Getting on and off the island

BC Ferries from Swartz Bay near Victoria or Tsawwassen near Vancouver, or a floatplane from either harbour in about twenty-five minutes. A car is needed on the island; the property is at the quiet south end.

The ferry, planned both ways Book the ferry with daylight to spare. Check which route takes reservations on BC Ferries: Tsawwassen to Long Harbour does, Swartz Bay to Fulford is first come, and summer sailings fill either way.
A car, yours or rented Nothing at this end of the island is walkable from a ferry.
Cash The Saturday market and the farm stands along the roads run on it, and the local guide notes many shops close early and some do not open Sundays.
Reusable bags For the market, and for whatever the farm stands talk you into.

Layers for a rain shadow

Salt Spring sits in the lee of Vancouver Island and gets Mediterranean summers while the outer coast takes the weather. It is still the Salish Sea: evenings cool, mornings can be grey, and a rain jacket earns its place in every month.

T-shirts and one long-sleeve
A fleece or wool sweater For the deck after dinner.
Rain jacket Light. The rain shadow is real; it is not a promise.
Trousers and a pair of shorts
Sun hat and sunglasses The summers are the point of the island.
Something for dinner out Nothing formal, anywhere on the island.

Beach, hot tub, spa

The beach is private and the hot tub is on site, and the property has a spa. Pack for water you will actually get into.

Swimsuit For the hot tub whatever the season, and the sea in summer.
A beach towel of your own For the shore, so the room ones stay dry.
Water shoes or sandals that can get wet Gulf Islands beaches run to pebble and shell more than sand.
Sunscreen

Walking

Gardens terraced to the water, an arbour walk, and an island of trails and viewpoints a short drive away.

Walking shoes or light hiking boots Island trails can be rooty and, after rain, slippery.
Small day pack
Water bottle
Binoculars optional Eagles, herons, seals, the ferries going by.

For doing nothing well

Nobody in the photographs from this week is doing anything, and it took me a week to properly appreciate that. Pack for it.

A book There is wifi. You will not want it.
Camera and charger For the last hour of light on the water.
Your medications and toiletries

What to pack for Lightwater Cove

Getting on and off the island

Layers for a rain shadow

Beach, hot tub, spa

Walking

For doing nothing well

The weeks behind it