the road.
Ruckle Provincial Park is a short drive away and perfect for a spot of relaxing al-
fresco picnic dining.
RUCKLE PROVINCIAL PARK
PARK
(
www.bcparks.ca
)
Pack up your picnic and head over to Ruckle Provincial Park, a south-
east Salt Spring Island gem that's ever-popular for its ragged shorelines, arbutus forests
and sun-kissed farmlands. There are hiking trails here for all skill levels, with Yeo Point
making an ideal pit stop: feel free to eat your picnic en route.
The island is crisscrossed with other trails. Consult the locals: they usually have sug-
gestions for favored rambles.
Galiano Island
Once you've got your bearings - ie driven off the ferry - head for Montague Harbour
Marine Provincial Park for trails to beaches, meadows and a cliff carved by glaciers. In
contrast, Bodega Ridge Provincial Park is renowned for its eagle, loon and cormorant
birdlife and has some spectacular drop-off viewpoints. The protected waters of Trin-
comali Channel and the more chaotic waters of Active Pass satisfy paddlers of all skill
day rental from $32/58, tours from $55)
can help with rentals and guided tours.
EATING
TREE HOUSE CAFÉ
CAFE
$$
(
www.treehousecafe.ca
; 106 Purvis Lane, Salt Spring Island; mains $10-16)
At this magical out-
door cafe in the heart of Ganges you'll be sitting in the shade of a large plum tree as
