About this space
Welcome to our peaceful forest retreat with sweeping ocean views on the north end of Salt Spring Island. Surrounded by nature and tucked away in a quiet setting, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly relax.
Guests enjoy exclusive access to the bright and spacious upper floor of the home, featuring open concept living and a wraparound deck where you can take in beautiful sunrise views over the ocean.
The space
Our home comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests across two bedrooms, an office, and the living room.
The primary bedroom features a king bed and a private ensuite bathroom with a soaker tub overlooking the ocean. The second bedroom also has a king bed. The office includes a queen bed and, while it does not have a door, curtains are provided for added privacy. There is also through-wall shelving in this space.
For additional sleeping arrangements, we provide a high-quality air mattress for the living room, or the back cushions can be removed from the couch to comfortably sleep 2 guests.
Please note that this is our family home, where we live when it is not being rented. Our dogs also spend time here. We take great care to prepare the space for each stay, including using couch covers and thoroughly sanitizing between guests. However, if anyone in your group has strong pet allergies, our home may not be the best fit.
The backyard is not available for guest use, as it provides access to the lower suite, which is our private space, and is also where the dogs roam. That said, the surrounding area is beautiful for walking, with forest-lined roads, beaches, and scenic trails all within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Guest access
Guests have exclusive access to the upper floor and the wraparound deck.
The attached garage has been converted into office space for the host. There is no laundry access unless you are staying 4 nights or longer, and this can be arranged with the host in advance.
The hosts live in the suite below and use the yard space.
Other things to note
A short walk in either direction will lead you to farm stands, beaches, and forest pathways that showcase the natural beauty of this special part of the island.
A vehicle is recommended, as there is no bus service in this area. We are just 5 minutes from Fernwood Dock, where you will find a restaurant and a cafe/wine bar. Ganges town centre is about a 12 minute drive, St. Mary Lake is 7 to 8 minutes away, and Southey Point Beach, known for its stunning sunsets, is only 6 minutes away.
As we are in a rural area, the home is on a well. You may notice lighter water pressure and the occasional sulphur odour. The water is perfectly suitable for bathing, and we have a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink for cooking and drinking water. Bottled drinking water is also provided for guests.
Registration details
Provincial registration number: H749103100
A Tranquil Getaway
Discover the beauty and tranquility of Island Forest Retreat. Our vacation rental offers breathtaking ocean views and cozy accommodations for a peaceful stay. We prioritize providing a comfortable and rejuvenating experience, where nature meets comfort.
Gallery
Michael
Vancouver, Canada
November 2025 - Stayed with a pet
A spacious and clean country settling. Bree the hostess was very easy to communicate with.
What Guests Say
Brandon
November 2025 - Stayed one night
Great spot from Bree. Second time staying there and it has been great both times.
Thanks Bree!
Randall
Vancouver, Canada
September 2025 - Stayed with a pet
Amazing stay at Bree’s place on the north part of the island. The place is even better than the pictures! It was spotless upon arrival. Dog friendly is super important to me and it was. The kitchen and deck are the showstoppers. We sat out on the deck in the mornings, sipping coffee and taking in the scenery. Bree was super responsive. I asked for extra towels and garbage bags and they were there upon my return (I wasn’t gone long). The beds were very comfortable and the bathrooms were spa like. I came with my parents who are visiting from another province and my large dog. There was plenty of space for all of. Kitchen was great to have family meals. There were board games and puzzles. My parents and I couldn’t stop talking about how great the place is (still are). Absolutely coming back soon! The North part of the island is a gem; trails for dogs nearby, beach access and quick (beautiful) drive to Ganges. Best stay I’ve had on SSI in my 6 visits over the years!
Eryn
Victoria, Canada
October 2025 - Stayed a few nights
Beautiful house! Even nicer than the photos. Spacious and clean. We found the kitchen to be well-stocked and great for cooking large meals. Bree was very communicative and extra accommodating. Checking in and out was easy and she provided us with everything we needed
Adam
North Vancouver, Canada
September 2025 - Group trip
Very nice spot with a great view, Bree was very accommodating and made sure we had everything to have a comfortable stay at their home.
