Salt Spring Island Day Trip

About Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is the largest (70 square miles or 180 square kilometres), most populated (10,500) and, some might say most popular, of the Southern Gulf Islands. Written up in the New York Times as “one of the prettiest artist towns in North America” a visit here will help you find out why they think so…

We will be touring Salt Spring Wild Cider - owned and operated by a philosopher and a stone sculptor. Salt Spring Wild developed out of passion to create quality cider from the wild apples that grow on Salt Spring Island. Some of the apples in our blends are from 100-year-old heritage trees, some are from organic orchards, and some are from wild apple trees that live in the farmer's fields and along gentle roadsides, and that once fell with the breeze. You will have the opportunity to take part in a tasting after the tour. After our tour we will  head downtown for some free time.

Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the southern Gulf Islands. With its 7 kilometers of shoreline, rocky headlines and tiny coves and bays, Ruckle Park provides hours of enjoyable exploration. A mixture of forest, field and shore habitats makes it one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas on Salt Spring Island. Watch for sea lions and orcas out in the sea, and mink and river otter cavorting along the shoreline. Tidal pools are filled with a brightly-coloured world of crab, mussel, limpet, oyster, sculpin, starfish and more.

What to wear

• Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and for walking
• You may want to wear a rain coat and warm hat and gloves. It may be muddy so some good boots are nice to have.

 What to bring:

• Umbrella or rain coat (in case it rains)
• Water bottle 
• Money if you wish to shop or buy food/tokens for the arcade
• Snacks & Lunch (or money for food)
• Camera
• A backpack to carry all your items

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255 - Main Lobby (Second Floor) 

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from Salt Spring Island, Salt Spring Wild Cider Tour, Ruckle Provincial Park, free time downtown

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy. 

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in Building 255.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Hours & Locations for Signing Up with us:

Faculty of International Education Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in Building 255, Second Floor Reception

Lunchtime Activity Information Desk Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 – 1 pm in Building 255 - First Floor Learning Commons

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon - Activity Program Coordinator

phone: 250.753.3245, Ext. 2737

e-mail: kelsey.moon@viu.ca