Categories: Travel

The ‘coolest island in Canada’ is home to B.C.’s oldest working farm

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Once dubbed the “coolest island in Canada,” Salt Spring Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders, small-town markets, local arts, and charming oceanside resorts. A visit here offers a little something for everyone, but its water activities and exploration are a standout experience.

Home to just over 10,000 full-time residents, the island has seven freshwater lakes to enjoy in addition to ocean kayaking and paddling. Its wealth of protected provincial and regional parks (Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Duck Creek Park, Ruckle Provincial Park, Welbury Bay Park, among many others) makes it an exciting place to visit on a day trip or weekend excursion. And it’s just a ferry ride away from the city!

Whether it’s a rigorous hike up Mount Maxwell’s cliffside trail, a picnic at one of the island’s many sandy beaches, or a couple of rounds at a scenic nine-hole golf course, visitors have plenty to choose from when building their ideal itinerary.

According to Tourism Vancouver Island, Salt Spring offers a calm, temperate climate year-round, though the island really comes alive during the warmer months. As the most populated of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island is known for its bustling harbour, which is lined with local shops, galleries, restaurants, and a popular Saturday market featuring the very best of Salt Spring.

B.C.’s oldest working farm

It’s also home to Ruckle Heritage Farm, the oldest working farm in B.C. Dating back to 1872, just a year after B.C. became a Canadian province, the family farm was established by one of Salt Spring Island’s earliest settlers, Henry Ruckle.

Once containing an orchard of over 600 apple and pear trees and 40 nut trees, the farmstead has changed a lot over the generations as it was passed down the Ruckle family line. However, it remains a working farm to this day, with a large market garden, sheep, lambs, cows, chickens, turkeys, and highland cattle and goats.

The Province officially purchased the land from the Ruckle family in 1973, and Ruckle Heritage Farm became a Class A park a year later.

According to their website, the surrounding parkland features seven kilometres of scenic shoreline and hiking trails to explore. Those who want to stay at the farm can book their visit at either the four-bedroom Alfred House or the private upstairs suite at Norman House.

Note that Salt Spring Island’s Visitor Centre is open year-round and offers studio tours on the North and South End.