Green Acres Lakeside Resort Salt Spring Island
Gistingarhús Ranch 241 Langs Rd, V8K 1N3, Canada
21 Photos
About Green Acres Lakeside Resort Salt Spring Island
A peaceful and secluded resort in the heart of Salt Spring Island has something for everyone - single guests, couples, families and large groups can be accommodated. Located on a beautiful acreage on the shore of St. Mary Lake, it faces a nature reserve which provides lovely, peaceful scenery. A variety of Cabins and Chalets, are available in a forested or open setting. Guests enjoy our own private sandy beach, free wi-fi and use of our boats (included.)
Amenities
- Badminton Court: Yes
- Bar / Lounge: Yes
- BBQ Facilities: Yes
- Beach: Yes
- Board Games / Puzzles: Yes
- Canoeing: Yes
- Canoeing (Off-Site): Yes
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly): Yes
- Complimentary Breakfast: Yes
- Fishing: Yes
- Fitness Center With Gym / Workout Room: Yes
- Free Internet: Yes
- Golf Course: Yes
- Highchairs Available: Yes
- Hiking: Yes
- Internet: Yes
- Kids' Outdoor Play Equipment: Yes
- Outdoor Fireplace: Yes
- Outdoor Furniture: Yes
- Pets Allowed (Dog / Pet Friendly): Yes
- Picnic Area: Yes
- Restaurant: Yes
- Self-Serve Laundry: Yes
- Shuttle Bus Service: Yes
- Swimming Pool: Yes
- Table Tennis: Yes
- Wifi: Yes
Features
- Free Wifi: Yes
- Hidden Gems: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Room Features
- Bath / Shower: Yes
- Blackout Curtains: Yes
- Coffee / Tea Maker: Yes
- Complimentary Toiletries: Yes
- Fireplace: Yes
- Hair Dryer: Yes
- Kitchenette: Yes
- Kitchenware: Yes
- Microwave: Yes
- Private Beach: Yes
- Refrigerator: Yes
- Room Service: Yes
- Safe: Yes
- Seating Area: Yes
- Sofa: Yes
- Sofa Bed: Yes
Nearby Attractions
Reviews (103)
Great View of St. Mary's Lake
The grounds are nice, with cottages scattered around the site and a nice beach area for kids to play. It's on a hill, so each unit has some view, except those in the woods, which seem newer. Boats can be used, upon completion of a waiver. This resort offers basic, rustic accommodation. We had a two-bedroom cottage, much like the home-built summer cottages of my youth. There is a fully, though sparsely, equipped kitchen scrunched into one corner, a living room bisected by a chrome dining table against the front window and two tiny bedrooms. If you stand your luggage in the closet, you can also get to the two single beds in the 'kids' room. The other, main bedroom is slightly larger. Furnishings are adequate, but a long way from new. In the living room, there was a couch and a Franklin stove, but wood must be ordered ahead of time, and is delivered to the unit only for a fee. I didn't ask what the fee was, and was expected to say whether I wants a load of undetermined size before I would be told. The table, pushed against the window, had four chairs. There were no armchairs, so for four people, two got the couch and the rest kitchen chairs. The large picture window on the view was great in the day time, and there is a large deck with a BBQ and chairs. You could see St. Mary Lake and the beach below from the unit, but at night, it became a one-way mirror so that those looking in could see you clearly, but those inside could see only a mirror surface staring back. Don't change into your pjs in the living room. We wondered if the film covering the window had been placed backwards, since one thinks it ought to reflect the sun during the day to keep the unit from heating up in the summer. The bathroom had a shower stall with the hot / cold taps reversed, and a sign telling you that, thank goodness. There was no bathroom fan, but there was a window, which appeared to have been put in backwards so that it could not be opened. There were two or three fans in the unit, so it must get hot in the summer. The office is in the middle of the site, but if there are cars parked in the driveway, it's not easy to tell that it is the office. A large vehicle can block the sight-line to the front door which tells you that it's the office. Do not arrive early: there is no quarter for letting you drop off your luggage and go about your visiting. In fact, there is an entire booklet of rules to follow, some very usual, like do your own dishes, accompanied by notice of a $25 fine if you do not. Some rules are surprising: you have to take your recycling up to the office and sort it yourself, with again the admonitions to be correct about it, as well as putting your garbage outside in the bin yourself. One is surprised that you don't have to wash the sheets and make the beds as well. Staff may, if you engage them very carefully, border on politeness, but not if you arrive early, or if you have committed the unpardonable sin of not receiving the email that tells you to go directly to the correct unit (identified only in the email) without speaking to the office first. It's much cheaper, apparently, to book this place directly than through one of the aggregators like Booking.com or Expedia, which will not be a difficulty for us. It's not a place we will stay again.
