FAQs
Q: What’s included with cabin rental?
A: All stays at Cusheon Lake Resort include: complimentary use of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards; access to the hot tub and barrel sauna, seasonal daily firewood delivery; dedicated high speed WiFi; free parking; free level 2 EV charging and access to our private beach, multiple docks, swimming raft, boat launch, and BBQ facilities (bring charcoal).
Q: Is there WiFi? How reliable is it?
A: Yes, each cabin has dedicated high speed WiFi. We provide reliable internet suitable for remote work, video calls, and streaming. While we’re in a natural setting, our WiFi infrastructure is professional-grade and regularly maintained.
Q: Are kayaks, SUPs and canoes really free to use?
A: Yes! We have a fleet complimentary kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available for all guests at no additional charge. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Life jackets are provided and required. Sign the waiver and you can use the watercraft as often as you like during your stay.
Q: Is firewood provided for the fireplace?
A: Yes! Except in summer, we delivery a complimentary load of daily firewood (including kindling and firestarter) to your cabin. This is one of our signature touches – guests love coming back to find fresh firewood ready for cozy evenings by the fire. Please note the two Cedar Chalets do not have a fireplace, and that fires are not permitted if there is a ‘campfire ban’ in place – just July, August and early September, but sometimes can be earlier May/June and or late September.
Q: Can I bring my own boat?
A: Yes, we have a boat launch available for guest use. Non-motorized watercraft or small electric motors are allowed. Cusheon Lake is a municipal water supply.
Q: What is the minimum stay requirement?
A: It depends on the time of year. It’s generally a 2 or 3-night minimum stay. In some cases, a 1-night stay may be available upon request during non-peak periods, so please call (250) 537-9629 to inquire. In the summer time, it’s generally a 7-night minimum stay. See our rates page for all the details.
Q: What are your check-in and check-out times?
A: Check-in time is 3:30 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request depending on our schedule. Please contact us in advance to ask about adjusted times.
Q: Are pets allowed at Cusheon Lake Resort?
A: Dogs on leash are welcome from September through June! Dogs are not allowed during the busy summer months (Friday of the Canada Day weekend – Labour Day). The pet fee is $15 per day per pet, plus taxes. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate other animals, such as cats.
Q: Can I book for next summer?
During the summer, we generally have a minimum 7-night stay. Each year, 90% return guests will book the same week for the subsequent summer. Any remaining availability will be opened up for new reservations on September 15th of each year. That is also the day we open up our waitlist for the summer. Please note that waitlist priority may be given to those who stay with us at other times of year.
Q: Can I request a specific cabin?
A: Yes, you can request a specific cabin type (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or chalet) and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preference based on availability. All our cabins offer excellent lake views (except cabin 9) and access to all amenities.
Q: Can I book the entire resort for a wedding or event?
A: We are not currently entertaining weddings or whole-resort bookings. If you are interested in off-season or extended stay group bookings for low-season, please contact us to see what’s possible!
Q: How many people can each cabin sleep?
A: Our cabins accommodate different group sizes:
• 1-bedroom cabins: Sleep up to 4-5 guests
• 2-bedroom cabins: Sleep up to 6-8 guests
• Cedar chalets with lofts: Sleep up to 7 guests
Q: Do cabins have separate bedrooms or open lofts?
A: We have both types: Log cabins have separate, enclosed bedrooms with doors for maximum privacy and are recommended for solo travellers or couples. Cedar chalets feature a main floor bedroom plus an open loft sleeping area with single beds, ideal for children or additional guests who don’t mind the open concept.
Q: Do cabins have full kitchens? What’s provided?
A: Yes, all cabins have fully equipped kitchens including: stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, cookware, dishes, utensils, dish cloths, tea towels, salt, pepper, sugar, coffee filters and dish soap. Coffee and tea are available in the office. You’ll need to bring your own food, beverages, and any special cooking items you prefer. There are grocery stores in Ganges (10km away), we recommend Country Grocer.
Q: Are linens and towels provided?
A: Yes, all bed linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels are provided. Beds are made and ready for your arrival. Bring your own robe or paper towels if desired.
Q: What equipment is available for my baby or toddler?
A: A crib and high chair is available by request at no extra charge.
Q: Is there air conditioning? Heating?
A: Air conditioning is not available nor typically needed on Salt Spring Island due to our mild coastal climate, but for hot weather you can bring or request a fan. Summer temperatures are usually comfortable, and cabins have windows for natural ventilation. Cabins have baseboard heaters for cozy warmth in the cooler months.
Q: Do you have accessible cabins?
A: Yes, Cabin 16 (2-bedroom cabin, sleeps 6) and Cabin 9 (1-bedroom cabin, sleeps 5) have no steps. Most of our cabins have a small set of stairs. Cabins 12-14 are the least accessible – as they are located right down by the lake and require outdoor stairs (with railing) to get to from the parking pads.
Q: What water activities are available?
A: Cusheon Lake offers wonderful water activities: kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming from our beach or docks, and fishing. All watercraft (kayaks, canoes, SUPs) are complimentary for guests. We also have a swimming raft anchored in the lake that’s popular with families and kids. All watercraft is available year round.
