Things to Do on Salt Spring Island
Discover the best attractions and activities on Salt Spring Island. From the famous Saturday Market to hiking trails, art galleries, wineries, and whale watching - your perfect Gulf Islands getaway awaits!
Markets & Shopping
The heart of Salt Spring Island's community spirit, featuring local artisans, fresh produce, and unique crafts every Saturday from March to October.
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Premier art gallery showcasing works from local and international artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art.
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Outdoor Adventures
Over 500 hectares of pristine wilderness featuring hiking trails, camping, bird watching, and the oldest working farm in British Columbia.
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Hike to Baynes Peak for panoramic views of Fulford Valley, Gulf Islands, and beyond. Features old-growth Douglas fir forests and Garry oak meadows.
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Take a peaceful 400-foot walk along this scenic dock offering ocean views and beach access during low tide.
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Moderate hike through lush forests leading to a summit with panoramic views of Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands. Discover whimsical fairy doors hidden in the trees along the way.
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Short but steep hike rewarding hikers with panoramic views over Fulford Harbour and surrounding islands. Trail winds through forested areas and open viewpoints.
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Scenic forested route leading to Yeo Point, a beautiful rocky beach with views of Pender and Prevost Islands. Perfect for families with its relatively flat and easy terrain.
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Delightful hike through forests and meadows to Daffodil Point, where early spring brings a blanket of blooming daffodils. Features Garry Oak trees and views of Vancouver Island.
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Coastal hiking with stunning views of Sansum Narrows and the Gulf Islands. Features both forest trails and beach access, perfect for a full day of exploration.
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Cultural and natural trail through diverse ecosystems including rare Garry oak meadows and coastal forests. Offers stunning views of Fulford Harbour and connects visitors with the rich cultural heritage of the Tsawout First Nation.
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Food & Drink
Artisan cheese-making at its finest. Sample handcrafted sheep and goat cheeses with unique flavors like lemon and olive tapenade.
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Iconic Salt Spring Island restaurant built around a century-old plum tree, featuring live music, craft cocktails, and international cuisine in a charming heritage setting.
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Fine dining restaurant in a heritage building offering intimate atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Established in 1992.
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Diverse menu with global flavors and an island twist, complemented by stunning ocean views. Perfect for a relaxed meal or quick bite before catching the ferry.
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Popular spot for wood-fired bread made from BC-grown organic grains and daily sandwich specials. Features pastries, coffee, and fresh baked goods.
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Seasonally-inspired dishes and prepared meals perfect for enjoying at your accommodation. Features freshly baked goods and beverages in a cozy setting.
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Classic pub atmosphere with a great selection of local craft beers on tap, including Salt Spring Island Ales. Features pub food and a welcoming local vibe.
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Historic inn with a cozy bar featuring local craft beverages and a selection of BC wines. Perfect for a relaxed drink in a charming setting.
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Craft brewery producing organic beers with mountain spring water and locally sourced ingredients. Features Heather Pale Ale and Dry Porter in a cozy tasting room.
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Set amidst lush orchards, this cider house crafts organic ciders from heritage apples and pears grown on the island. Features a restaurant with thoughtfully prepared meals.
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Hidden gem nestled in the woods offering a selection of craft beers that capture the essence of the island. Enjoy a cold brew in a serene natural setting.
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Family-run cidery specializing in dry, 100% organic ciders made from over 425 heritage apple varieties. Traditional-style ciders without added sugars.
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Established by Cordon Bleu chefs, this distillery uses honey to distill its base spirit. Produces moonshines including apple pie, mango, and barrel-aged versions.
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Located on a picturesque 40-acre property, this distillery offers vodka, chrysanthemum gin, brandy, and nocino. Tasting room set in a beautifully converted barn.
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Farm Stands & Local Produce
The island's most famous market featuring 160+ vendors offering handmade and hand-grown products. Fresh produce, artisanal goods, crafts, and local delicacies in a vibrant community setting.
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Weekly market featuring local farmers and food producers showcasing seasonal produce, baked goods, and Salt Spring Island delicacies. Smaller, more intimate than Saturday market.
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Charming farm stand offering fresh berries, vegetables, homemade jams, chutneys, bread, and baked goods including pies and cinnamon buns. Operates on honor system.
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Specializes in delicious jams and jellies made from locally sourced fruit. Perfect stop to pick up sweet souvenirs and taste the island's fruit harvest.
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Colorful farm stand offering handmade gifts for home, garden, family, and pets. Features totes, aprons, stuffed animals, and unique crafts in a charming roadside setting.
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Specializes in premium granola and muesli with flavors like original, maple pecan, and chocolate orange. Located near Vesuvius ferry terminal for convenient access.
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Organic farm operating on an honesty system offering garden starts, organic vegetables, baked goods, salad dressings, and delectable spreads. Sustainable farming practices.
