Come and enjoy nature on Salt Spring with the Casal Català over the weekend of August 15–16!
A community camping trip open to everyone. If you’re able and willing, arrive on Friday the 14th and stay until Monday the 17th.
What will we do?
Lounge around, chat, and eat! There will also be free time to do whatever you feel like. Some possible activities on the island include:
– Swimming in lakes: St. Mary and Cushion (more family-friendly), Blackburn (clothing optional).
– Swimming in the ocean: Vesuvius (cold but bearable), Beddis Beach (very beautiful but really cold).
– Visiting the Saturday market (lovely, but pricey).
– Hiking:
– Mt. Erskine (strenuous)
– Mt. Maxwell (more relaxed)
– Burgoyne Bay (flat and easy)
– Ruckell Park (flat, with various distances)
– Cycling (roads are narrow, but drivers are used to cyclists… except for the “mainlanders”!).
– Local artisan trails.
– Saturday group dinner: We’ll have dinner together on Saturday evening. Please bring something to share. We’ll provide salad and grilled *botifarra* sausages.
How do you get there?
By ferry!
You can reach the Tsawwassen ferry terminal via public transit:
– Canada Line to Bridgeport
– Transfer to the 620 bus.
This bus can carry up to two bicycles, so if you’re bringing one, arrive early to secure a spot.
Option 1: Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay – Fulford Harbour
At Tsawwassen, buy a ticket to Salt Spring via Swartz Bay.
Once at Swartz Bay, transfer to the ferry bound for Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island).
By car:
After arriving at Swartz Bay, you will need to exit the terminal and make a U-turn to
re-enter and catch the ferry to Salt Spring.
Keep in mind that there is only about a 20-minute gap between the arrival of the first ferry and the departure of the second,
and they often fill up in the summer. Bring a good book to pass the time if you have to wait for the next one
(they depart every two hours).
On foot:
Once on Salt Spring, you can take the bus located at the ferry exit and get off at Ganges (the
end of the line). We will pick you up there, but you need to let us know you are coming!
The distance from the ferry to the campsite is about 20 km. It is possible to make the trip by bicycle
(despite the ups and downs!).
Option 2: Tsawwassen – Long Harbour
Ferry to Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island).
With a few exceptions, the ferry stops at other islands, so the journey can take up to 3 hours.
This is the most relaxed option if you are coming by car: take the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the mini-cruise.
On foot:
We will pick you up at Long Harbour.
By bicycle: The ride to the campsite takes about 15 minutes.
By car:
Please share any spare seats you have.
Reservations are absolutely necessary (and free). Book as soon as possible.
Important: Reservations can now also be made for passengers without cars on this route.
Reservations are free.
Location
144 Harbourside, Salt Spring Island
Check Google Maps to see the area, the ferries, and the campsite.
What to bring?
● Tent or bivouac setup (it’s summer!). Two tents are available if anyone doesn’t have one.
● Sleeping pad, sleeping bag
● Food to share
● Good spirits
● Cutlery and plates (camping gear, if you have it)
● Towel (as recommended by *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*)
Important notes
● No campfires allowed. The Gulf Islands are very dry in the summer.
Smokers must use a designated area. Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground.
● Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and hats.
● There is a 4-meter-deep pond on the property. Keep an eye on children!
● There may be mosquitoes: bring repellent.
● There are nettles, blackberries, and other thorny plants on the island. We recommend long trousers and closed-toe shoes if you plan to go hiking.
● At high tide, there is a small beach on the property:
Depending on the day and the time of high tide, the water may be warm enough for swimming (clothing optional) and deep enough for kayaking or canoeing.
● There is a public beach a five-minute walk away. Be aware, though—the water is cold!
● As this is a private property, alcohol is permitted—especially cava.
● Please observe quiet hours from 11 PM onwards, and early risers are asked not to make noise before 8 AM.
● Mobile phone coverage is spotty (Telus works; Rogers and others do not).
● If you use tissues after using the toilet, do not leave them behind; please dispose of them in the pit toilet or the trash.
● Please try to minimize your environmental impact: avoid bringing single-use items.
Facilities available
● Potable water for drinking and non-potable water for washing (no showers).
● Pit toilet
● Cooking stoves, with some pots and pans available
● Refrigerator (for medication or baby food only)
● Two camping tents available
● A couple of bicycles available for those arriving on foot
Registration and questions
You do not need to confirm today (unless you are coming by car—please book now!).
If you plan to attend, please send an email to:
acampada2026@casalcatala.ca
This will help us coordinate better!