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

Salt Spring Saturday Market
Must Visit
5

The heart of Salt Spring Island's community spirit, featuring local artisans, fresh produce, and unique crafts every Saturday from March to October.

Centennial Park, Ganges
Saturdays 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (March-October)

Highlights:

Local artisansFresh produceHandmade craftsLive music
Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art
4.5

Premier art gallery showcasing works from local and international artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art.

Ganges Village
Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Contemporary artLocal artistsSculpturesPaintings

Outdoor Adventures

Ruckle Provincial Park
Must Visit
5

Over 500 hectares of pristine wilderness featuring hiking trails, camping, bird watching, and the oldest working farm in British Columbia.

South Salt Spring Island
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Hiking trailsWildlife viewingHistoric farmBeach access
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park
4.8

Hike to Baynes Peak for panoramic views of Fulford Valley, Gulf Islands, and beyond. Features old-growth Douglas fir forests and Garry oak meadows.

Central Salt Spring Island
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Panoramic viewsOld-growth forestsWildlifePhotography
Fernwood Dock
4.3

Take a peaceful 400-foot walk along this scenic dock offering ocean views and beach access during low tide.

Northeast Salt Spring Island
24/7

Highlights:

Ocean viewsBeach accessPeaceful walkSunset views
Mount Erskine Trail
4.6

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.

Trustees Trail off Juniper Place
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Panoramic viewsFairy doorsForest trailsSunset spotModerate difficulty
Reginald Hill Trail
4.4

Short but steep hike rewarding hikers with panoramic views over Fulford Harbour and surrounding islands. Trail winds through forested areas and open viewpoints.

Near Morningside Drive, close to Fulford ferry terminal
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Panoramic viewsDiverse floraFerry terminal accessSteep climbIsland views
Chris Hatfield Trail to Yeo Point
4.5

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.

Near the end of Meyer Road
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Lush forestsRocky beachFamily-friendlyEasy difficultyIsland views
Daffodil Point Hike
4.7

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.

Accessed via Burgoyne Bay Road
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Spring daffodilsGarry Oak treesMeadow viewsEasy difficultySeasonal beauty
Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park
4.8

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.

South Salt Spring Island
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Coastal viewsBeach accessForest trailsGulf Islands viewsFull day hike
Tsawout First Nation Reserve Trail
Must Visit
4.7

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.

Near Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island
Dawn to Dusk

Highlights:

Garry oak meadowsCultural significanceFulford Harbour viewsCoastal forestsIndigenous heritageWildlife viewing

Food & Drink

Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
Must Visit
4.7

Artisan cheese-making at its finest. Sample handcrafted sheep and goat cheeses with unique flavors like lemon and olive tapenade.

Central Salt Spring Island
Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

Cheese tastingFarm toursLocal productsCafé
Tree House Cafe
Must Visit
4.5

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.

106 Purvis Ln, Salt Spring Island
Daily 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Highlights:

Live musicCraft cocktailsInternational cuisineHeritage buildingCentury-old tree
House Piccolo (The Feast)
Must Visit
4.7

Fine dining restaurant in a heritage building offering intimate atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Established in 1992.

108 Hereford Ave, Salt Spring Island
Daily 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Highlights:

Fine diningLocal ingredientsHeritage buildingIntimate atmosphereEstablished 1992
Rock Salt Restaurant & Cafe
4.4

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.

2921 Fulford-Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Highlights:

Ocean viewsGlobal flavorsIsland twistFerry terminal accessDiverse menu
Francis Bread
4.9

Popular spot for wood-fired bread made from BC-grown organic grains and daily sandwich specials. Features pastries, coffee, and fresh baked goods.

319 Upper Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
Daily 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Wood-fired breadOrganic grainsSandwich specialsPastriesCoffee
Woodshed Provisions
4.6

Seasonally-inspired dishes and prepared meals perfect for enjoying at your accommodation. Features freshly baked goods and beverages in a cozy setting.

Salt Spring Island
Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Seasonal dishesPrepared mealsFresh baked goodsCozy settingTake-out
Moby's Pub
4.3

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.

Ganges Village
Daily 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Highlights:

Local beers on tapPub foodClassic atmosphereLocal vibeLate hours
Salt Spring Inn
4.2

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.

Ganges Village
Daily 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Highlights:

Historic settingBC winesCozy barCharming atmosphereLocal beverages
Salt Spring Island Ales
Must Visit
4.6

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.

Ganges Village
Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Highlights:

Organic beersTasting roomLocal ingredientsPatioHeather Pale Ale
Salt Spring Wild Cider House
Must Visit
4.6

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.

151 Sharp Rd, Salt Spring Island
Daily 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Heritage applesOrchard settingRestaurantTastingsOrganic ciders
Salt Spring Brewing Co.
4.6

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.

270 Furness Rd, Salt Spring Island
Daily 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Highlights:

Craft beersWoods settingNatural environmentLocal brewsHidden gem
Ciderworks - Salt Spring Apple Company
4.6

Family-run cidery specializing in dry, 100% organic ciders made from over 425 heritage apple varieties. Traditional-style ciders without added sugars.

