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A Yahull gathering

Ganges Harbour two nights anchor Gathering

Saturday, August 1 · 11:00

48°51.292'N 123°29.567'W, Sale Spring island

Spend two days in the most bustling bay of this famous little island. You can visit the weekend market in town, discover many hidden gems on the island, or go fishing. Two days might not be enough!

free

Decorative — not for navigation. Use official charts + captain’s judgment.

People & history

  • How Ganges Harbour got its name — Ganges Harbour was originally called Admiralty Bay and was renamed in 1859 by Captain George Henry Richards after HMS Ganges, a British Royal Navy sailing battleship that served as flagship of the Pacific Station at Esquimalt from 1857–1860 under Captain John Fulford. Ganges was noted as the last sailing line-of-battle ship in foreign service. The community of Ganges takes its name from the harbour.source →
  • Early settlement and African-American pioneers — Salt Spring Island was the first place in BC to allow settlers to acquire land through pre-emption, and it became a refuge from racism for African-American families who left California in 1858 after discriminatory legislation—about 26 families acquired land. The first house on the island was built at Ganges in 1859 by the first group of 20 settlers. Throughout the 1800s Ganges and much of the north side of the island were predominantly African-American.source →
  • "Boat Day" and the Mouat's building — In the early 1900s the weekly arrival of the steamship S.S. Iroquois was unofficially "Boat Day" at Ganges, when island farmers lined their wagons at the town dock to greet the ship and ship out produce. The rambling Mouat's building (circa 1907) in the town centre still houses shops and a "Hall of History" photo gallery of the early years.source →

Things to do

  • Salt Spring Saturday Market at Centennial Park — From the first Saturday in April to the last Saturday in October, Ganges hosts a farmers' market in Centennial Park in the centre of town, a short walk from the harbour shoreline. It features dozens of vendors including farmers, food producers and crafters. It is one of the town's best-known draws.source →
  • Ganges Art Walk and galleries — Salt Spring Island is known for its arts scene and Ganges has many galleries, studios and public sculptures; visitors can pick up the Art Walk – Ganges Walking Guide from the Visitor Centre to follow a self-guided route. Notable stops include Lyman Whitaker's Kinetic Wind Sculptures at Steffich Fine Art in Grace Point Square.source →

Curated & approved by the host.

Who's this for

New to the water or an old hand — anyone curious and up for a friendly day out is welcome. No experience needed; just bring yourself and a warm layer.

Boats on the day

Sign up

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Stories from the water

Photos from past meetups will live here.

Meetups happen on real water. The final call on the day always rests with each boat's captain — weather and sea state can change plans, and that's part of real boating.