The Harbour House offers a peaceful, healthy farm hotel experience in the town of Ganges, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.
The hotel overlooks Ganges Harbour, where the ferries from Vancouver arrive, and they have a very well-kept organic farm in the back which supplies the hotel’s restaurant with fresh organic ingredients for a variety of its highly-rated dishes.
THE ACCOMMODATION:
All the rooms are spacious and very comfortable, with private bathrooms, TV, and WiFi, and all have views of either the Ganges harbour or the garden farm. Some of the rooms have a balcony or a patio and some have a hot tub in the room and/or a fireplace; check when you book.
As mentioned before, the food is great and you can order organic meals throughout the day. Dietary restrictions can be catered for, gluten-free, etc., and they have a variety of local craft beers and wines.
On weekend evenings there is usually live music at the restaurant and the hotel also offers a number of other services; yoga sessions and in-room spa treatments, for example.
THE FARM:
The small organic farm is right at the back of the hotel and has a number of sheep, goats, and free-range hens, as well as over 100 maple trees and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The owners are passionate about organic farming and are always happy to show guests around and to let them meet the animals. They can also give plenty of tips on small-scale organic farming and the making of such things as their homemade fruit jams, maple syrup, and honey.
THE LOCATION:
The local area, Salt Spring, and its surrounding islands might be a popular escape from Vancouver, which can be easily reached by local ferries, but the landscapes still feel isolated and wild, and the small towns have something of a bohemian, artistic edge.
There are a number of markets in the town of Ganges where the hotel is located; A busy Saturday market from April to October for example, which has stalls selling everything from pottery and photography to local food produce and clothing, or a Tuesday farmer’s market selling local organic farm products from June to October.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities here; hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking for example. Boat tours around the islands are popular, as are float plane tours if you also want to enjoy the incredible scenery from above.
You can ask the hotel for more details and for more recommendations; they’re always happy to help.
WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:
“Awesome stay! It has been really beautifully renovated. It was the cheapest place at the time we booked and we were stoked with value for money! Also the complimentary breakfast was the best we’ve had in Canada by far!…”
“Excellent location at end of the harbour with beautiful view. Very comfortable bed in a quiet spacious room. High quality amenities – Nespresso machine in room, L’Occitane toiletries, large tiled shower, quality linens, huge partially covered balcony with 2 chairs, 2 loungers & table….”