Cabin in the woods, on a lake; Nice!
This September we stayed in cabin LC3 for a second time. The cabin is well laid out; the kitchen had all the basic tools. We left the place cleaner than it was when we arrived. The grounds and amenities are incredible, new plastic row boats were easy to handle and comfy. I caught (and released) a fish! Early mornings on the lake were awesome; you could hear goats across the water! What an amazing location, quiet yet close to restaurants and natural beauty spots. Judy would benefit from a course in hospitality as she made us feel like intruders at every encounter. However, Sven is a prince of a guy and makes up for any lack. Overall we would recommend a stay here.
Friends
Fantastic spot. Beautiful log chalets. Spotless. Great guest services. Helpful and very kind. Enjoyed our two weeks very much. Deer on the lawn every morning. Close to town with many eateries and good shopping.
Watch out for your deposit, they may lose it
I had been going to Green Acres from the US for 8 years before Covid hit. I would always go the same week and stay in the same cabin. I made many friends and always enjoyed this vacation. During the first year of Covid, I needed to cancel due to the border closing. The new management said that they could not refund my deposit because they had no money due to the pandemic. I then heard from others that there was a waiting list to get my money back. I got on the waiting list, but never got my money back. When I called to reserve for this year, I said to just put my deposit from the year before towards this year. They had acknowledged not returning my deposit but also said they had no records of my deposit. They said I would need to make an additional deposit if I wanted to reserve my usual spot for 2021. I found my visa records, submitted those, and then they relented. I had to cancel again this year due to the border still being closed. They agreed to book me for 2022, same cabin, same week. I told them to hold my deposit from this year. They called this week to say they needed to give my cabin to someone else because they had a large party that wanted it. This is not a place you go to for the luxury of the accommodations. There are mice that make lots of noise and can keep you up at night. You go here to be with the the other guests and build friendships. The management who took over three years ago, just don't get it. If you give them a deposit, know it's no guarantee you'll get what you book. Also, keep any and all receipts in case they claim you never made a deposit. The new management have a strange edge that is unpleasant.
Green Acres, even better
Our family has been going to Green Acres for many years. It's a wonderful spot. The new management has worked to improve the resort and done a great job. They've upgraded the kayaks and the other watercraft. The beach is raked and cleaned on a daily basis.. We stayed in cabin 11 and really appreciated the new decor and the comfy bed. Overall, a good experience has become a great experience.
Great place for family with kids
Nice clean cottages, with bbq available as well as fire wood. At the resort there are many activity options, from ta when weather is nice, Cheese factory close by, beach, hike trails, parks & nice little center of the Island with few shops available, but just about enough
Cozy log cabin on St. Mary's lake
My friends and I booked this accommodation for a weekend summer getaway. It did not disappoint! We were pleasantly surprised to see and use the water / dock amenities they had to offer. Kayak, paddle boards, paddle boats, row boats etc. It was quiet, quaint and relaxing. Log cabin came equipped - mostly. My only complaint and / or suggestion was the lack of coffee / sugar, and bathroom soaps (shampoo / conditioner). I would expect that for the price we paid, the cabin would come with coffee and / or sugar (as most hotels / air bnb's do). I was disappointed to see they didn't provide shampoo / conditioner either. Perhaps they should advise of this on their website as most accommodations in this realm will provide these basic essentials. Easy fix though! That being said, they supplied salt / pepper, dish washer detergent, and towels. Over all, I can't wait to go back! Truly a hidden gem that is accessible from Vancouver or Victoria!
