Salt Spring Island is one of British Columbia’s most well known Gulf Islands (and our personal favourite!).

The Gulf Islands are a grouping of islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia – you can think of these islands as little retreats between the overpopulated cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

Salt Spring is actually part of the Southern Gulf Islands which consists of hundreds of islands and islets, and also includes the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands and is also the most populated which ensures the perfect mix of city life and countryside.

 

How to Get To Salt Spring Island

From Vancouver:

Walk or drive onto a ferry run by BC Ferries. The most common route will be to take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria (Tsawwassen terminal to Swartz Bay terminal), then from Victoria to Salt Spring Island (Swartz Bay terminal to Fulford Harbour terminal). If you are lucky, you can catch a direct ferry from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island but the schedule is extremely limited and requires a reservation.

If you prefer a quicker and more direct way to travel, hop on a seaplane through Salt Spring Air or Harbour Air and get there from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Downtown Vancouver.

From Vancouver Island:

Walk or drive onto a BC ferry from Victoria to Salt Spring or Crofton to Salt Spring.

Hop on a seaplane through Salt Spring Air from Maple Bay.

From Seattle:

Take a walk-on ferry from Seattle to Victoria on the Clipper Ferry. The schedule is limited so make sure to plan ahead.

For a faster trip, fly from Seattle on Kenmore Air.

 

When to Go

You will get the warmest weather from the beginning of April until the end of September. The island is very crowded with tourists throughout July and August and you will see the most expensive accommodation prices during this time. Rainy season is between November and January. However, the island experiences a moderate temperature year round, so any time of the year you go will be pleasant enough to spend time outdoors.

How to Get Around the Island

If you have a few days to see the island, you will want a car in order to explore the whole thing. Fulford-Ganges Road will take you almost everywhere you need to go and the drive from North to South won’t take you more than half an hour. Driving around the island is very straightforward, there are very few cars on the road and you will be blessed with a scenic route of valleys, mountains, lakes and oceans.

There is also a bus system run by BC Transit – the bus on the island connects all ferry terminals to the main town of Ganges for only $2.25 a ride.

What is Salt Spring Island Known For?

This island is very well known throughout the country. It is most known for it’s artisans – potters, painters, glass blowers, quilters – really anything you can think of.

There is also a very ‘hippy type’ vibe to the island. You’ll see eclectic homes and outdoor art spectacles spattered all over the landscape here. The residents also have a love for retro trucks that come in all shapes and (bright) colours.

Also, one of Canada’s most famous musicians, Neil Young, has owned property here.

The island has a beautiful landscape and a fantastic downtown core, but the people are what make this island shine.

Where to Go From Salt Spring Island

While on Salt Spring Island, you might as well take advantage of all the neighbouring islands and go island hopping! BC Ferries has direct routes to Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Saturna Island and Pender Island; or check out Vancouver Island through direct ferry routes to Crofton or Victoria.

Travel and road trips can be exhausting, overwhelming and stressful – so make sure you bring along the right gear! Make sure you read our post Top 10 Must Have Items for Long Travel Days and carry along these items to help improve comfort and sleep, and reduce travel anxiety and stress:

• J-Pillow Travel Pillow – Our FAVOURITE Travel Pillow
• Hydro Flask 32 oz. Water Bottle
• Physix Compression Socks
• Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
• Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones

Top 10 Things to Do on Salt Spring Island

#1 – Visit Salt Spring Island Cheese Company

We did not even have to think about this one – The Salt Spring Island Cheese Company is by far the best place to visit on the island.

The cheese factory is set on the cutest farm so expect to see chickens, goats and cows alongside beautiful gardens. The factory creates exclusively sheep and goat cheeses which are all handmade, using traditional methods and only natural ingredients – and so beautiful and delicious you will never want to eat anything else.

While you are there you’ll want to visit the animals, take a tour of the factory and cheese-making process, visit the shop and taste all the products, have a snack at the cafe or slurp up some goat’s milk ice cream.

