Ganges

On Salt Spring Island, all roads lead to the mid island village of Ganges. The charming seaside hamlet of Ganges is the largest village on Salt Spring Island the biggest town in the Gulf Islands. Most businesses on Salt Spring Island are located in or near Ganges. There are more shops, services, amenities, restaurants, and galleries crammed into Ganges than exist on any other island. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch.

Ganges was named after HMS Ganges , the flagship of the Royal Navy's Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Ganges Harbour, previously named Admiralty Bay until renamed by Captain Richards in 1859, provides a tranquil summer anchorage for boaters wishing to explore the village of Ganges. The anchorage can be very busy and crowded in summer, and a breeze can pick up in the afternoons, so mariners are cautioned to keep an eye on the weather or book into one of the marinas in Ganges Harbour.

The famous Landmark Mural on a retired can buoy is a "must see" while in Ganges. The buoy used to mark a spot 420 km up the coast at a location known to the Coast Guard as Delta 10 near Skeena River. It now marks the entrance to Centennial Wharf in Ganges, BC. There are Orcas, salmon, cod, an octopus seals and other marine life adorning the buoy, as well as a Coast Guard cutter and kayaks. The mural depicts what would be seen on and below the water near Salt Spring Island. The Landmark Mural was painted by Amarah K. Gabriel and Timothy Hume of The Art Angels.

Visitors and local residents converge on Ganges for the popular and colourful Saturday market in Centennial Park. The Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings is a great place to meet local artists, crafts people and vegetable growers. There are three gas stations, two large grocery stores, eight art galleries, two banks and a credit union, and dozens of other businesses right in Ganges.

Two companies have scheduled float-plane service to Vancouver, and a water taxi company with scheduled service to Galiano and Mayne Islands as well as 24 hour emergency service. Lady Minto Hospital is located in Ganges. There is an RCMP detachment to provide policing. The Fire Department main hall is in Ganges. With Salt Spring Island being such a popular destination, there are five real estate companies and dozens of agents to look after the needs of buyers and sellers. There are three building suppliers and a major hardware store in and near Ganges.

Orcas can sometimes be seen cruising the waters around Salt Spring Island. Harbour Seals are always present. Sea lions are occasional visitors. A number of fishermen make Salt Spring Island their home and many of them tie up in Ganges at Centennial - otherwise known as the "Government Dock."

The Salt Spring Island Sailing Club is just a few minutes from Ganges and is visible from Centennial Park across the water.

The Ganges Museum is located in the Bittancourt House on the grounds of the Farmers' Institute at 351 Rainbow Road. John Fulker can be contacted at 250-537-4895 to view the museum.

The Gulf Islands are known for being artisan enclaves, with laid-back communities of artists, poets, and gifted craftspeople. Ganges leads the island communities in this respect, with local artisans offering unique, hand-made crafts and treasures. You're bound to find something original to take home with you.