Nature holiday loaded with fun and activities
Pristine location, serene nature surrounding our log hut, we had a wonderful Eater holiday at Green Acres. Stayed two nights with kids n family, this was the ideal location for everyone to relax and do their thing. Kids loved playing along the beach and esp engaged in all the water sports activity. Ideal place for one and all. would highly recommend this property. Well manged, warm and friendly owners !!!
Rustic comfort
We stayed at Green Acres over an extra-long weekend in mid-March and loved it. Our cabin was one of the older log houses down the slope, where we could sit and look out on the pristine Saint Mary Lake (where powered craft are not allowed). Very comfortable and well appointed with a full kitchen and two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with two twins. The complimentary Salt Spring Island coffee beans were much appreciated, as were wifi and cable. Even though it was off-season, there were kayaks and canoes and paddle boats out for use. My spouse and I hit the ping-pong table by the lake on a platform under a shelter. Some people played badminton on the grass. Kids played a little way down on the beach. We loved that Green Acres is nestled into the forest on the north end of the island and yet is only a short drive away from Ganges and other attractions.
Beautiful log chalets
Looking for a place for a family stay for one night and found this place. The log cabin was gorgeous with plenty of room to sleep 6 (we only had 4). Fully equipped kitchen was a nice touch. The grounds needed a bit of work after the winter, but I think this would be a good place to stay a little longer.
Cozy and beautiful
We just got back from our trip to Salt Spring Island and Green Acres is great! It is off season but it was amazing. We were in LC 7 (log cabin). Cozy and cute log cabin with full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. It was just 2 of us but you could easily fit 4 adults. The wood fireplace (fire wood is free) and heated floors made it so warm, I loved to sit there and relax. Along with cozy cabins, they have a small beach area, docks (you can use life jackets and their row boats). On our way to the dock we came across a family of deer (they didnt take much notice in us). We used the 2 person paddle boat, we just sat in the boat for a while taking in the beauty surrounding us. Grocery stores, food and shops are a 5 to 10 minute drive from the grounds. If you are looking to unplug and have a relaxing getaway I would recommend Green Acres. Customer service was great (I liked how personable the owners are). We plan on returning! We can't wait to come back again.
Peace and quiet and repeat
We arrived mid week to a seemingly deserted resort. The log chalets are wonderful, and spaced around the property so as to maximize privacy. The lake activities are a short walk away. Facilities were excellent, with firewood at the chalet, maximum hot water for showers, well-stocked kitchenette, with dishes and coffee fixins. We brought in water for drinking, as the local water was said to be a bit smelly, and indeed it was. All in all, an excellent BCFERRIES VACATION.
Had the best time
We really liked this resort. Situated on St Mary's lake in the oh end of the island. Cabins dotted around the acreage, some in the woods and some near the lake in the sun. Spacious accommodation with full facilities including kitchen, wood burning stove, dining area and decks with bbq and seating. The lake has boats that are free to use, kayaks, paddle boards and more. Randy who manages the resort is super friendly and helpful. Good value to rent the cabins, some are newer than others and the older cabins are a little dated, but always clean and contain what you need. The lake had an algae bloom when we were there which made the water less attractive to go in but it did not stop the kids and was safe. Look out for out of season deals there too.
