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Hands Across the Water
September 19–21, 2025
Salt Spring Island & the Orcas Island + Surrounding Islands
Hands Across the Water is coming this fall —and you’re invited to be part of it.
From September 19–21, Salt Spring Island will welcome over 100 visiting boats and their crews from Orcas and the surrounding San Juan Islands for a weekend of connection, culture, and community. This cross-border flotilla kicks off with a symbolic mid-channel handshake, followed by a guided arrival into Ganges and a weekend full of shared celebration.
BUY PASSPORT TICKET HERE
See full passport details below
Taking place the weekend of September 19–21, this unique event kicks off with a mid-channel meeting at the international border near Bedwell Harbour—where Canadian and U.S. vessels will raft up and share a symbolic handshake of friendship, unity, and neighbourly goodwill. Media will be there to capture this historic moment.
From there, the flotilla will travel together into Ganges Harbour, where Salt Spring will warmly welcome over 100 visiting boats from Orcas Island for a weekend of connection, collaboration, and celebration.
Weekend Highlights
Friday, September 19
Meet the Flotilla aboard the Providence (2–5 PM, $150 CAD) – 3-hour cruise from Ganges Harbour to Welbury Bay for the historic handshake.Tickets
Welcome the Flotilla in Your Own Craft (3:30 PM) – Join the on-the-water celebration in Welbury Bay.
Up Spirits Cocktail Party & Opening Ceremonies (5:30–7:30 PM, $35 CAD) – Tastings from local distilleries, cideries, wineries, and live music by Everyday People. Opening ceremonies at 6:30 PM. Tickets
Saturday, September 20
- Sistering Community Conversations (9 - 12 noon) - Centennial Park
Car Show (9 AM–12 PM) – Location TBC
Sailing Regatta (12–4 PM) – Ganges Harbour
Community Soccer Match (1–3 PM) – Salt Spring Elementary
- VIP Concert Seating on the Boardwalk with Complimentary Tugboat Cruise to early ticket buyers (3:30–7:30 PM, $135 CAD) Tickets
Floating Concert: The Boom Booms (5–7 PM, Providence anchored off Centennial Park) Biergarten opens 4:30 PM. Suggested donation $15–30 CAD. Donate
Taste of Salt Spring – Participating vendors offer special dishes and drinks to celebrate this weekend of connection.
Sunday, September 21
Community Pancake Breakfast & Closing Ceremonies (9–11 AM, Centennial Park) – Entertainment by Tony Lee and Blackberry Blossom. Suggested donation $10 CAD. Donate
Charter the Providence (11 AM–2 PM, $160 CAD) – 3-hour scenic cruise through the Gulf Islands. Tickets
Whether by land or sea, Hands Across the Water is a joyful celebration of islander spirit, cross-border friendship, and late-season local vitality. All are welcome—come be a part of this first-of-its-kind gathering!
FULL EVENT DETAILS + TICKETS |
Hands Across the Water Weekend PassportPurchasing a Passport to Hands Across the Water gives you access to three unforgettable days of music, community, and connection on Salt Spring Island.
Experiences Included with Your Passport
Your Passport to Salt SpringYour Passport is more than just a keepsake—it’s your all-access pass to the weekend. Every Passport holder receives a Passport Package, designed to make your experience seamless, fun, and full of surprises:
Your Passport ensures smooth entry into events and helps participating businesses recognize and welcome you with discounts, special offers, and gifts. It’s your personal guide to exploring Salt Spring, enjoying the weekend’s festivities, and making memories that last long after the event ends. Youth Admission: Kids and teens under 19 are free. (Registration required) Important Dates: • September 5 – Last day to purchase T-shirts and receive a commemorative gift with your Passport. |
PASSPORT PERKSSpecial Salt Spring Experiences + Discounts from Local Businesses! |
DONATE TO SUPPORT THE EVENT AND REGIONAL RESILIENCEThis wonderful event has been made possible by donations, discounts, generosity and the hard work of so many people on both islands! Proceeds from your purchase of a Passport support the performers, event costs, labor, and even ticket aid for those attending who are experiencing economic hardship. Any proceeds beyond these expenses will support Transition Salt Spring - an organization on Salt Spring Island focused oncreating a resilient community on Salt Spring through affordable housing, food security, watershed protection and water conservation, and protecting the natural environment. Hands Across the Water wants to strengthen the reciprocal relationship of our islands and our ability to adapt to the future, together, as regional neighbours who will depend on each other. SALT SPRING LOCALS
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FRIDAY, Sept 19th |
