Visitor Code of Conduct

We are so excited to welcome you to our beautiful island community! Let’s cover some guidelines for making the most of your trip here, respecting the community, celebrating diversity, and honouring the cultural and natural history of Salt Spring Island.  

Respecting Indigenous Culture 

We have the privilege to live and work on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, and we are humbled to be able to show its beauty to our guests.

At the time of European settlement, the people that lived here not only stewarded the land – they were a part of the natural, sustainable environment, Their way of life promoted a natural abundance that we can only imagine today.

We consult with local indigenous organizations to help us tell their story. Whenever possible, we arrange to have a recognized indigenous representative tell the story themselves.

Waste Reduction

  • Follow the 3 Rs of waste management: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
  • Prepare to clean up after yourself, keep a grocery bag in your day pack to contain garbage and recycling. 
  • Bring your reusable water bottle 

Water Conservation

  • Salt Spring Island has freshwater shortages regularly as the majority of the water supply comes from lakes or groundwater that are replenished by the winter rains.  Community members know to use fresh water carefully. However many visitors are not aware of how precious this resource is on our dry island during the summer.
  • This is one reason why one of the more environmentally responsible ways to travel here is to come in the off season. We’ve got plenty of water then!

Fire Smart Visitation

Summer is very dry on Salt Spring Island. That makes for great holiday weather. But it also brings the danger of fires. Open fires are prohibited, and there are many places where smoking is prohibited, even outdoors.

  • Stay up to date on current campfire and burn restrictions (here: https://saltspringfire.com/burning-regulations/) 
  • Obey all fire and smoking restrictions
  • Use gas camp stoves and lanterns instead of having a campfire
  • If you are able to have a fire, make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving (you should be able to touch the ashes) 

Wildlife

  • Don’t feed wildlife. Yes they’re cute, but they’re playing you. Let them keep their survival skills honed by saying “no!”. 
  • Obey conservation signs that warn you to keep out. These are there for good reason. 

Ecosystem Protection

  • Inquire about particularly fragile areas so you know where to tread the lightest (Garry Oak, Invasive quarantine area in Ruckle Park…)
  • Garry oak and associated ecosystems are among the most endangered in Canada. We are blessed to have several of these remaining habitats on Salt Spring. Please tread with extreme care. Learn more here:  (https://goert.ca/about/species-at-risk/)
  • Do not walk off the path.
  • Never introduce non-indigenous species into another natural habitat. “World-wide, invasive species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity (topped only by habitat loss) and seriously upset natural plant communities. They can cost economies millions of dollars as they invade range, pasture and forest lands and impair recreational landscapes and water quality.” SS Conservancy Alien Plant Invaders: A Growing Problem Full article here: saltspringconservancy.ca/invasive-plants/
  • Don’t take natural artifacts home with you. Capture your memories with photos and your presence.
  • Leave flowers for the next person (or bee) to enjoy. Let the mushrooms grow. Keep rocks where you found them. If you want to take keepsakes home our artists will be happy to oblige. 

Consideration for Other Humans

  • Ask permission before taking photos
  • If you want to listen to music in public spaces, bring the headphones not the bluetooth speaker
  • If you really want to bring the bluetooth speaker, ask for permission from those around you before hitting that play button.
  • Greet people! This is a friendly island and you can add to that by acknowledging the existence of people you encounter. Even a silent nod says a lot about respect.
  • Take appropriate health and safety precautions prior to and during your trip

Accommodation & Energy Solutions

  • Pick accommodation with green credentials, and that have taken environmental protection actions like solar power on the roof, composting toilets, bicycle programs, etc
  • Follow any environmental recommendations of the accommodation provider (eg: water conservation procedures)
  • Turn the lights off when you leave

Vibrant Local Economies

  • Empower our local economy by buying community level products, that high quality low quantity experience is part of what you are after here, right?
  • Look for Ecotourism opportunities to support during your stay. 
  • Eat at local restaurants, buy local crafts, hire guides!
  • Provide honest travel reviews and promote your positive experiences

Travel Planning

  • Try to avoid the high season, when local resources and infrastructure are at their limit. Come see the beauty that fall and spring have to offer, and deep dive into the vibrant wellness scene during the cozy winter months here. Winter is a time for reflection, skill building and healing. Don’t miss out on the quiet magic.

Transportation

  • Select pollution free transportation, like our carbon neutral tours, or Outspoken bike shops E-Bike rentals and Salt Spring Adventure Company E-bike rentals
  • Pick accommodation that is close to a bus route 

 

Sources:

The Tips for a Responsible Traveller were developed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics and are based on the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

“members of the World Tourism Organization believe that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is needed to help minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and on cultural heritage while maximizing the benefits for residents of tourism destinations. The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is intended to be a living document. Read it. Circulate it widely. Participate in its implementation. Only with your cooperation can we safeguard the future of the tourism industry and expand the sector’s contribution to economic prosperity, peace and understanding among all the nations of the world.” 

~The United Nations World Tourism Organization (https://www.unwto.org/background-global-code-ethics-tourism)

Adapted from Tips for Responsible Travellers. https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2020-07/Tips-for-Responsible-Traveller-WCTE-EN.pdf

These tips were developed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics and are based on the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. https://www.unwto.org/global-code-of-ethics-for-tourism