Salt Spring Island in British Columbia is the jewel of the Southern Gulf Islands. It is nestled up against the east side of Vancouver Island. Salt Spring Island is about half way between Nanaimo and Victoria, the capital city of BC. The city of Vancouver on the mainland of BC is to the north.

There are over ten thousand human residents on Salt Spring Island, several thousand sheep and a sizeable deer population. From time to time, a bear is spotted, usually on the south end of the island near Ruckle Park, and there are occasional reports of a cougar being seen, sometimes close to Ganges. It is believed that bears and cougars swim across Sansum Narrows from Vancouver Island.

Nearby Galiano Island is longer but sparsely populated with only about a thousand permanent residents. Galiano, Mayne and Pender Islands (North & South) are closer to Vancouver and the mainland than Salt Spring Island. Prevost Island is located between Salt Spring and Active Pass, which separates Galiano and Mayne Islands. There are also scores of smaller islands throughout the Southern Gulf Islands. To the south of BC's Gulf Islands are the San Juan Islands in Washington State. They are very similar to the Southern Gulf Islands.

Vancouver Island is bigger than some countries. It lies off the west coast of British Columbia and stretches for some 450 km or so along the coast — about a third the length of the entire province. Victoria, the capital of BC, is at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River, all along the eastern side of Vancouver Island, are the only other sizeable communities on Vancouver Island except for Port Alberni off to the west of Nanaimo. Ucluelet, Tofino and Long Beach are "must visit" places on the west side of Vancouver Island. Bring your surfboard and your wet suit!
Salt Spring Island has long been known as a very special place in BC. For the population, there are a very large number of artists, sculptors and musicians living here. The community got together and raised funds to build Art Spring — a brand new community hall. Many well known musicians, both local and from afar, have performed here already. Even the pubs have a pretty good showing of local talent performing there.
Some interesting things to do in Salt Springs in hiking and mountain bike riding. Tours that are available are:

Gulf Islands Nature Tour - Gulf Islands, BC
Run by Salt Spring Island native Capt. Kevin Smith, this 5-night tour of the Gulf Islands aboard the classic schooner Maple Leaf gives visitors a view of the wild side of the Islands, including Salt Spring Island and many more remote islets popular with wildlife. Trip includes an expert naturalist and gourmet chef.

Tall Sails & Ales Tour, Gulf Islands, BC
Run by Salt Spring Island native Capt. Kevin Smith and by Greg Evans, executive director of the Maritime Museum of BC, this 5-night educational tasting tour takes in the best microbrews of BC including that of Gulf Islands Brewery on Salt Spring Island. Board the classic BC schooner Maple Leaf to tour Gulf Island / South Vancouver Island breweries, learn local brewing history, techniques, food pairing and more, as well as exploring the natural world of the Gulf Islands with forest walks, wildlife viewing, and beach walks
 
There are festivals that happen in Salt Spring Island so one should see what is happening when in this beautiful city.