A great place for families of all ages
Our family loves this place! We have been coming for years and now that our children are adults, our family group includes their spouses (who fortunately love this place too) and our granddaughter. We always get a cabin rather than a chalet. We've been inside the chalets and they are larger, lighter and more modern. But we love the view of the lake and the close proximity to the beach and children's play area. The pluses: Randy is a warm and friendly host and has instituted music night and movie night. There is a good sized deck with table, chairs and umbrella, a propane barbecue with utensils, and a wood fireplace for the rare times it has been cold. There is a tie-dye event on Wednesdays and the children (and some adults) love tie-dying their own t-shirt. Bring one to tie-dye. There is a playground with swings, climbing and a slide, a playhouse, badmitton and ping-pong, as well as lots of space for kids to run and play. The beach is big enough for sand castles and moats and the water near the beach is shallow enough for small children to play in. There are canoes, paddle boats, sit down kayaks and paddleboards and PDFs, and 3 rafts out in front of the beach area. There are deer and blackberries and rabbits. Sometimes one can see eagles or hawks. The cons: The cabins could use some improvements; our refrigerator had problems, there are few outlets in the cabins, extra hooks behind the door for jackets would be a blessing. The blankets need to be wider; they just barely cover the top of the bed with no draping over the side. The cabin was not cleaned as well as I would like though it was by no means filthy. The various boats and the badminton equipment are sometimes broken, not surprising given the number of guests who use them and the rough treatment I have witnessed by guests. In my experience, when problems are pointed out to Randy, repairs or replacements are made quickly. All in all, we love the place and will be back again next year.
Sweet Secluded Resort on Quiet St Mary's Lake, SSI
We had the enjoyment of staying for a weekend at Green Acres Resort on Salt Spring Island while attending our grandson's graduation. We were greeted by host, Randy, who could not have been friendlier or more helpful. Our lakefront cabin was well furnished, very clean and had a kitchenette as well as a deck with a beautiful view of the lake. The resort's accommodations range from small cabins to large chalets. The resort has a nice beach and has many canoes, kayaks and paddle boards available for guests to use. We will surely re-visit Green Acres on our next holiday to Salt Spring Island!
Amazing Lakeside Resort
Our cabin was very nice and well equipped. The lake was amazing and had really great canoeing. Really beautiful location and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.. We will definitely be back.
It's the place to be
My parents were visiting from ontario & we needed a nice place for them to stay. We looked at all the places on St. Mary's lake. Green Acres was the nicest place on the lake for the best value. Randy is a genuine great host who really cares & makes the stay memorable. If you can't find it in your room just ask. My kids had their first boat ride there. We loved the beach & all the kid friendly activities. I would absolutely stay again & tell all my friends to stay there. Thank you so much Randy & all the staff at Green Acres who made our stay great!
Great place to relax
My family rented log cabins. It was clean, spacious yet cozy. Randy (manager) was very welcoming and accommodating. Everyone (adults and children) had great time at the lake and exploring beautiful spots in Salt spring island. I definitely recommend Green Acres.
Great place for kids and to take it easy
We stayed at Green Acres for a week in one of the log cabin's. The kids loved it and spent as much time as possible either in the water or building sand castles. Randy (Manager) goes out of his way to make sure everyone feels welcome and joins in on the fun. There are regular events such as marshmallow roasting and outdoor movies to get people together and talking. The resort includes access to volleyball, ping pong, canoe's, kayak's, paddleboards, and row boats. Lifejacket are included and a must. The lake is warm but still refreshing on a hot day. The cabin was spacious with a king bed in the loft and two singles in the second bedroom. The floors are concrete, which might put you off, but nothing else would hold up under the assault of children. The floors are also heated, not that you need it in the summer. Many of the families staying have been going to Green Acres for years (2 - 27) which speaks volumes about the type of place this is. We will definitely be going back next year.
November 2013 Stay... Beautiful spot!
What a beautiful place... can see why it is rated # 3... Of course, St. Mary's Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes anywhere!! :) I grew up on Saltspring.. pioneer connections.. and must say I would love to return again, to Green Acres Lakeside Resort as a guest... with family, one day. Three children, two parents and one Grandmother had a lovely stay at a very clean and lovely chalet tucked in the woods, in November. Took many lovely sunrise photos at the Beach / wharf area - and early frosts helped!... busy with other family on the Island... re sunsets.. but I would bet they, too would be great shots... I can see it would be great to see in all Seasons! Our chalet was so nice... tucked in amongst the trees. Lots of space... and a great kitchen area... Check water regulations.. for being current when you go... re St. Mary's Lake water supply. So scenic, so peaceful, and yes, loved the bird / wildlife, too! Gracious host... thanks Randy, for being so accommodating... would definitely give your lovely resort one of the top ratings.. for sure!
