VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 205

Even if you've never kayaked, plan on joining a tour with Island Escapades (163
Fulford-Ganges Rd., 250/537-2553). Get a feel for paddling on the two-hour tour ($60), en-
joy the calm evening water on the Sunset Paddle ($70), or spend a full-day ($150) exploring
the coastline, with a break for a picnic lunch on a remote beach.
Landlubbers have plenty to see on Salt Spring. From the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal,
take Beaver Point Road east to 486-hectare (1,200-acre) Ruckle Provincial Park. The ac-
cess road ends at the rocky headland of Beaver Point, from where trails lead north along the
coastline, providing great views across to North Pender Island. The land that's now protec-
ted as a park was donated to the province by the Ruckle family, whose 1876 farmhouse still
stands.
Along the road north to Ganges, small Mount Maxwell Provincial Park protects the
slopes of its namesake mountain.
Accommodations and Camping
Maple Ridge Cottages (301 Tripp Rd., 250/537-5977, www.mapleridgecottages.com ,
$165-199 s or d) is on the banks of St. Mary Lake, a largish body of fresh water that holds
a hungry population of bass and trout that can be caught right from the shoreline. For me,
the allure of the wooden cottages is the location, but their rustic charm brings families back
year after year. Relax on the deck while your catch of the day cooks on the barbecue for the
full effect. Free use of canoes and kayaks is a popular bonus.
Salt Springs Spa Resort (1460 North Beach Rd., 250/537-4111 or 800/665-0039,
www.saltspringspa.com , $249-299 s or d) commands lots of attention for its spa services,
but the accommodations are also noteworthy. Each spacious unit features lots of polished
wood topping out in a vaulted ceiling, a modern kitchen, a fireplace, and a two-person spa
tub filled with mineral water. Guests have use of rowboats, mountain bikes, a game room,
and a barbecue area.
The campground in Ruckle Provincial Park conceals 78 sites (mid-March-Oct., no re-
servations, $18) in a forest of Douglas fir overlooking Swanson Channel. The camping area
is a short walk from the parking lot, making this place unsuitable for RVs.
Food
Head to Ganges and wander around the waterfront for the island's widest choice of dining
options. In the heart of the action is the M Tree House Café (106 Purvis Ln., 250/537-5379,
8am-10pm daily, $14-23). The “tree” is a plum tree and the “house” is the kitchen. Most
people dine outside in the shade of the tree, choosing freshly made dishes such as salmon