| The Flotilla Event – $150 CADFriday, September 19, 2025 | 2:00–5:00 PM With the historic and beautiful S/V Providence, the oldest working wooden boat in British Columbia, captained by Salt Spring’s own Léo Tabourel. Salt Spring's five time Olympian and Rolex Canadian Sailor of the Year, Richard Clark will initiate the first handshake between the Canadians and the Americans. We invite all participants to (safely) reach out for a hug, high-five, hand shake, or a wave. Clark will be emcee’ing this historic event. If you do not get a handshake with Clark at the flotilla we are also honored that Clark will share stories of the sea and the competitive sailing world at the UpSpirits Opening Ceremony at 1730hrs in the Hands Across the Water tent in Centennial Park. “Richard Clarke is undoubtably one of the most successful male sailors in Canadian history, 5X Olympian in the Finn and Star class, 2x Melges 24 world champion Member of Illbruck winner of the 2001 Volvo ocean race. He has broken the 24-hour sailing distance record four times and holds both the Transatlantic and the Transpac records. Winner of Sail Canada’s Gerry Roufs award as well as Male Athlete of the year and Rolex sailor of the year - his accolades are jaw dropping, these are only a handful, and Richard is an awesome story teller!” This unique maritime experience combines spectacular island scenery with the thrill of a once-a-year cross-island sailing tradition. Tickets are limited—reserve your spot for a memorable afternoon on the water! Collaboration with Sailing for Change Providence departs from the Sea plane dock - off the end of Fulford Ganges Rd, just past Dragonfly Art Supplies |
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| Welcome the Orcas flotilla in your own craft
Welcome the Orcas flotilla in your own craft! Join the on-the-water celebration as boats from both sides of the border meet promptly at 3:30pm in Welbury Bay for a joyful display of friendship and connection. Bring your vessel and be part of this unique gathering on the Salish Sea. |
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| Up Spirits Cocktail Party & Opening Ceremonies – Centennial ParkFriday, September 19, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Tickets: $35 CAD Kick off the weekend with a spirited evening in Centennial Park. Enjoy tastings from local distilleries, cideries, and wineries, including Salt Spring Wild Cider, Ciderworks from the Salt Spring Apple Company, Sweetwater Distilling Co., and Garry Oaks Winery, and more. Dance the night away with live music by Everyday People, serving up their high-energy mix of classic hits and fresh favorites. At 6:30 PM, gather for Opening Ceremonies featuring salty yarns and local history from special guest speakers—a perfect start to a weekend of music, community, and celebration! Also in attendance will be Richard Clarke, one of Canada’s most accomplished sailors, a 5-time Olympian, world champion, ocean race winner, multiple record holder, and award-winning storyteller. And during this event, Clarke will honour attendees with stories of the sea and the competitive sailing world. Minors welcome. Children - No ticket purchase required + must be accompanied by an adult. Snacks and bubbly provided by Country Grocer. |
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| Hands Across the Water Yoga7:30 - 8:30am
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1967 Austin Healy 3000 | Crankcase Car Show9:00 am – 12 noon Rev up your Saturday morning with the Crankcase Car Club! What began in 2020 as five friends sharing coffee and a love of classic cars and motorcycles has grown into a lively community of 85+ members—and now they’re rolling into town for a special show. Expect a colourful lineup of vintage cars, motorcycles, and plenty of stories from the people who keep them shining. True to their spirit—no rules, no fees, no fuss—the Crankcases are “a car and motorcycle club for people who don’t want to join a car and motorcycle club.” Come wander, chat, and soak up the chrome and camaraderie. |
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image courtesty: Malcolm Carmichael
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| Sistering Community ConversationsAs part of the upcoming Hands Across the Water event on Salt Spring Island, there will be 3 one-hour public discussions (combining panel discussions, one-on-one conversations and presentations) under the umbrella topic of Regional Resilience and Relationships, which is the theme of the event. All are free and will be held in the big tent in Centennial Park on the morning of Saturday, September 20th.
9-10 a.m. – Creating Affordable Housing for a Resilient Community Moderator: Jon Cooksey, organizer of the TSS Common Ground Summit Panelists will include:
10-11 a.m. – Protecting Our Shared Environment Moderator: Tisha Boulter, Incoming Board Chair of Transition Salt Spring Panelists will include:
11 a.m.-Noon – Regional Indigenous Issues and Knowledge Exchange Moderator: TBDPanelists will include:
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| Community Soccer MatchMiddle School Field - 130 Rainbow Rd, 1–3pm (Across the street from the Mid-Island Co-Op and behind the carvings by Quintin) Co-Ed Game Adults + allowance for ages U-14 & Up to fill spaces To sign up to play, please email: jenniferlannan@gmail.com |
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| SAILING REGATTASalt Spring Island Sailing Club - 152 Douglas Rd, Salt Spring 12 - 4pmJoin us at the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club for an informal chili lunch, a meet-and-greet with other sailors, and fun on the water. For KEEL BOATS there will be one or two races around our local navigation marks, using club handicapping. Bring your own boat! Register here. JUNIOR SAILORS will be able to sail with the Canadian Juniors in our double handed dinghies (420s, Zests, and a Quest); or take advantage of the opportunity to crew on one of the keel boats, American and Canadian! And our WOMEN ON THE WATER program will offer visiting sailors, men and women, the chance to sail a Flying Fifteen, partnered up with our own very enthusiastic sailors. Or you may choose to crew on one of the keel boats. We'll end the afternoon with a get-together on the docks, wrapping up in time to get everyone to the evening concert from the Providence, moored off Centennial Park. SIGN UP by emailing commodore@saltspringsailing.ca with your name, your preferred activity (Keel boats, Juniors or Flying Fifteens), and for keel boats, the names of your crew, so we can provide enough chili for everyone! |