Relaxing Getaway, friendly staff and owners
We decided last minute (about 1.5 weeks) to book a vacation to Salt Spring Island on the Easter long weekend. I phoned almost every single resort (within our budget) on the island and was told over and over again that the Easter long weekend, some people book almost a year in advance. Then I phoned Green Acres Resort and spoke with the owner, Randy (?). He said that he was fully booked but a family was thinking of cancelling and so he would call them and a day later he called me back and we were booked for the chalet at Green Acres. I don't know how old the chalets are, but they seemed to have been newly built. The chalet was like it was in it's own forest, and so private, serene. The weekend rained and rained but we built a fire in our fire stove (they provide fire wood), and bought some great fish at the market and we just relaxed and enjoyed our weekend. The children had fun walking around at night with their flashlights, and Randy saw my husband chopping kindling and *magic* there was a whole bunch of kindling for us at the wood shed. The beach and park area were wet, and soggy but we were able to take out their boats and fish and row around. Randy was super friendly, and nice we will definitely be back and have recommended this place to friends and co worker. Salt Spring is so beautiful, I would even come back in the winter as the fire stove heats up the chalet nice and toasty.
Peace and tranquility abound at Green Acres Resort
I have just returned from another fantastic stay at Green Acres Lakeside Resort. Rain or shine, how can one not have an amazing experience at this beautiful location. The deer abound providing many fantastic photo opportunities. Awaking early, while not the norm for me, provided incredible views of the lake at dawn, with a kayaker returning from an early paddle across the very calm waters, the birds were in their glory with all of their calls, a deer was meandering past my cottage. It is a peace of heaven, and with Randy at the helm, it is the only place I ever consider staying. I opt to stay in the lower, older cottages as the views of the lake are unparalleled, though I may cave at some point and partake of the upper lodge style accommodations, they look lovely. I have come summer, fall, winter with friends and my sister enjoying many laughs and memorable times, including cooking a full turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, followed that December by a roast pork dinner. Scrumptious, especially when enjoyed in these surroundings. Best to bring some of your own kitchen utensils, roasting pans if making such a large, specific meal, but the cottage oven performed beautifully. Also, I do bring my own water, this because I find the Island water to be on the 'hard' side with minerals. I am never disappointed when staying at Green Acres and am already aching to return. Thank you Randy for being such a terrific host. Laura E. Campbell
Bird Sond
We rented 2 chalets for 5 people over a week of ocean kayaking and exploring this beautiful island. The chalets were lovely, having a BBQ was so great. Mornings were the best with the waking up to bird song I have never heard so many different ones at once. The lake and beach area is a great place to sit and really relax. Randy is exceptional as your host and is so helpful. Because a writer said the water was not tasty we brought drinking water which was not needed the water was very good, also the parking is close to the chalets or cabins, we are all seniors with lots of kayak gear and it was no problem. We checked out the cabins (smaller for 2 people) with Randy and we will be back regularly. The grocery stores will help supply anything you need or have forgotten from home. Have a wonderful stay we sure did. Lilian & Earl
Rustic yet comfortable
My husband and I booked a last minute trip at Green Acres resort and were not disappointed. While the chalets can accommodate up to six people, we found it very comfortable with two of us. We enjoyed the wood burning stove and bbq and had many encounters with deer and bunnies. Manager, Randy, was exceedingly friendly and we found the rate to be very reasonable. Chalet 8 was very private and quiet and perfect for a couples getaway. Had we wanted to be more social, we observed that the boats and activities were accessible and well used.
