Nestled in the shimmering waters of the Salish Sea lies Salt Spring Island, a place so magical it feels like it belongs to another world.
Growing up on nearby Vancouver Island in the city of Victoria, I was well aware of Salt Spring’s reputation for its artistic community, stunning landscapes, and slower pace of life. Over the years, I’d visited SSI many times in the summer, when the pristine scenery seemed to invite me to stay a while—or perhaps forever.
This year, my husband and I had an opportunity to explore SSI in the springtime.
What we found was a completely different, yet equally enchanting, vibe. While pink blossoms hung heavy on the trees, and cheery daffodils, crocuses, and tulips brightened the landscape, the weather was, by contrast, abysmal. Torrential rain beat down on us much of the time, threatening to dampen our spirits. Fortunately, we came prepared with good-quality rain gear and a sense of adventure, and I was surprised to discover that the island offered something I hadn’t noticed on previous visits: an undeniable air of mystique.
Dog Days and a Change of Heart
The purpose of our trip to Salt Spring was to look after my sister-in-law’s two giant mixed breed dogs—adorable, lovable, and, as you can see, blessed with healthy appetites! Since our visit, their food portions have been reduced, and with better weather on the way, they’ll be getting out for a lot more exercise.
While trudging through rain-soaked fields and mossy forests with our furry companions, inspiration struck. I completely reimagined the setting of my upcoming Mystic Island Soulmate Series. If you’re new to my work, think Practical Magic meets Fantasy Island in a whimsical time-travel romance series. I’d always pictured these stories taking place against a flawless summer backdrop, but as I strolled through misty woods, listening to the soft patter of spring rain, the island’s intrigue revealed itself in a whole new way.
One vivid scene popped into my mind: the would-be soulmates arriving on the island for the first time, the weather dull and drizzly. As the matchmaking retreat owner—a 400-year-old witch—comes out to greet them, the flowers stir and brighten in her wake, as if touched by magic.
The photos below capture a fleeting moment of sunshine on the island, the kind of weather I’d originally envisioned for my books. But can you see how the west coast’s moody, atmospheric climate might enhance the story’s magic?
A Drive Above the Clouds
One of the more memorable moments of our visit was a particularly harrowing drive up Mount Maxwell. If you’ve never been, the road near the top is muddy, bumpy, and deeply potholed, and it’s lined with several warning signs that only 4x4s should proceed. My husband, behind the wheel of his sister’s trusty 2014 Ford Edge, assured me we’d be fine. (Spoiler alert: we were, but I don’t think I breathed once.)
The moment we reached the summit, all my stress melted away.
We emerged above the clouds under a gorgeous midday sun, forcing us to shed layers of clothing to keep cool. It was impossibly quiet up there, too. With only a soft breeze whistling through pine trees and the distant cry of an eagle, the world felt still, enchanted, and full of possibility.
Music in the Air
One evening, we had some friends visiting from Victoria join us for dinner and a night out. After a delicious meal at a cozy waterfront restaurant, Off The Hook, we made our way to the local legion, where a Tragically Hip tribute band was attempting to blow the roof off.
We had the best time people-watching as Salt Spring’s free-spirited residents danced and belted out lyrics to Blow at High Dough’s familiar tunes. Among the crowd, one intriguing personality caught my eye. With her long, flowing hair and eccentric wardrobe, she seemed to have stepped straight out of my imagination as the perfect embodiment of my witch character. It was a good reminder that inspiration can come simply from being present and observing the world around you.
The music didn’t stop there. At the end of the week, we boarded a floatplane bound for Vancouver to attend the Juno Awards, Canada’s version of the Grammys. As the tiny aircraft approached the big city, I couldn’t help but marvel at the contrast between the quaint island we’d left behind and the dazzling skyline ahead of us.
A Shocking Return
Reality hit hard when we flew back home to Edmonton a few days later, arriving to the aftermath of a spring snowstorm that had shut down a major highway (a rarity, trust me—Albertans don’t usually let a little snow get in their way). By then, the lush blossoms of Salt Spring Island felt like a distant dream, and I found myself longing to return to its magic someday soon..
If anything, this trip reminded me just how powerful setting can be in storytelling.
Salt Spring Island, with all its moods—from the dense, damp forests to the sunlit mountain tops—has taken on a life of its own in my imagination. I can’t wait to bring you along for the journey when Mystic Island becomes a reality in my new series.
If you enjoyed the whimsy of Practical Magic, the wish-fulfillment of Fantasy Island, and the slow-burn romance of The Seven Year Slip, this new series will be right up your alley. It’s a story of magic, mystery, and soulmates—set against the rugged backdrop of a small, enchanted island in the Pacific Northwest. The Soulmates in Cabin 7 is the first of five planned books, coming out this fall.
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