My legs are burning and my hair is sweaty, but I know the end is near. The lush forest packed with moss, ferns and giant trees soon reveals the reason I convinced my parents to hike up a steep mountain for 1.7 kilometres — to witness the incredible birds-eye view of Salt Spring and Vancouver Island.
1. Look for birds in a nature reserveLocated just off Vancouver Island’s southeast coast, Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands and home to a wide variety of birds. The island has two provincial ecological reserves, nature sanctuaries and nature reserves, attracting birds such as great blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, five species of woodpecker, quail and various species of owls.
4. Cycle the winding country roadsOne of the best ways to connect with nature and see a lot of the island is by hopping on a bike and cycling the hilly roads that wind through the charming countryside dotted with small farms, art galleries and plenty of deer. You can hear the chirping of birds and frogs, watch lambs frolicking in fields, and feel the cool ocean breeze on your face.