A Real Back to Nature Experience
Amazing Getaway Experience: A real back to nature experience in a beautiful, luxurious accommodation. We had the pleasure of staying in a luxury log chalet set in an enchanting wooded location where deer gifted their presence every morning. A short stroll from the chalet and you are on the picturesque St Marys Lake. We spent most of our time on the lake kayaking, captivated by the abundant wildlife. The painted Turtles and Bald Eagles were a highlight. Randy is an amazing host, friendly and made us feel very welcome. Accommodation: Fabulously spacious, comfortable layout. We loved the master loft bedroom. Wonderful place for families with children or couples wanting to get away from it all. Great location - everything is just 10 minutes away. Wonderful hikes around the area. Can walk or bike to beach. We can't wait to return.
Great hospitality and lovely setting
Spent a lovely break with friends in one of the comfortable log cabins. A ferry cancellation due to weather meant we needed to stay an extra night and the site manager was really helpful and accommodating. A beautiful & relaxing break at a lovely location.
Randy our Knight in Shining Armour "
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Randy... for your great hospitatlity... getting us a cabin with the most amazing view that anyone could ask for..... Green Acres is truely a peace of heaven and we were so blessed to spend my husbands birthday vacation here. Again thank-you for letting us stay beyond check out time to use your boat to catch our fish... (we had a great 3 days of fishing, catching over 100 of the beauties) We will most certainly be back and we WILL be telling ALL of our friends and family about this great resort.... Peace and Love Frances
Great place to stay, great island to visit
My parents and I stayed at the Green Acres Resort for two nights as part of the BC ferries vacation package, and we enjoyed the resort thoroughly and the visit to Salt Spring Island was wonderful as well. The resort was not fancy, but it had everything that we needed. I appreciate that there were 2 bedrooms for the 3 of us, and the kitchen was fully equipped as well. My father and I enjoyed sitting by the lake while my mother enjoyed utilizing the kitchen facility to cook dinner. Randy was wonderfully helpful, he was passionate about showing us what are good places to visit on the island, and he was also proud of the resort. I would recommend the Green Acres Resort and the Salt Spring Island to anyone who wants a simple, stress-free but fun and scenic getaway.
Back for another year!
Our family of 4 has been staying at Green Acres Resort for the past 12 summers. We love we don't have to drive for hours during the summer heat to get to 'our' summer cabin. Get on the ferry and we're instantly on holidays. Salt Spring Island has lots to do (hiking, outdoor markets, kayaking, beach combing) but we enjoy the beauty of St Mary's Lake and all the activities at Green Acres (paddle boats, SUP's, kayaking, jumping off the dock, tye dyeing, campfire singalong's, etc). The water is great for swimming and because no power boats or jet-skis are allowed, the lake is very peaceful and safe to swim in. We have travelled to many places and our week at Green Acres is one of our favourite holidays. Already looking forward to next year!
Peace and helpfulness
Peace is one thing you can't avoid here. The lake was beautiful, there were deer and rabbits. The 'loft' was fully equipped, had a lovely veranda, had helpful finishing touches such as paper towel, dish washing liquid and chocolates. Randy the hotellier was delightful and couldn't have been more helpful. And all this, plus a selection of boats for use at no cost, for a very reasonable price. I'll definitely go again.
Beautiful Lake almost all to yourself
Rustic, cabin style accommodations that overlook St. Mary's Lake on Salt Spring Island. Simple living at it's finest. This is a no frills decent quiet place to stay. The manager is friendly, informative and a wealth of information about Salt Spring Is. points of interest. The cottage we rented is a 2 bedroom with fully equipt kitchen, living room with a hide-a-bed, cable tv, wood stove and dining table. There is a large deck with a patio set and a propane BBQ is included. Chopped wood can be brought down from the main office storage. Best of all, WIFI is included within the resort! At the beach, you can avail for free water sports provided (Canoes, Kayaks, peddle boats, paddle surf boards, and row boats). They provide life-jackets which is mandatory. You can fish here for trout, cut throat and steel head. If you don't want to play in the water, they have beach chairs to soak up the sun or play ping-pong near the beach. The best part of this resort is the beautiful sunsets along the lake. Wildlife can be seen along the lake (birds and deer). Bring plenty of bottled water as the tap water smells a bit like sulphur (fishy) ; thought it's potable safe to drink. Some say it's the hot springs, deep well water, etc...). Anyways, we always bring bottled water at any trip. Another good thing about this resort is during low season, if you book for 2 days, you get the 3rd free! What can be better than that to extend your holiday! One of our better experience of outdoor living with the comforts of home.
