Salt Spring Island lies in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and mainland Vancouver. Artisans, writers, musicians, farmers, families, romantics, dreamers and retirees have been drawn to its shores creating a vibrant and creative community.
The 530 acre peninsula on which the Maracaibo community is located is five kilometers from Ganges, Salt Spring Island’s largest village. It is minutes away from the Long Harbour ferry terminal, the seaplane docks, and dining and shopping.
Ganges, located in the center of the island, is home to Salt Spring's famous Saturday Market and a Tuesday Farmers’ Market. A self-guided island tour of artists’ studios is offered throughout the island, and a popular 9-hole golf course is located centrally next to the movie theater. Ganges serves as host to galleries, restaurants, banks, stores, post office, and the Lady Minto hospital. Fire and RCMP detachments are here as well. ArtSpring, a visual arts facility, showcases visiting and local performances from musicians, dancers and theatrical performances. There is a vibrant music scene on Salt Spring with live performances year round.
A public transit system provides transportation along the island’s main roads. It runs Monday through Saturday between the island’s villages and the ferry terminals in Fulford, Long Harbour and Vesuvius.
You can get to Salt Spring Island by ferry, seaplane or private boat.
Long Harbour Ferry from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver on the mainland), direct and multi-island sailings available, (check schedule as sailings vary by day and season; reservations available and highly recommended).
Follow the main stream of traffic from Long Harbour to the junction with the Upper Ganges Road. Turn right on the Upper Ganges road (it becomes Robinson Road) and continue up the hill. The next right will be Mansell Road, turn here. At the end of Mansell Road continue through the entrance where it says “Maracaibo.” At the intersection stop sign, turn right onto Maracaibo Lane, this will lead you to the Core Area. Park by the Marina and check in with the Office.
Fulford Ferry from Swartz Bay (north of Victoria on Vancouver Island), multiple direct sailings per day, (35 minute crossing; no reservations).
Follow the main stream of traffic from the ferry towards Ganges. After passing through Ganges, turn right onto Upper Ganges Road. Follow directions above once on Upper Ganges Road.
Vesuvius Ferry from Crofton (community outside of Duncan on Vancouver Island), multiple direct sailings per day, (20 minute crossing; no reservations).
Follow the main stream of traffic until you reach the four-way stop with firehall and movie theatre. Turn right onto Lower Ganges Road until you reach the intersection with Upper Ganges Road and turn left (this turn is before you reach Ganges proper). Follow directions above once on Upper Ganges Road.
Visit www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-223-3779 for more information.
Salt Spring Island is accessible year-round by seaplane to Ganges harbour.
Note: Salt Spring Air has merged with Harbour Air and now operate as a single airline
For more information on Salt Spring Island please visit: www.saltspringtourism.com