By Debbie Bowman
Do you believe in fairies? I can't say I always have, though I must admit I find the idea of shy, peaceful creatures flittering around after dark rather enchanting. So when I heard about the trails of Mt. Erskine on Saltspring Island and how they are dotted with the evidence of fairies I was intrigued.
For a long while there has been talk of fairies on Salt Spring Island. Over the years parents have told their children stories about the tiny, nocturnal creatures that reside in one special place. That place is Mt. Erskine, where the winding trails and the moss covered trees create the perfect environment for stoking such an imaginative fantasy.
The slopes of Mt. Erskine don't just look rare and enchanting, they really are. In fact, the fairies reside in what is known as the rarest ecosystem in all of Canada, the Gary Oak ecosystem. The gnarled and twisted oak trees also support an environment noted for it's incredible diversity of mosses and lichens - all of which are found in verdant, spongy abundance. All this makes the trails of Mt. Erskine a magical and wondrous place where one can easily imagine fairies scurrying around after dark.
The amazing environment of Mt. Erskine was made even more magical when little fairy doors began to mysteriously appear near the trails leading to the summit. The mystery surrounding the fairy doors and how they came to be adds to their charm, for their benefactor, if he or she exists, is a closely guarded secret. In fact, most locals can only guess at who or what has created the fairy doors.
There are at least six doors to be found. The exact number changes from year to year because even though new doors appear sometimes, others are lost for various reasons. A couple years ago, for example, a door was lost when the tree in which it was located rotted and fell over, (I hope that fairy had home insurance).
Most of the fairy doors are about a foot tall, carved from golden wood and adorned with whimsical paintings. And although it is said that the doors can only open by magic, they have real knockers and knobs made from shiny brass. One even has a round glass window.
If you come to Mt. Erskine to spy the fairy doors don't count on finding every door on the mountain. Some of the doors are easy to spot and located directly on the main trail. Others, however, are harder to find and not on a trail at all. Even the more obvious ones could be missed if you weren't careful, as most of the doors are tucked away in tree roots or mossy rocks. In fact, it's most likely that the kids will find them first, as the door's close proximity to the ground makes them easier for the children to find.
When you do come across a fairy door don't forget gifts for the fairies. A long time ago some visitors began to leave little things behind, maybe to entice the fairies outside. Looking at what has been left by others is wonderful fun for the kids. When we visited the doors we saw tiny dishes and furniture that had been left. And since fairies like sparkly things, glass beads and baubles are popular. Some more practical individuals have left little treats like raisons or nuts. Either way, be sure to bring a little something for the kids to leave behind.
The hike up Mt. Erskine is one that is guaranteed to enchant the entire family. The landscape is rare and beautiful, but the looks on the kid's faces when they find the doors...that's especially memorable. As well, the kids will be motivated to continue the hike, no matter how tired they get. In fact, instead of hearing them ask how much further they have to walk, you'll probably hear them asking if they could look for just one more door.
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How to get there:
Salt Spring Island is served by BC Ferries via Tsawwassen terminal. For schedules visit their website at www.bcferries.com
The hike up Mt. Erskine climbs 336 meters and takes about three hours in total.
Hikers can access Mt. Erskine either from Colin's Road or Toynbee Road. However, the fairy doors are found on the trail that begins on Colin's Road.
Visit the Salt Spring Island visitor's center, located at 121 Lower Ganges Rd., to receive a map of the island.
Alternatively, bookstores in Ganges sell copies of the Heritage of Salt Spring Island and Salt Spring Out-Of-Doors, both one page maps featuring over two dozen hiking trails. They will also sell copies of Hiking the Gulf Islands, a definitive guidebook written by Charles Kahn, a resident of Salt Spring Island.
Accommodation:
Cusheon Lake Resort has one and two bedroom cabins with fireplaces starting at $115 per night - www.cusheonlake.com
Lakeside Garden Resort has rustic but cute cabanas and cabins for as low as $60 a night. www.lakesidegardensresort.com
For even more accommodation possibilities visit www.saltspringmarket.com/salt_spring_island_accommodations
Restaurants:
For a rejuvenating coffee after the hike and a hot chocolate for the kids be sure to stop by Jana's Bake Shop at 324 Lower Ganges Road. It's a funky place loved by the locals and tourists alike.
Another favorite is the Tree House Cafe where you can eat outside under the huge tree. It's near the waterfront at 106 Purvis Lane.
To find more Salt Spring Island restaurants visit www.tasteofsaltspring.com
For a souvenir of your visit be sure to visit West Moon Kids, a wonderful toy store in Ganges Village located at 105 Purvis Lane.
For an online map of the artisans of Salt Spring Island and their studios visit www.saltspringstudiotour.com
Debbie Bowman is a Vancouver based writer and mother of two who now believes in fairies.