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| VIP Boardwalk Experience – $135 CADSaturday, September 20, 2025 | 5 – 7 PM Join us for an exclusive evening in our private boardwalk pavilion, featuring the premier vantage point to enjoy live music on the Providence. This intimate VIP experience offers unobstructed waterfront views and an elevated atmosphere perfect for an unforgettable night.What's IncludedPremium Location - Access to our exclusive private area of the boardwalk with the best sightlines to the Providence stage Craft Cocktails - Professionally crafted beverages served throughout the evening Artisan Grazing Table - Curated selection of local delicacies and seasonal offerings provided by the renowned Feast Bonus Harbor Cruise - Early ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary harbor tour aboard the historic Nootka Rose prior to the main event, accompanied by the dulcet tones of lovely Blair Francis, singer/songwriter (limited availability)x Limited capacity ensures an intimate and exclusive atmosphere Dress Code: Smart casual recommended BUY TICKETS HERE |
Blair Francis is a West-Coast singer-songwriter, music producer and modern-day Essene bard who chooses to use his music and lyrics to uplift and awaken the hearts and souls to all who listens. He weaves together emotionally moving sonic landscapes using a mix of acoustic folk, funky soul, and rootsy reggae. |
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| Saturday Concert: The Boom Booms – 5–7pm
Celebrate Saturday night on the waterfront with a free floating concert like no other. Vancouver’s hugely popular tropical folk-rock band The Boom Booms bring their irresistible mix of folk, reggae, rock, soul, funk, and pop to Ganges Harbour. Local singer-songwriter Safiya Labelle, who blends original folk songs with soulful covers, will make a special guest appearance. Arrive early to enjoy the Beer Garden (Biergarten), opening at 4:30pm with drinks from local purveyors ($10 entry; beverages sold separately). High tide at 5:55pm guarantees the perfect setting for dancing in the park as the harbour comes alive. Hands Across the Water is about creating new relationships that strengthen the resilience of our islands. Proceeds support Transition Salt Spring’s work in affordable housing, food security, watershed protection, water conservation, and environmental stewardship. Suggested donation: $15–30 CAD Collaboration with Sailing for Change |
The Boom Booms are a Canadian indie funk and soul band from Vancouver, BC, formed in 2008 by childhood friends Aaron and Sean Ross. Their music fuses funk, soul, folk, reggae, Latin, and rock, drawing inspiration from artists like Bill Withers and Damian Marley, with lyrics in both English and Spanish. The band has toured internationally, released several albums, and built a reputation for upbeat, high-energy live shows. Guitarist Tom Van Deursen has lived on Salt Spring, where he played a key role in organizing the Convergence Music Festival last fall and has led bookings at Mateada through 2024/25. |
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| TASTE OF SALT SPRINGExperience the best of Salt Spring Island’s culinary scene as participating vendors offer special dishes and drinks created to commemorate this weekend of connection. Celebrate local flavors, meet the makers, and enjoy a true taste of the island’s vibrant food and drink community. |
SUNDAY, Sept 21st |
| Community Pancake Breakfast & Closing Ceremonies – Centennial Park
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| Charter the Providence – $160 CADSunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PMRound-out your perfect maritime weekend by purchasing a ticket for a cruise on the Providence. Tour the vessel, learn the ropes, or just relax and take in the breathtaking sights for a three hour cruise around the Lower Gulf Islands. The S/V Providence is the oldest working wooden boat in British Columbia. Bring your own bottle of wine or favorite beverage of choice and enjoy a light lunch before you to head back to prepare for your crossing to the United States. Thanks to Sailing for Change Providence departs from the Sea plane dock - off the end of Fulford Ganges Rd, just past Dragonfly Art Supplies |
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| BUY A HANDS ACROSS THE WATER T-SHIRT!Proudly show you attended Hands Across the Water by purchasing a T-shirt. $26 CAD (roughly $19 US). Pre-order your shirt and pick-it up before the event by contacting info@acrossthewater.org. During the event, there will be a limited number of shirts for sale at the Hands Across the Water tent (or “Passport Office”) in Centennial Park. T-shirts are manufactured by the non-profit, socially conscious organization, Barrios Unidos Productions, and are a quality poly/cotton/rayon blend. Pre-order sales for t-shirts will end September 5, 2025. |
Salt Spring Info Centre infocentre@saltspringchamber.com SUMMER HOURS: SAT - TUES 10am - 4pm WED - FRI : 9am - 4pm 250-537-5252 | Salt Spring Chamber Office chamber@saltspringchamber.com Our Office is in remote mode + only Questions? See who to contact HERE We are grateful and humbled to do business on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. | 121 Lower Ganges Rd Big Thanks to Our Sponsors!
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