No matter what the season, there are always great culinary experiences to be had on Salt Spring Island.

I’ve been heading over there for the past two years for the Chef’s Across the Water dinners at Hastings House, which have been fabulous, each time. There are still two dates left on September 12 and October 3 for 2011. These dinners involve a visiting chef cooking at Hastings House.  Le Crocodile’s Michel Jacob and Tojo from Tojo’s are next up.

Sip and Savour Salt Spring Island is coming up on September 23 and 24; a celebration of local wine, growers and chefs with events such as a gala dinner at Hastings House, and a grazing on Saturday at The Harbour House.  I’m plan on attending.

If you have the chance, make sure you tour the Harbour House gardens; their own garden produces most of the produce for their kitchen year round.

Getting there

From Vancouver Salt Spring is a quick flight on Sea Air or Salt Spring Air from the downtown harbour or the South Terminal.

If you are bringing your car, or prefer to travel by sea, BC Ferries has several daily options.

 

Accommodation

Hastings House 

This waterfront country house and cottages, rests on 22 acres in Salt Spring’s Ganges Harbour.  Enjoy afternoon tea in the guest house, dine at the fabulous onsite restaurant and enjoy time at their spa. Roam the gardens and observe the art work, or take an easy walk into the village.  Each morning you will wake up to a hamper of coffee, and muffins, their breakfasts are certainly hearty, and Chef Marcel Kauer works with local ingredients such as Salt Spring Lamb and fresh herbs from the garden to compliment the local and international selection of wines.  The hotel is soon to be a Relais and Chateau property, elevating the already high standards.

There are also many cottages available to rent, as well as other hotels and Bed and Breakfast, but I have yet to explore further. Check for listings here.

Art

Salt Spring Island is home to some seriously good art galleries as well as island studios where you can observe the artists at work.  Don’t miss Gallery 8 and the Pegasus Gallery, and be sure to check to see if there are any special exhibits or tours on. Click here for a list of galleries.

Eat

There are dozens of restaurant on the island, some more interesting than others, as well as farms and wineries to visit.  I would highly recommend dining at Hastings House for a meal you will won’t forget. Lunches are great at Auntie Pesto’s or Barb’s Bakery and Bistro.  Oysters and drinks at Moby’s are a must and the Harbour House offers up some great meals all day long.

Wineries

Check their website for hours and offerings as visiting times are seasonal.

Garry Oaks Winery
Salt Spring Vineyards
Mistaken Identity Vineyards

Farms

Many farms offer tours and tastings.  Salt Spring is famous for it’s cheese, lamb and mussels.  Farm listings here