Salt Spring Island is the largest of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands. It offers a mix of natural beauty, artisanal creations, and a relaxed island lifestyle. The island has warm, dry summers and cool winters.
This Mediterranean-like paradise has something for every traveler. You can find outdoor adventures, enjoy farm-to-table meals, or just take time to relax and enjoy the moment.
1. Book a Tour for yourself or the Crew
Tour Salt Spring is a locally owned tour company on Salt Spring Island that specializes in personalized small-group experiences—ranging from 4–6-hour van-based sightseeing excursions to winery, brewery, and distillery tastings, farm visits, private charters, and we can arrange adventure-style outings (hiking, kayaking).
Operating year-round for groups (minimum two guests for regular tours, flexible sizing for private charters), they emphasize sustainable, low-impact itineraries that showcase the island’s artisan studios, historic sites, scenic lookouts, and local food producers. Guests can book directly at toursaltspring.com or by calling (250) 538-7307.
2. Stroll the Saturday Market in Ganges
Every Saturday from April to October, Centennial Park in Ganges hosts a farmers market. This market is a lively celebration of local makers.
From 9 am – 3 pm, over a hundred vendors sell everything “make it, bake it, or grow it.” You’ll discover handcrafted jewelry, fresh produce, baked goods, artisan soaps—and catch live buskers on the lawns. Don’t miss Ometepe Coffee’s stand for a fair trade coffee to kickstart your market wander.
If you miss the weekend but still want to catch a market, be sure to check out the Salt Spring Tuesday Market, located at Centennial Park from 1:30 – 5:30 pm every Tuesday, May – October. You’ll find a mix of farmers, bakers and drink makers (no artisans at this one).
3. Savour Award-Winning Cheese and Cider
Salt Spring Island Cheese Company is located near Fulford Harbour. They make famous goat cheeses sold all over Canada. You can tour the creamery, meet the goats, and try different types of chèvre.
Salt Spring Wild Cider offers a beautiful restaurant overlooking their orchard. They offer tastings of fresh, local apple and pear ciders. The pet-friendly outdoor seating area is popular, or sit in the newly renovated restaurant for a more up-scale experience. Either way you’re sure to enjoy their award winning ciders!
Or take a tour with Tour Salt Spring to experience that best of island flavours.
4. Hike to Fairy Doors on Mount Erskine
For a bit of magic in the forest, look to Mount Erskine. The Juniper Road trail is about 2 km to the top. It winds past tiny handcrafted “fairy doors” hidden in mossy trees. This delights both kids and adults. At the summit, enjoy wide views of the Southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.
5. Picnic at Ruckle Provincial Park
Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the largest campgrounds in the Gulf Islands. It has historic sheep farms, salt-sprayed coves, and meadows full of wildflowers. You can pack a picnic, walk the farm trails, or relax on the rocky shores. While there, you can watch seals resting on the rocks offshore and if you’re lucky, even see whales.
6. Climb Mount Maxwell for Panoramic Views
Drive or hike to Mount Maxwell in the island’s south. If you’ve got a 4×4 vehicle to drive to the top, a short trail from the parking lot takes you through thick Douglas fir trees. It leads to a bare summit with beautiful views of Burgoyne Bay (Xwaaqw’um) and the southern Gulf Islands.
You can also start at the Seymour Heights trailhead for a longer hike up the mountain with breathtaking vistas along the way. There are old growth trees along the way and you don’t need a 4×4 to get to the parking lot.
7. Explore Beaches and Lakes
Beddis Beach has shallow, cool waters and a white pebble sand beach. It is great for kayakers wanting to paddle to small islands nearby, or for a refreshing swim on a hot day!
For warmer waters, head to Vesuvius Beach, where the protected inlet provides an inviting entrance to the ocean.
For a freshwater swim, go to Cusheon Lake. There, you will find a dock for swimming with a small grassy area to picnic or play.
8. Cycle or Cruise the Island
Salt Spring has quiet country roads and rolling hills that attract cyclists of all levels. Just be ready for steep hills. Outspokin’ Bike Shop offers ebike rentals for those looking for a boost!
If you enjoy the water, you can take a charter boat or rent a paddleboard or kayak around the calm bays. Ganges Marina is a great place to start. Guided tours will show you hidden coves, seal colonies, and the lovely shoreline. Salt Spring Adventure Co. offers kayak rentals and paddleboards for adept paddlers, or tours for people of all ages and experience levels.
9. Discover Local Art and Galleries
The island has a strong artisan spirit. There are over a dozen galleries and studios to explore. They showcase glassblowing, ceramics, and painting. Visit Artcraft Gallery & Shop at historic Mahon Hall in Ganges to see many local artists under one roof. You can also find private studios listed in the Studio Tour Map.
10. Sip at Vineyards and Breweries
Salt Spring has a mild climate that helps small vineyards like Garry Oaks Winery thrive. Here, you can taste cool-climate wines while enjoying beautiful views of the vineyards. If you love craft beer, visit Salt Spring Brewing Co.’s taproom. They offer hoppy beers in a lovely forest setting.
11. Unwind at a Spa
There are several island spots that offer hot cedar saunas and cool plunge pools amongst cedar trees or farm settings. You can relax on decks with forest views. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a day of exploring.
Whether you are here for a weekend or a week, Salt Spring Island invites you to relax. Connect with nature and support a lively community of farmers, artists, and makers. Bring your sense of adventure and your camera!
