Springtime on Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands The very beginning of April brings with it the beauty of authentic early Spring. The end of the month is more like May. This chameleon month is also the first month when one can start to understand the tone of the real estate market for this year. Fulford Valley 42+ Acres Although buyers pop in anytime, on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands, it is generally accepted that most tourism (and resulting real estate activity) falls between March Break and the Canadian Thanksgiving (October). Low inventory continues, most of the listings below one m ..read more

Welcome to March: A Transition to Spring March…it unleashes Spring. Meteorological Spring arrives on March 1st and the calendar signals the 20th. Does it come in like a lion or a lamb? A mixed month weather-wise, but that 8 seconds more of daylight every day is delivering extended light and the upcoming daylight saving time change is a factor. Real Estate and Seasonality in the Gulf Islands March…it also signals the beginning of the real estate market’s Gulf Island seasonality…March Break (mid-month) to Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend (mid-October) are often described as “the season” for Salt S ..read more

January ponderings… The Roman god Janus gave his name to this beginning month of the New Year. With two faces, one looking behind and one facing forward, Janus reminds us that every beginning carries with it some of what went before…and also introduces the new. If you are interested in the Asian horoscopes, then it’s good to know that February 10th ushers in the Year of the Wood Dragon. Change is The Wallpaper of Our Time It’s taken 23 years for the real 21st century to finally arrive. Early forays into websites and emails morphed into social media communications. It really is now possible t ..read more

December, 2023. December. It brings celebrations and also a recap of an entire year’s outcomes. It also introduces the calendar shift from Fall into Winter on December 20/21… (although meteorological Winter is December 1st). Short days, mix of rain and sunbursts, occasional snow, and a turn towards the cosy appeal of “home”. December also offers cultural traditions and celebratory holiday events…whether with family or friends or on one’s own, it’s important to pay attention to and to enjoy these annual celebrations. Real Estate Salt Spring – December 2023 Looking at real estate outcomes, the ..read more

November, 2023. Feathered with Golden Leaves November signals mid-Fall…forested hills feathered with golden leaves from Maples and Alders…more rainy days, and bursts of sun between storm tracks. Daylight Saving Time ends, and this adds to darker late afternoons. Some call it the cosy season and that image of a slower pace welcomes this softer season to Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands. The 2023 pattern of the real estate market remains in place: very low inventory, in all property types and price ranges, and general stability in sale prices. Lack of choice for buyers remains an issue. The Gul ..read more

Authentic Fall October delivers authentic Fall and the fullness of the Harvest season. Oct 1st is the annual Apple Fest. Don’t miss this. The Saturday Market continues till month’s end. The once every two years SSNAP (Salt Spring National Art Prize) is underway…another “don’t miss” event. The Parallel Art Show also underway, and special presentations at the Ganges galleries. Fall menus at our great restaurants. Perfect weather for hiking/walking trails. Spa retreats to help us ease into the softer season. The Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend, a truly Harvest celebration. Lucky Salt Springers! Mar ..read more

Earlier Sunsets on Salt Spring A lovely month in the Gulf Islands and on Salt Spring Island…September retains Summer moments and slowly segues into true Fall. Shorter days, earlier sunsets, star-watching pleasures, and the delectable harvest time. On Salt Spring? Catch the amazing Fall Fair (September 9/10)…the old island meets the current one and each day is totally different. Don’t miss this annual event. The Ganges Galleries are showcasing the output of their signature artists, ArtSpring events are offered, and ArtCraft will gently close for the season. Wine and cider tastings, Saturday an ..read more

August, 2023. Salt Spring Island Attractions Wow…Summer is at the half-way point. August has arrived. Time to enjoy the fruits of the season…shop the Saturday and Tuesday Farmers Markets for home grown delights. Dine out al fresco on the patios and decks at our exceptional restaurants. Kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing through these beautiful Gulf Islands…whales, sea lions, seals sleekly move among us. Hiking trails, forest bathing choices, spa retreats, beaches for sunset viewings and swimming in lakes and ocean. How lucky we are to experience the real reality of this special part of the gr ..read more

July, 2023. Canada-wide Celebration Canada Day introduces delectable July…a Canada-wide celebration on the 1st. Happy Birthday! Lots happening on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands: artist studios are open, the famous Saturday Market and Tuesday Farmers Market on Salt Spring, Ganges galleries showcasing their amazing artists, ArtSpring events, ArtCraft at Mahon Hall, patios and decks at restaurants and coffee places (al fresco is the gift), wine and cider tastings, hiking trails, swimming in lakes and ocean, kayaking, sailing, live music venues…it’s all here…just waiting for your enjoyment and ..read more

June, 2023. The Low Tides of Summer It’s June…the month when the calendar says “Summer”, when schools are out for summer vacation, when the days are longest and beaches beckon (yes, those are low tides). Summer has the word “ease” at the heart of it. Kayak to Chocolate Island, sail through these amazing Gulf Islands (some of the best protected boating waters in the world), enjoy beachcombing, swim in the lakes, hike the trails, picnic wherever your fancy takes you, enjoy al fresco dining with a view at the super restaurants around the island. A highlight of June? The annual Tour des Iles week ..read more