Q: Can I fish in Cusheon Lake?
A: Yes, Cusheon Lake has year-round fishing. You’ll need a valid BC freshwater fishing license. The lake is stocked with cutthroat trout, and has small mouth bass and rainbow trout. Guests are welcome to fish from our docks, the shoreline, or from a boat. Bring your own gear!
Q: Are there hiking trails nearby?
A: Yes! Salt Spring Island has excellent hiking year-round. We are happy to provide detailed directions and recommendations to our favourite hikes. Ruckle Provincial Park (15 minutes) has many beautiful coastal trails and forest bathing experiences. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park (15 minutes away) offers summit hikes with spectacular views for those with the right vehicle.
Q: What should I do on rainy days?
A: Your cabin fireplace is perfect for cozy reading and relaxation, or come borrow a puzzle or game from our office. The sauna is also a wonderful experience on a rainy day! Check out over 20 art galleries, numerous craft studios and shops, the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, Salt Spring Coffee Roasting Company, Salt Spring Brewery or Wild Cider for tastings and food, indoor public pool, and more.
Q: Is the lake safe for swimming?
A: Yes, Cusheon Lake is safe for swimming with gradual entry from our beach area. We provide a swimming raft and two dock access points with new metal ladders. Children should always be supervised near water. There are no leeches. Please use lake-safe (mineral-based) sunscreens or wear rash guards.
Q: Are life jackets provided?
A: Yes, life jackets in various sizes are available for use.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Cusheon Lake Resort is wonderful year-round, each season offering something special:
- Spring (March-May): Hear the frogs calling at night, flowers in bloom, mild weather, Saturday Market begins in April
- Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds, fall colours, Saturday Market until last Saturday of October, migratory birdwatching
- Winter (December-February): Cozy fireplace season, peaceful seclusion, dramatic beauty, no crowds
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, long daylight hours
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: We recommend bringing:
- Groceries and beverages for your stay
- Any speciality cooking equipment. Charcoal or your own portable BBQ if you plan to BBQ. Paper towels or tissues if you’d like them.
- Comfortable clothing for layering (coastal weather can change), hiking shoes, rain jacket, swimsuit, robe, flip-flops or spa sandals
- Camera for stunning lake views
- Fishing gear if you plan to fish
- For summer: Lake-safe (usually mineral-based) sunscreen or rash guard, insect repellent (although mosquitos are few!), consider a fan, fold-out camp chairs, portable BBQ,
Q: Are there restaurants nearby?
A: Yes, Ganges (10km away) has excellent restaurants including Tree House Café, Feast (fine dining), Salt Spring Wild Cider, Francis Bread, Moby’s Pub (casual waterfront), Auntie Pesto’s (Italian), and Salt Spring Inn (something for everyone) and the list goes on. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on summer weekends. Good take out options include Express Sushi to Go, True Love Pizza & Woodshed. Uptown Pizza delivers. Many guests enjoy cooking in their cabin kitchens given the beautiful setting.
Q: What attractions are close to the resort?
A: Within 15 minutes drive: Ruckle Provincial Park, Ganges village and harbour, Salt Spring Farmers Market (Tuesdays, Saturdays, seasonal), 20+ art galleries, Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, and Beddis beach. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park with the right vehicle. And many more, see resources.
Q: How do I get to Salt Spring Island? How far is the resort from the ferry terminal?
A: Salt Spring Island is accessible by BC Ferries from several locations:
- From Victoria-area: BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour Terminal (10 minutes drive)
- From Vancouver Island: BC Ferries from Crofton to Vesuvius Terminal (20 minutes drive). Note that sailings from Vancouver Island cannot be reserved.
- From Vancouver (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal) there are options. Arriving at Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island, there is a direct 1.5 hour trip or a 3 hour trip with multiple island stops. Alternatively, you can do a “thoroughfare,” taking one boat from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay), and then take a second boat from Victoria (Swartz Bay Terminal) to Salt Spring (Fulford Harbour) for more flexible schedule options.
See more detail here.
We recommend booking BC Ferries to and from Vancouver in advance.• Seaplane service is also available to Ganges Harbour (10 minutes drive)
• Public transit and taxi service is also available on the island.
Q: How far is Ganges village?
A: Cusheon Lake Resort is 10 km (approximately 10 minutes drive) from Ganges, Salt Spring Island’s main village. Ganges has many restaurants, shops, galleries, grocery stores, and the famous Saturday and Tuesday Market (seasonal).
Q: Is there cell phone service?
A: Cell phone service is available on Salt Spring Island, though coverage can vary by provider. All cabins have dedicated high speed WiFi, so you can use WiFi calling or messaging apps if needed.
Q: Where can I buy groceries?
A: The closest grocery stores are in Ganges (10km away): We recommend Country Grocer. Salt Spring also has a Tuesday Farmers Market (seasonal) and numerous farm stands.
Q: Do I need a car on the island?
A: Yes, we strongly recommend having a car. While Salt Spring has one taxi service (Silver Shadow), having your own vehicle gives you freedom to explore the island, visit Ganges for shopping and dining, and access the various beaches, parks, and attractions. If arriving by ferry, you can bring your vehicle aboard.