Funky Fulford

Charming village offers big services

A specialty store in Fulford Harbour

Home to one of Salt Spring's three ferry terminals, Fulford balances quaint village appeal with a surprising number of amenities, making this south-end centre a favourite stop for those passing through and a treasure in its own right.

Just a few streets perched along the edge of the harbour make up the village proper. Fulford's residents are passionately committed to retaining the community's small village character, resulting in a collection of small shops and cafes nestled in historic cottages near the water's edge. Here visitors can peruse and buy a variety of unique goods, from fine linens to local artwork, to hemp clothing.

In the village, hungry travellers will find an organic café and bakery, a restaurant focusing on fresh West Coast cuisine and a seasonal hot-dog stand. Fulford village itself has a post office.

Patterson's Market, a general store business that was born at Beaver Point in 1915 before moving to Fulford in 1930, used to offer groceries and gas, but closed in late 2011. A new store is expected to take its place before long.

Salt Spring's well-known creative side is not to be missed in Fulford, with several artists' studios in both the immediate village area and along other south-end roads. Just outside the village on South Ridge Road, The Point Gallery shows local, national and international talents in a non-commercial setting.

Recreational activities are easily pursued in Fulford, which hosts a government dock and a kayak rental/touring shop. Several advanced hiking trails begin at the upper village.

For more leisurely pursuits, Drummond Park and a great beach is at the head of the harbour, a quick walk, cycle or drive from the village. A grassy area and recently upgraded playground overlooking the beach are specifically dedicated to children.

Travellers venturing beyond the village environs will find a wealth of farm stands offering local eggs, vegetables, garlic, honey and cut flowers.

Many people who arrive on Salt Spring via Fulford Harbour are on their way to Ruckle Provincial Park, an undeniable 486-hectare jewel of the Gulf Islands. It deserves to be on a visitor's "must-see" list because of its fabulous hiking trail network, including several kilometres of coastline paths, access to the shoreline and its heritage values. The property was donated to the provincial government in 1974, more than a century after Henry Ruckle and his family first homesteaded there. Their original home still stands near the orchard behind the barn, and other outbuildings have maintained a sense of pioneer farming history.

Ruckle Park also contains the largest provincial campground in the Gulf Islands, with 78 walk-in sites and eight drive-in sites, and amenities such as pit toilets, a cold water pump and group fire rings.

For more information about the park, visit www.bcparks.ca.