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

Host a Sistering Event

Partner with a like-minded organization from Orcas—think schools, libraries, museums, farms, land trusts, or clubs—and co-create something meaningful: a collaborative workshop, panel, performance, or shared experience.

Offer a Special Event or Experience

Host a tour, tasting, talk, or gathering that highlights what you do. Themed classes, farm visits, guided hikes, and studio tours are all welcome.

Create a Passport Perk
Offer a special discount or bonus to visitors showing their Hands Across the Water passport. It’s a great way to attract attention and welcome our guests.

Feature a “Best of Salt Spring” Dish or Package
If you're in food or hospitality, consider offering a special item or prix fixe menu that celebrates local ingredients and producers—or bundle your goods and services into a featured experience.

Curate a Local Love Package
Retailers, wellness providers, and service businesses can create custom packages to help visitors take a little piece of Salt Spring home with them.

Interested in taking part?
We’re building a guide to all participating businesses and community events, and would love to include you.

I WANT TO BE INVOLVED!

TASTE OF SALT SPRING

- CALLING ALL FOOD PURVEYORS!

Feature a “Taste of Salt Spring” Dish or Menu Item – Highlight local farms and producers with a special creation just for the weekend.
Offer a Passport Perk – Give Hands Across the Water passport holders a discount, tasting, or bonus item.
Plan a Special Experience – A themed flight, prix fixe dinner, live music pairing, or chef’s table menu… get creative!

When you create an offering, your business will be featured as a “must-see” stop for passport holders in the official event guide, Chamber promotions, and visitor materials – making it easy for our American guests to find (and flock to) you.

Please note: Chamber members are given priority placement in our promotions. If you’re not currently a member, we encourage you to consider joining – especially if you’d like more visibility for events like this and other Chamber-led initiatives throughout the year.

SIGN ME UP!