Discovering Vesuvius



Vesuvius Public Dock

Outdoor seating at Seaside Restaurant in Vesuvius

From Chemainus, we took another short hop south, this time to the tiny village of Vesuvius located on the northwest side of Salt Spring Island.  Boaters are quite familiar with the town of Ganges on the east side of the island but often overlook the more remote, quiet setting at Vesuvius on the west side.  The tiny village has a number of homes along the shore with houses tucked in the hillsides above.  The Vesuvius Store (a coffee shop with tasty lunch items) and the Seaside Restaurant are both within easy walking distance of the Vesuvius Public Dock, a 40-foot float.  

Seaside Restaurant, Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island

The Seaside Restaurant, which serves good pasta seafood dishes, has a guest dock suitable for dinghies and small craft for guests of the restaurant.  Views from the dining rooms and outside deck are wonderful.  Although we didn’t have reservations at this popular restaurant, they were able to find us a table for two.  

Great Views from the Seaside Restaurant

Part of Vesuvius history, the Seaside Restaurant began in the 1940’s serving coffee, pie, and ice cream.  Visitors can still buy ice cream (Island Farms) from the street-side take-out window.  

The adorable Vesuvius Store

The adorable Vesuvius Store, serving coffee, tea and pasties, is also worth a stop.  The store carries a few convenience grocery items and gift items as well.  We enjoyed some tasty Veggie Samosa for lunch along with their specialty potato salad.  

Vesuvius Bay Beach, a popular swimming, picnicking site

Also of interest is the popular swimming beach located at the head of Vesuvius Bay.  You can access the beach from a long, steep set of stairs off Langley Road, look for the small beach access sign.  The beach is a great place to take in a beautiful sunset.  

Beautiful Sunset seen from Vesuvius Bay

To visit Vesuvius, smaller boats can easily make use of the Public Dock, while larger boats will need to anchor out.  We chose to anchor our 46-foot vessel in Vesuvius Bay rather than tie-up at the dock.  The bay has good holding but is exposed to northwest winds.  Waves created by the ferry from Crofton, which lands at Vesuvius, regularly roll into the bay.  A better option for anchorage is located in Duck Bay nearby.