Wake up call for people that expect cabins to be five star hotels
I have personally stayed at Green Acres Resort an estimated 28 times over the last 25 years. In that time, I have had not one negative experience. For the majority of my stays I have dealt with the current management, (Randy), but previous to that the former managers. In either case, I have been treated professionally, courteously, and with genuine friendship. The cottages, property, and surrounds have a charm which draws my family and I back time and again. The lake is idyllic (beavers, eagles, ducks, turtles, osprey, hawks, raccoons, rabbits, deer). The site offers free water craft (who cares if they're dated--they work fine, and the SUP's, brand new, are of excellent quality). This facility has the well-worn charm of a summer camp. No, there are no hair dryers or 'refreshed towels', foot massages, or child-free zones, but then, this is the real world of cottages, as it should be. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a stress-free getaway on Saltspring Island.
Lake of Tranquility
Saltspring is a delightful island and an excellent place to base yourself is at Green Acres. A warm and friendly greeting from Randy who will willingly point out all the good places to go, A superb location with a comfortable lakeside cabin.... rustic but very well looked after. There are luxury cabins in the woods behind away from the lake. Deer and rabbits grazed nearby..... boating inclusive, beware the canoes (a little unstable) unless you have experience. Green Acres is great for singles and couples in quite times, families in the school holidays. Go to Kizmet, the wineries and of course Ganges market on Saturdays. Talented inhabitants... even Randy sing & plays at islaned events. There is even a tiny Cinema neaby. Former hippies will particularly enjoy the trip.
A private paradise
I am so pleased with our vacation at Green Acres. We started with a warm and helpful welcome from Randy the owner / operator. We walked into the most beautiful log cabin with loft bedroom I have ever seen. We were offered as much wood as we needed for our wood stove, free use of row boats / kayak / paddle boats. Everything we needed was there, I made a beautiful dinner in the full kitchen. There was also a barbecue on our gorgeous front deck, propane included! It was idyllic, the lake was beautiful and sunset was amazing. I would recommend to everyone to visit this little piece of heaven. I will be returning any chance I get, what a wonderful get away!
Rustic and Relaxing
This was our families first trip to Salt Spring and Green Acres. If you are looking for a Spa and Hot tub style of resort this is not the place to visit. Green Acres is a throw back to the past when your family would come and spend a week on the lake. It's very quiet, safe and definitely family friendly. The fully self contained cabins though not new, have been updated and were spotlessly clean. St Mary's lake has no power boats, so it's quiet and safe as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and will return. We wish we had discovered this little gem years ago.
3 visits in 3 months & a beautiful wedding on site
We just had a family wedding at Green Acres Resort. Our first visit was in April with the bride and groom as they finalized the wedding details like tent location, catering etc. It was on this visit that we met owner and manager Randy. A couple of weeks later in early May I stayed at the resort with a few girlfriends. We arrived late at night. Randy opened the cabin and left the lights on for us. The next day he came to make sure we were OK and took time to tell us about the Island and to give us suggestions on places to visit. When it came time for the wedding, we arrived 3 days early. Randy appointed himself as part of the working crew to make the day as special as it could be. He personally met every guest and made sure our cabins were well stocked with water, towels, extra chairs and whatever we needed to entertain our many guests. He worked around the clock, always with a smile, always with a very calming personality. As our group occupied the entire resort we got to experience the chalets and the cottages. Both are in excellent shape with regards to new furnishings, bathrooms etc. and all units are all super clean and comfortable. We are so appreciative of all that Randy gave of his time, his energy and himself and highly recommend Green Acres Resort for a casual stay or a wedding destination. We also highly recommend you start or end your day with a visit to the Raven Street Cafe where you will be greeted by Shinobu who will make you a great coffee or a wood fired pizza.