#2 – The Famous Saturday Market

Salt Spring Island’s Saturday Market is pretty famous around these parts. What makes the market so special is that all the vendors are locals and only sell products that are grown, baked, made or foraged on Salt Spring Island.

The market runs every Saturday from April until October so I would suggest booking your trip between these times if you don’t want to miss it!

Each week, the outdoor market is set up oceanside at Centennial Park in the heart of Ganges, Salt Spring Island’s main town.

Salt Spring Island is known for its artisans and organic farmers and the Saturday market is the perfect place to showcase all their local talent. You’ll find hundreds of vendors here plus live music and entertainment.

#3 – Mount Maxwell Provincial Park

Mount Maxwell is a special place and is also one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island. The highest point, called Baynes Peak, offers stellar views of Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands and the mainland of British Columbia – so bring your camera for these panoramic views!

You can hike up the mountain or drive to the top for the day-use park. There are multiple hikes to do once you are at the top and many fantastic spots for a picnic, so take the family and spend the day.

#4 – Salt Spring Vineyards

I suppose I am a wee bit biased, but I think coastal British Columbia produces some of the best wine in the world. You could spend a whole week just touring all of the wineries on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands (a week very well spent).

One of Salt Spring Island’s most popular wineries is Salt Spring Vineyards. Visit the winery for a complimentary tasting of their wines which are made with local grapes and fruits, try local foods, check out their music events every Friday and Sunday in the summer, relax among the stunning picnic grounds and take a tour of the winery.

#5 – Ganges Inner Harbour

Located in about the middle of the island, Ganges is the main town on Salt Spring Island. Situated along the inner harbour, this town has beautiful views, a public marina, lots of water activities, boardwalks, art galleries, parks, beaches and tons of restaurants, cafes and shops. This is where all of the action is and really delivers as a “cute-as-a-button” seaside town.

#6 – St. Mary Lake

My suggestion to you would be to find a cabin or cottage on St. Mary Lake for your stay on Salt Spring Island. It is a very short bike ride or drive to downtown Ganges, it will be less expensive than the main town and you will have access to the largest and most beautiful lake on the island. This freshwater lake provides a laid-back atmosphere, great fishing and boating, and a warm swimming hole in the summer.

#7 – Tree House Cafe Restaurant

Do not go to Salt Spring Island without visiting the Tree House Cafe. This unique restaurant sits right in the heart of Ganges. The building was built in the 1920s and has served as a home, a smokehouse, a crystal shop and a music school.

The current cafe has been in place since 1996. The restaurant serves amazing coffee, a fresh and cooked from scratch menu, live music in the summer and an outdoor patio. But the best part about the cafe is the building itself, as the name suggests, it feels as though you are sitting inside of a tree house, with live trees running right through the floors and ceilings. It is a landmark on the island and cannot be missed.

#8 – Water Activities

You are never far from the ocean wherever you are along coastal British Columbia, therefore it is a necessity to partake in some water activities. Salt Spring Adventure Company offers everything you want – whale watching trips, kayaking tours, paddle boarding, marina safari tours and sailing charters. Or head to the inner harbour in Ganges to walk or relax oceanside and see what other daily water activities you can find.

#9 – Beaches

Obviously, due to the fact that this is an island, there is no shortage of beaches. There are literally dozens and dozens of beaches on Salt Spring along the shores of the ocean and the lakes (see a full list here). If you are visiting in the summer, you will be spending lots of time on these beaches – make sure to bring a picnic and spend the day relaxing and taking in the views of neighbouring islands.

These beaches are just as beautiful in the winter, and with a fairly moderate temperature year-round, you may find a sunny winter day to spend oceanside as well.

#10 – Taste Local Beer and Cider

Along with its wineries, BC is also famous for its craft beer and cider. Salt Spring Island is home of Salt Spring Island Ales and Salt Spring Wild Cider. Both use local ingredients to make their beverages, offer tours and tastings, and have breathtaking grounds to walk around and relax with your glass of cheer!

Have you made a visit to Salt Spring Island? What were your favourite spots to visit? Comment below!

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