529 Fulford-Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

425 apple varietiesOrganic cidersFamily-runHeritage applesNo added sugar
Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery
4.7

Established by Cordon Bleu chefs, this distillery uses honey to distill its base spirit. Produces moonshines including apple pie, mango, and barrel-aged versions.

Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Honey-based spiritsMoonshinesApple pie flavorBarrel-agedCraft distillery
Sweetwater Distilling Co.
4.9

Located on a picturesque 40-acre property, this distillery offers vodka, chrysanthemum gin, brandy, and nocino. Tasting room set in a beautifully converted barn.

360 Toynbee Rd, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

40-acre propertyConverted barnVodka & ginBrandyNocino

Farm Stands & Local Produce

Salt Spring Saturday Market
Must Visit
4.8

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.

Centennial Park, Ganges
Saturdays 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (March-October)

Highlights:

160+ vendorsHandmade productsFresh produceArtisanal goodsCommunity atmosphere
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers Market
4.6

Weekly market featuring local farmers and food producers showcasing seasonal produce, baked goods, and Salt Spring Island delicacies. Smaller, more intimate than Saturday market.

Centennial Park, Ganges
Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (May-October)

Highlights:

Local farmersSeasonal produceBaked goodsIntimate settingWeekly market
Northend Farm Stand
4.7

Charming farm stand offering fresh berries, vegetables, homemade jams, chutneys, bread, and baked goods including pies and cinnamon buns. Operates on honor system.

2521 North End Road, Salt Spring Island
Thursday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Highlights:

Fresh berriesHomemade jamsBaked goodsHonor systemPies & cinnamon buns
Sunset on Salt Spring
4.5

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.

310 Sunset Drive, Salt Spring Island
Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Seasonal)

Highlights:

Local fruit jamsJelliesSweet souvenirsLocally sourcedSeasonal hours
Stand on Tern
4.4

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.

100 Tern Road, Salt Spring Island
Weekends 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Summer season)

Highlights:

Handmade giftsHome & garden itemsUnique craftsColorful settingWeekend hours
Dave's Artisan Granola
4.6

Specializes in premium granola and muesli with flavors like original, maple pecan, and chocolate orange. Located near Vesuvius ferry terminal for convenient access.

Near Vesuvius Ferry Terminal
Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Premium granolaMaple pecanChocolate orangeFerry terminal accessArtisan quality
Stowel Lake Farm
4.8

Organic farm operating on an honesty system offering garden starts, organic vegetables, baked goods, salad dressings, and delectable spreads. Sustainable farming practices.

Stowel Lake Road, Salt Spring Island
Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Organic produceHonesty systemGarden startsBaked goodsSustainable farming
Earth Candy Farm
4.5

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.

Salt Spring Island
Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Seasonal)

Highlights:

Organic produceCut flowersNatural foodsFamily-runSustainable agriculture

Arts & Galleries

The Pottery
Must Visit
4.8

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.

South Salt Spring Island
Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

Handcrafted ceramicsPottery demonstrationsFunctional potteryArtistic piecesLocal artisans
ArtSpring
4.4

Cultural hub featuring nearly 300 events annually, including opera, contemporary dance, art exhibitions, and expert talks.

Ganges Village
Varies by event

Highlights:

Live performancesArt exhibitionsCultural eventsExpert talks
Steffich Fine Art
4.3

Premier gallery showcasing diverse artworks including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from local and international artists.

Ganges Village
Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Fine artCeramicsSculpturesLocal artists
ArtCraft
4.5

Cooperative gallery featuring works by local Salt Spring Island artists and craftspeople. Features pottery, jewelry, textiles, and other handmade items.

Ganges Village
Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Cooperative galleryLocal artistsHandmade itemsPotteryJewelryTextiles
Salt Spring Island Pottery Guild
4.4

Community pottery studio and gallery showcasing works by local potters. Features functional and decorative ceramics, workshops, and pottery classes.

Salt Spring Island
Variable hours

Highlights:

Pottery guildLocal pottersWorkshopsClassesFunctional ceramics
Mahon Hall Art Gallery
4.2

Community art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists. Hosts art shows, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year.

Ganges Village
Variable hours

Highlights:

Rotating exhibitionsLocal artistsArt showsWorkshopsCultural events
Salt Spring Island Weavers & Spinners
4.3

Cooperative gallery showcasing handwoven textiles, fiber arts, and spinning demonstrations. Features local weavers and fiber artists.

Salt Spring Island
Variable hours

Highlights:

Handwoven textilesFiber artsSpinning demonstrationsLocal weaversCooperative

Activities & Attractions

Whale Watching Tours
Must Visit
4.8

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.

Ganges Harbour
Tours available seasonally (June-September)

Highlights:

Marine wildlifeProfessional guidesBoat toursWildlife photographyEducational experience
Lavender and Black Farm
4.6

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.

North Salt Spring Island
Seasonal hours (June-August)

Highlights:

Lavender fieldsFarm toursLavender productsPhotographyAdmission fee
Sacred Mountain Lavender
4.7

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.