Great Getaway Spot
by Jean (from Nanaimo) June 2012 - My first, but definitely not my last, trip to Salt Spring Island lately was a wonderful experience. Right from the short ferry ride across from the quaint little town of Crofton B. C. We had chose the Green Acres resort, and we are very happy we did. Our welcome party, Randy, was a fantastic host and very helpful and kind. Our very cozy cottage had an amazing view from our huge balcony, of the pretty St Mary Lake. We were only steps away from the beach and we were able to go paddle boating on this gorgeous blue water lake. Our cottage had two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other had two singles. The kitchen was fully loaded for us. The dining table was right at the huge window over looking the lake, what a great way to start the day having breakfast with a view. The bathroom had tub and shower and was clean and bright. We loved our stay and will be back with thanks to Randy.
Weekend of June 8
My husband and myself had a relaxing, great time @ Green Acres, our cottages was perfect and loved overlooking St Mary's Lake- we will definitely go back and loved Salt Spring Island - Thank you Randy
Lovely host, great location
I searched online for a cottage or cabin on Salt Spring Island - something different than the usual hotel / motel my family and I have stayed in before. I was also looking for waterfront; considering it was off-season, it could be affordable, especially for our 1-night requirement. When I found Green Acres, I visited TripAdvisor to see if there were any comments. There were many and very positive comments. I felt confident about booking on this basis and I am delighted to say that it met my expectations. My family and I stayed in Cottage # 2 with a spectacular view of St Mary Lake. We were 3 adults and 1 child. The cottage was small, but suited us perfectly for a one-night stay. We all slept pretty comfortably. The sleeping arrangements were as follows: 1st bedroom with 2 twin beds; 2nd bedroom with a queen bed; the living room had a sofabed. The cottage had a full kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower (no bath). The living room also had a dining room table and chairs. Kitchen had a large fridge and stove, toaster and coffee maker, cutlery and place settings. Single-use coffee serving and tea were included. Bottom line? The cottages were cute, but a little tired. Cottage # 2 was small and while manageable for 1 night, I'm not sure if more than 2-3 people could actually stay there form more than 2 nights without tripping over each other. It was off-season, but the large-ish playground and sandbox by the water indicated that summer would be packed with families & kids. As a single with no kids, or with my friends without kids, I would not stay here in summer. Our host, Randy, was lovely! I'm happy to have supported him and his business.
A speical place
We have been going to Green Acres for many years now. My first visit was in 1988. Our family loves this resort. We stayed in log cabin # 7. Well appointed kitchen, lots of space and very quiet. The manager Randy is a great guy who goes out of his way to make people welcome. The beach and lake are great for kids. Would recommend Green Acres to any family.
Basic Services lacking
Don't get me wrong, this place is absolutely beautiful. But there is beauty all over Vancouver Island all the Gulf Islands and so beauty is nothing to distinguish this location than thousands of others in the province of British Columbia. For the price of 300 / night one would expect a few services that just were not provided. 1) Outside garbage was not changed once during our visit even after requested by some in our party after a nightly visit from a Raccoon. This garbage, wasn't even garbage we provided but garbage from a previous group that had stayed before we arrived. 2) Towels were not refreshed and nor do they have laundry. 3) When asked if they could change the bedding in the King sized beds in the loft when one of our party was leaving and the other was moving in, instead of sending someone up to change the bedding, the bedding was simply provided to us as though we were to change it ourselves. As I mentioned, however, there are many hilights including free kayaks, paddle boats, canoes and row boats. Access to volleyball, badminton, table tennis and a beautiful little beach were simply great additions.
for $300 a night they should offer some basic services
Had a group staying in 4 Log Cabins which are roomy and comfortable. It would be nice to have easily available, extra towels, beds changed, bathroom cleaned. We wanted a bed changed and had to go get the bedding and do it our self. Garbage can was not cleaned of the last persons garbage. Garbage should be picked up regularly. Boat use is included in the resort cost, but the boats are all in a state of disrepair. I would estimate the aluminum boats have been at the resort since 1973.