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Small family-run farm selling organic produce, specialty cut flowers, and natural foods at their farm shop. Focus on sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
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Arts & Galleries
Renowned pottery studio and gallery in the south end featuring handcrafted ceramics, functional pottery, and artistic pieces. Watch potters at work and shop for unique ceramic creations.
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Cultural hub featuring nearly 300 events annually, including opera, contemporary dance, art exhibitions, and expert talks.
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Premier gallery showcasing diverse artworks including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from local and international artists.
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Cooperative gallery featuring works by local Salt Spring Island artists and craftspeople. Features pottery, jewelry, textiles, and other handmade items.
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Community pottery studio and gallery showcasing works by local potters. Features functional and decorative ceramics, workshops, and pottery classes.
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Community art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists. Hosts art shows, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year.
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Cooperative gallery showcasing handwoven textiles, fiber arts, and spinning demonstrations. Features local weavers and fiber artists.
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Activities & Attractions
Experience the waters surrounding Salt Spring Island where killer, humpback, minke, gray, and fin whales frequent the area. Professional marine naturalists guide these educational tours.
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Visit this beautiful lavender farm to see the fields in bloom, learn about lavender cultivation, and shop for lavender products. Admission includes farm tour and product samples.
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Boutique lavender farm nestled on the edge of Mount Tuam featuring over 60 varieties of lavender in demonstration beds. Explore aromatic fields, learn about cultivation, and shop for handcrafted essential oils, soaps, and culinary items.
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Renowned artisan cheese producer offering tastings and self-guided tours. Sample sheep and goat cheeses, watch the cheese-making process, and enjoy farm-fresh products.
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Comprehensive guided tour including visits to local artists' studios, Pacific rainforest walk, local farms, Ganges exploration, cheesemaker visit, and panoramic Gulf Islands views.
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Picturesque vineyard offering wine tastings and tours. Enjoy locally produced wines while overlooking vine-covered hillsides in a beautiful setting.
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Boutique winery specializing in small-batch wines made from locally grown grapes. Offers tastings and vineyard tours in an intimate setting.
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Professional tour company offering whale watching, kayaking, and eco-tours. Experienced guides provide educational and safe wildlife viewing experiences.
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Community-funded arts center hosting nearly 300 events annually including opera, contemporary dance, art exhibitions, expert talks, and local productions.
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Lakes & Beaches
The largest lake on Salt Spring Island, perfect for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Features public access points and warm freshwater ideal for family activities.
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Warm freshwater lake just south of Ganges, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Features a public wharf and is easily accessible for visitors.
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Beautiful lake with a sandy beach and warm waters, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. Perfect for swimming and fishing.
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Popular white crushed-shell beach perfect for morning sun and ocean swimming. Shallow waters are great for all ages, with tidal pools visible at low tide.
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Renowned for its warmer waters and stunning sunsets. Gentle slope and tide pools make it perfect for children and families.
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Adjacent to the iconic red wharf, this beach offers tidal flats and rocky shores teeming with marine life. The only location where you can see live sand-dollar beds.
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Long, wide sandy shore with calm waters and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for leisurely walks and beachcombing.
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Encompassed within the Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve, this lake features a long dock overlooking waters home to many bird species. Popular for nature watching.
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Wellness & Spas
A holistic forest spa offering a private thermal hydrotherapy circuit with cedar sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, plus professional massages and facials inspired by nature's healing abilities.
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Located within the Hastings House Country House Hotel, this spa provides a range of relaxing treatments including massages, facials, and body treatments in a charming cedar-clad barn.
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Offers healing massages and soothing spa treatments, along with handmade spa products crafted on Salt Spring Island using local ingredients.
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Provides a variety of spa services including massages and facials in a comfortable and welcoming environment with personalized treatments.
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Offers a full range of treatments by licensed therapists in a beautiful location with additional wellness facilities available to spa guests.
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Experience a unique, self-serve wood-fired barrel sauna in a Scandinavian-inspired setting. Guests chop wood, start their own fire, and enjoy the serene surroundings in this rustic wellness retreat.
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Best Time to Visit
- • Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, mild weather, fewer crowds
- • Summer (June-August): Peak season, all attractions open, whale watching
- • Fall (September-November): Harvest season, wine tasting, beautiful foliage
- • Winter (December-February): Quiet season, cozy accommodations, local events
Getting Around
- • Car: Most convenient for exploring the island
- • Bike: Great for short distances and scenic routes
- • Walking: Perfect for Ganges Village exploration
- • Public Transit: Limited but available for main routes
Ready to Explore Salt Spring Island?
Book your stay at Tiny Haven and experience all that Salt Spring Island has to offer. Our cozy vacation rental is perfectly located to access all these amazing attractions!
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