Near Fulford Harbour
Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

60+ lavender varietiesEssential oil distillationHandcrafted productsMountain settingFarm shop
Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
Must Visit
4.7

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.

Central Salt Spring Island
Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

Cheese tastingsFarm toursArtisan productsCaféAdmission fee
Tour Salt Spring Sightseeing Tour
Must Visit
4.9

Comprehensive guided tour including visits to local artists' studios, Pacific rainforest walk, local farms, Ganges exploration, cheesemaker visit, and panoramic Gulf Islands views.

Ganges Village (departure point)
Daily 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

Guided tourArtist studiosRainforest walkFarm visitsPanoramic views
Salt Spring Vineyards
4.5

Picturesque vineyard offering wine tastings and tours. Enjoy locally produced wines while overlooking vine-covered hillsides in a beautiful setting.

Salt Spring Island
Daily 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Highlights:

Wine tastingsVineyard toursScenic viewsLocal winesAdmission fee
Garry Oaks Winery
4.4

Boutique winery specializing in small-batch wines made from locally grown grapes. Offers tastings and vineyard tours in an intimate setting.

Salt Spring Island
Daily 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:

Boutique winesVineyard toursSmall batchesLocal grapesTastings
Salt Spring Adventure Co.
4.8

Professional tour company offering whale watching, kayaking, and eco-tours. Experienced guides provide educational and safe wildlife viewing experiences.

Ganges Harbour
Tours available seasonally

Highlights:

Whale watchingKayakingEco-toursProfessional guidesWildlife education
ArtSpring Performances
4.6

Community-funded arts center hosting nearly 300 events annually including opera, contemporary dance, art exhibitions, expert talks, and local productions.

Ganges Village
Event schedule varies

Highlights:

Live performancesArt exhibitionsCultural eventsCommunity centerAdmission fee

Lakes & Beaches

St. Mary Lake
Must Visit
4.7

The largest lake on Salt Spring Island, perfect for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Features public access points and warm freshwater ideal for family activities.

North Salt Spring Island
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

SwimmingCanoeingFishingPublic accessFamily-friendly
Cusheon Lake
4.6

Warm freshwater lake just south of Ganges, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Features a public wharf and is easily accessible for visitors.

South of Ganges
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Warm waterPublic wharfEasy accessSwimmingRelaxation
Weston Lake
Must Visit
4.8

Beautiful lake with a sandy beach and warm waters, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. Perfect for swimming and fishing.

Near Beaver Point Road
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Sandy beachWarm watersSwimmingFishingLocal favorite
Beddis Beach
Must Visit
4.7

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.

End of Beddis Road
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

White shell beachShallow watersTidal poolsFamily-friendlyMorning sun
Vesuvius Bay Beach
4.6

Renowned for its warmer waters and stunning sunsets. Gentle slope and tide pools make it perfect for children and families.

Near Vesuvius Ferry Terminal
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Warmer watersSunset viewsTide poolsFamily-friendlyGentle slope
Fernwood Point Beach
4.5

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.

Fernwood Point
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Red wharfTidal flatsMarine lifeSand-dollar bedsRocky shores
Burgoyne Bay Beach
4.4

Long, wide sandy shore with calm waters and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for leisurely walks and beachcombing.

Foot of Burgoyne Bay Road
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Sandy shoreCalm watersBeachcombingPeacefulLong beach
Blackburn Lake
4.3

Encompassed within the Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve, this lake features a long dock overlooking waters home to many bird species. Popular for nature watching.

Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve
Dawn to dusk

Highlights:

Nature reserveBird watchingLong dockWildlifeNatural setting

Wellness & Spas

Solace Organic Spa
Must Visit
4.9

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.

111 Saltair Ln, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Thermal hydrotherapyCedar saunaHot tubCold plungeMassagesFacials
Wellspring Spa at Hastings House
4

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.

160 Upper Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Premium treatmentsGarden settingCedar-clad barnHotel spaBody treatments
Blossom Tree Spa
4.8

Offers healing massages and soothing spa treatments, along with handmade spa products crafted on Salt Spring Island using local ingredients.

1204 Grace Pt. Square, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Healing massagesHandmade productsLocal ingredientsSpa treatmentsIsland-made
Spa by Lenice
4.9

Provides a variety of spa services including massages and facials in a comfortable and welcoming environment with personalized treatments.

115 Fulford-Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Personalized treatmentsMassagesFacialsComfortable settingProfessional service
Wetherly Inn Spa
4.8

Offers a full range of treatments by licensed therapists in a beautiful location with additional wellness facilities available to spa guests.

169 Armand Way, Salt Spring Island
By appointment

Highlights:

Licensed therapistsWellness facilitiesFull range treatmentsBeautiful locationGuest amenities
The Salty Pear Sauna
Must Visit
4.7

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.

279 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island
Daily 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Highlights:

Wood-fired saunaSelf-serve experienceScandinavian-inspiredRustic settingGroup bookingsUnique experience
Planning Your Salt Spring Island Visit

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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