September 19–21, 2025 | Salt Spring Island, BC & Orcas Islands, WA
Salt Spring Island, BC — This September, the waters between Canada and the United States will transform into a bridge of friendship as Hands Across the Water sets sail—a first-of-its-kind, cross-border celebration of community, culture, and connection between Salt Spring Island and the Orcas Islands.
From September 19–21, 2025, more than 100 boats from Orcas Island will make the journey to Ganges Harbour, escorted by Canadian vessels, for a weekend of shared experiences, cultural exchange, and island hospitality. The festivities will begin in dramatic fashion: a symbolic meeting, where Canadian and American vessels will raft up for a ceremonial “handshake across the water”—a gesture of unity, goodwill, and reconciliation. Media will be on hand to capture this historic moment before the flotilla continues together into Salt Spring’s welcoming harbour.
The seed for Hands Across the Water was planted on the shores of Orcas Island, where three friends—Lyle MacWilliam from British Columbia, Ross Newport from Washington, and Bob Derber from California—reflected on the strained political climate between Canada and the U.S. in recent years. With enthusiastic support from the Orcas Island Yacht Club and the community of Ganges, their idea caught the wind—and this September, it will become a reality.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for Salt Spring,” says Jason Roy Allen, President of the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance to showcase our incredible local businesses, artists, and organizations, and to share the warmth and hospitality our island is known for. We’re thrilled to welcome our neighbours from the Orcas Islands for a weekend of connection, celebration, and shared island spirit.”
This gathering is about more than boats. It’s about people—rekindling old ties, building new ones, and celebrating the vibrant cultures, businesses, and organizations that make our islands unique. Whether arriving by land or sea, all are welcome to be part of this joyful late-season celebration of island spirit and cross-border friendship.
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
● Car Show (9 AM–12 PM) – Location TBD
● Sailing Regatta (12–4 PM) – Ganges Harbour
● Community Soccer Match (1–3 PM) – Salt Spring Elementary
● Sistering Events & Island Tours – Schools, farms, libraries, museums, land trusts
● Tug Boat Cruise & VIP Concert Seating (3:30–7:30 PM, $135 CAD) – Drinks, snacks, and live music aboard Nootka Rose. Tickets
● Floating Concert: The Boom Booms (5–7 PM, Providence anchored off Centennial Park) – Guest: Safiya Labelle. 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.
The Boom Booms - playing at Jericho Beach on the Providence 1 | Photo: Railay Fawkes
Safiya Labelle
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
Call to Salt Spring Businesses, Organizations, and Residents
The Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce invites all islanders—business owners, organizations, and residents—to help showcase the very best of Salt Spring for our special guests from the Orcas Islands. Whether it’s hosting a Sistering event, offering tours or tastings, creating a special dish or product, or organizing a unique experience, every contribution will make this weekend unforgettable.
If you’d like to be included in the official participation guide and help shape this wonderful international celebration, please visit:
saltspringchamber.com/hands-across/#involved
You can also connect with the Chamber by email: katie@saltspringchamber.com
A Grassroots Beginning
Hands Across the Water began with three friends, sharing reflections on the strained political climate between Canada and the U.S., they envisioned a citizen-led act of unity rooted in friendship, history, and reconciliation.
Their idea quickly gained momentum with support from the Orcas Island Yacht Club and the community of Ganges. Together, they are building an event that goes beyond politics, affirming a shared identity as coastal neighbours connected by the Salish Sea.
QUOTES
“This isn’t just about boats—it’s about people,” says co-founder Lyle MacWilliam. “We’re reconnecting communities that have been linked for generations.”
“Hands Across the Water is a reminder that we can choose friendship over division,” says co-founder Ross Newport.
