Art Galleries

More than 50 artists are listed in the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council Directory, most of them on Salt Spring Island.  Studio tours are available from May through October and by appointment.  Artwork includes ceramics, fabric, glass art, metalwork, paintings and drawings, printmaking, photography, woven textiles and woodwork.

Artspring Events

Online events calendar

Shopping

A feature of Salt Spring is the open air market held Saturday mornings in Centennial Park. Numerous stores, galleries and shops makes Ganges a great place to browse and find that unique gift for someone special.

Massage And Spa Treatments

The Spa at Hastings House is a tranquil oasis, welcoming guests with an ambiance of calm and well-being. Please refer to the Spa brochure in your room.

History Museum

Visitors to Salt Spring Island can take a trip back through time by stopping in at Bob Akerman's museum, which features west coast native history.  The museum displays native artifacts such as arrowheads, war clubs, fish net weights, canoe anchors, reed matting, handmade clothing, baskets, rain hats and an historical fire starting device.  It also has a number of historical photos and a collection of driftwood art by islander Sophie King.  The museum is not open at set hours so visitors who are interested in going on a tour are advised to call Mr. Akerman at (250) 653-4228 in advance.

Spinning mill

Salt Spring Island is well known for the quality of its lamb, but is also gaining a reputation for wool production and processing.  The evidence of this can be found in the Gulf Islands Spinning Mill, a cooperative venture located just outside of Ganges. Members of Salt Spring Island Fibre Studios established the mill early in 1999 when they purchased $65,000 worth of machinery, including a carder, spinning machine and felting machine.  Visitors can tour the mill at 351A Rainbow Road and are encouraged to phone (250) 537-4342 at to arrange an appointment. The mill staff will guide visitors through the production process, from washing the fleece, to carding, drafting and spinning the wool.  The mill also has a felting machine for making felt from batts of wool as well as llama, mohair and alpaca fibers. 

Live Entertainment

Restaurants and pubs offer excellent nightly entertainment offering a broad spectrum of local and
international artists - live band through dinner music.

Live Theatre And Choir

Featured on a year round basis, the performances often take place in cozy venues which give the audience an added sense of involvement. In recent years Art Spring has come to life offering a variety of performances both local and beyond. Comfortable theatre style seating has made this a very popular venue.

Cinema

Salt Spring’s one of a kind movie theater offers first run features and selected international films.

Reading

The Public Library and bookstores in Ganges carry a good selection of books both general and specific to the Gulf Islands. Salt Spring is also known for its great bookstores.

SABINE'S FINE USED BOOKS LTD.
3101 - 115 Fulford-Ganges Road
(250) 538 - 0025 www.sabinesbooks.com

Saltspring Books
104 McPhillips Ave
(250) 537-2812

Volume II Bookstore
102 Fulford-Ganges Rd
(250) 537-9223

Watermark Books
113 McPhillips Ave
(250) 537-9212

Hastings HOuseLibrary, Games and puzzles

Hastings House has it’s own small library located on the 2nd floor of the Manor House.
Access via the staircase through the “Powder Room” door. A selection of games is also available for those days when the weather makes it more attractive to stay indoors. A selection of wooden puzzles is also available in the Living Room

The Snug

The Snug in the lower level of the Manor House, is a guest only lounge for watching TV, viewing DVD’s or checking E Mail. Try your hand at the world famous “Stave Puzzles” and bring out the “puzzler” in you!
The Snug Honour Bar allows you to enjoy a nightcap or a get together with other guests. Honour Bar chits will be posted to your room account. Your room key will allow you access from the outside door.