Elina
Victoria, Canada
August 2025 - Stayed a few nights
We were a family of 5 ranging from 17 to 82. We wanted a comfortable, beautiful spot to explore Salt Springs Island and we wound exactly that. Location wise it's in a very quiet area surrounded by giant trees and view over the Trincomali Channel (just as you see on the picture). There is no direct access to water (pretty rare on the island I think), so you do need the car. However there are tons of lakes and beaches very close by. Grocery store and the biggest BC liquor, just a short ride away. We hiked, we swam in lakes, we paddle boards and were happy to return to the comfortable house. Our favourite part was the deck : for morning coffee, bbq and the best part grabbing blankets and watching the stars after dark (did this every night, so fun). The house was totally in line with description: well stocked kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, everything one may need. Bree was a wonderful host and very reactive to every question I had. We had a blast. Thank you Bree !
Jackie
Vancouver, Canada
September 2025 - Stayed a few nights
Beautiful house with relaxing views facing east. Comfortable, clean and well equipped. Bree was really responsive and helped me out with advice about where to swim.
Callie
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 2025 - Group trip
Lovely stay! Check in was easy, place was very clean with a great view/porch and friendly helpful hosts. Very comfortable and they have the little things you need like sugar, shampoo and such :) be sure to check out the nearby lake and farm stand down the road!
Karma
Vancouver, Canada
August 2025 - Stayed a few nights
Amazing place to stay! The view is stunning and place is quiet and peaceful. The location was perfect. We were two couples and felt the place had ample room. Bree was an amazing host and easy to communicate with. Would strongly recommend choosing to stay in Salt Spring Island!
Annelise
Vancouver, Canada
August 2025 - Group trip
We spent the long weekend at Bree's wonderful place on Salt Spring as a girl's getaway with 5 of us and absolutely loved the experience! Bree provided some incredible recommendations for local swimming spots and we made very good use of the large deck with a view of the water. Highly recommend and we will definitely be booking with Bree again!
Sean
Edmonton, Canada
July 2025 - Stayed with kids
Bree was a very accommodating host, and helped us out with whatever we needed. The place was great and the kids loved it.
Brandon
July 2025 - Stayed one night
Bree had a great spot. Beautiful deck and property.
Only wish we could’ve stayed longer to enjoy it more. Would stay again!
Katy
North Vancouver, Canada
July 2025 - Group trip
A perfect location, central to everything. Beautiful deck with comfortable furniture. Bree responded quickly to any communication. I would not hesitate to recommend to others!
Kaveh
Victoria, Canada
August 2025 - Group trip
Excellent place. Comfortable and pleasant experience.
Tess
Vancouver, Canada
July 2025 - Stayed with a pet
Bree was a great host! Very easy checkin and communication. We especially enjoyed the deck and cycling the north end of the island. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Dennis
Seattle, Washington
July 2025 - Stayed with a pet
My family of 5 and small poodle had a relaxing weekend in home. Amazing deck and comfortable, well maintained interior. Bree was a very responsive host
Lou
Colomiers, France
July 2025 - Stayed a few nights
We had a great time staying there, thank you Bree!
David
Toronto, Canada
May 2025 - Stayed a few nights
Bree is a great host, kind and helpful. Kind host and person.
Amenities Offered
What this place offers: Bathroom: Bathtub Hair dryer Cleaning products Shampoo Conditioner Hot water Bedroom and laundry: Hangers Bed linens Extra pillows and blankets Room-darkening shades Clothing storage - dresser Entertainment: TV Heating and cooling: Air conditioning Portable fans Central heating Home safety: Smoke alarm Internet and office: Wifi Kitchen and dining: Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals Refrigerator Microwave Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper Dishes and silverware Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc. Freezer Dishwasher Electric stove Oven Hot water kettle Coffee maker Wine glasses Toaster Barbecue utensils Grill, charcoal, bamboo skewers/iron skewers, etc. Coffee Outdoor: BBQ grill Parking and facilities: Free parking on premises Services: Pets allowed Assistance animals are always allowed Smoking allowed outside only. Host greets you Not included: Exterior security cameras on property Washer Dryer Essentials Carbon monoxide alarm This place may not have a carbon monoxide detector. Reach out to the host with any questions.
Comfortable Accommodations
The upper floor provides ample space for guests with two bedrooms, an office, and a living area that accommodates up to 8 people. Enjoy stunning sunrise views.
Pet-Friendly
We welcome pets as part of our family-friendly atmosphere. Please note that safeguards are in place for guests with allergies, ensuring a comfortable environment.
Scenic Walking Trails
Explore the beautiful forest-lined roads and nearby beaches, perfect for walks and outdoor adventures. Nature is just outside your door.
Convenient Location
Island Forest Retreat is a quick drive from local amenities, making it easy to enjoy dining and shopping while surrounded by nature.