Location

Salt Spring Island lies in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and mainland Vancouver. Artisans, writers, 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 its famous Saturday Market and the expansive 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 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.

A public transit system offers 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.

Salt Spring Island - map

HOW TO GET HERE

You can get to Salt Spring Island by ferry, seaplane or private boat.

BC Ferries

    Long Harbour Ferry from Tsawwassen (suburb south of Vancouver on the mainland) – direct and multi-island sailings available (check schedule as sailings vary by day and season; reservations available and recommended)

  • Directions to Maracaibo from Long Harbour Ferry: 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 small hill. The next right will be Mansell Road. Turn right again. At the end of Mansell Road continue through the entrance where it says “Maracaibo.” At the intersection stop sign, turn right again onto Maracaibo Lane, and 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)

  • Directions to Maracaibo from Fulford Ferry: Follow the main stream of traffic from the ferry towards Ganges. After passing thru the town of 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)

  • Directions to Maracaibo from Vesuvius Ferry: Follow the main stream of traffic until you reach the four-way stop with firehouse and movie theatre. Turn right onto Lower Ganges Road until you reach the intersection with Upper Ganges Road and turn left (this turn will be before you reach Ganges proper). Follow directions above once on Upper Ganges Road.

Visit www.bcferries.ca or call 1-888-223-3779 for more information.

Salt Spring Island is also accessible year-round by seaplane.

For more information on Salt Spring Island please visit: www.saltspringtourism.com