The islands first settlers had many problems to overcome. Most the land was heavily for-ested. There were no roads, no wharves, no regular transpor-tation to and from the island, no stores, no mail service, and nobody to ask or hire for help.

Pioneers were poor and had chosen Saltspring be-cause they could claim land and pay for it later. Many had minimal food and clothing, and all had to worry about cougars, wolves, and bears.Still, the hospitable climate, fertile soil and abundant sea-food in the surrounding waters sustained the newcomers.

By 1900, Saltspring was famous for its harvests of fruit, Poultry

and sheep; the island is still known for its Salt Spring lamb.

Gradually, over the years, ser-vices improved and the popu-lation of the island climbed. By the 1930s, vacationers

discovered the island, and many resorts opened. Cot-tagers grew in number and islanders be-

gan subdividing land to take advantage of this interest.

A spiral of growth began with increased services and in-frastructure attracting more people. Today, the largest areas of employment on the island are in such service areas as tourism, construction, real estate, and retail businesses.

Issue 1 Spring 2011

Inside2

History of the Island

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“Saltspring was famous for its harvests

of fruit, Poultry and sheep”

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Downtown

Island Treats

Walkers Hook

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The downtown core of Saltspring, or “Ganges” as the locals call it, is the per-fect spot to spend a day on Saltspring Island.

Full of localy owned shops and restaurants this city centre is a unique and rare gem for any traveller

exploring the west coast of British Colombia.

Take note that there are no street lights anywhere downtown, in fact there are none on the entire island. Just one of the ways Saltspring Island remains unique.

Downtown

I sat down with local Toy store employee, Ruby Black, to find out more about what it is like work-ing in a locally owned shop in Ganges.

Q: How long have you been working at West of the Moon?A: I started working here in 2008, so around 3 years now.

Q: Have you enjoyed working here?A: Yes, I love it! I get to work in a store full of toys, so part of me gets to be a kid again.

Q: How is working on Saltspring island different then working elsewhere?A: The people, Saltspring islanders are very re-laxed and easy to get along with.

West of the Moon Employee: Ruby Black

Gorgeous Ganges!

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Island Treats

Breakfast at The Tree House

Put Some Cheese on it!

Sitting down to eat at the Tree House Cafe you know your meal is guarenteed to be fresh, flavourful and delicious.

As I come in for breakfast I am greeted with smiles from the friendly staff and quickly seated. As I look over the breakfast menu I

decide to enjoy the black-stone eggs benny along with a nice big mug of Saltspring Island coffee.

The meal was prepared per-fectly. The chefs here know how to make one delicious benny!

A trip to Saltspring Island would not be complete without a visit to the Saltspring Island Cheese factory and farm.

Located in the stunning Fulford valley, one could eas-ily spend the afternoon on this picturesque farm enjoying some of this fine artisan cheese and meet-

ing the goats and sheep that help to make it all happen.

With so much variety you will want to try every type of cheese they have to offer.

Walkers HookArguably one of the most beautiful spots on all of Saltspring Islansd is at the Walk-ers hook dock. The imagery of the bright red dock that streches far out into the ocean is surely not to be missed when visting Saltspring. While tak-

ing a lazy stroll down the dock, the view is guarenteed to as-tound.

Walkers Hook is best enjoyed on a sunny and clear day as the green sea reflects and radiates the light from the sun.

Walkers hook is also next door to popular Saltspring restaurant and food market; The Raven Street Cafe, known for hav-ing some of the best pizza on the island. Why not take a slice to go and enjoy the view?

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Fuel up in Fulford Harbour!

Open Monday to Saturday

9 to 5

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