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Salt Spring Studio Tour

The famed Salt Spring Studio Tour provides you with a unique opportunity to experience authentic Arts & Crafts.

The tour invites you to stop off at the 20 workshops of artists and artisans as diverse as silk & textile weavers, potters, wood turners, jewelers, sculptors and more. You will find your visit an unforgettable experience.

Click here for the 2022 Studio Tour Guide.

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On Salt Spring Island in the Southern Gulf Islands, take a charming self-guided studio tour

SALT SPRING ISLAND, B.C. — Wearing a pair of railroad-style overalls, her hair pulled back in a red bandanna, potter Francine Hampson-Reid popped out of her studio to greet visitors.

“You found us!” she said.

To that point, my husband and I were having no trouble following a self-guided artists’ studio tour on Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Canadian Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, just northwest of the San Juan Islands.

But when we approached Reid’s Mudpuppy Studios, and saw a sign for the Harbor House Hotel, we were a little confused.

“We are not a hotel,” she said with a laugh.

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Turns out, her spouse, John Reid, collects vintage signs. There’s a Sweet Arts Cafe sign hanging above their sauna in back, and another for Belcher Bob’s Chili outside her gallery. 

Salt Spring is home to dozens of artists, artisans and craftspeople, most of whom sell their wares at galleries or at the Saturday Market in the main town of Ganges. But for travelers with time for more than one-stop shopping, the studio tour takes visitors behind the scenes, where there’s always a backstory.

Taking the tour

First things first: Pick up a map on the ferry or in Ganges to find the locations featured in the studio tour, or go to saltspringstudiotour.com to follow along online and find artist profiles. Opening hours vary, so check the listings before visiting.

Once you’re on the trail, numbered, blue-and-white sheep signs posted along the roadside point the way to the homes of 20 potters, glass artists, cidermakers, cheesemongers and more, none more than a few minutes’ apart on an island that’s just 17 miles long and 9 miles wide.

“It’s a way for tourists to know we’re here,” said artist Mark Lauckner, who blows, casts and presses glass at the Glass Foundry , just past Laughing Daughters Gluten Free Foods off Upper Ganges Road.

Many artists open their home galleries to visitors, but those who participate on the tour must live where they work, make at least 80% of what they sell on-site and commit to regular opening hours, Lauckner explained.

Lauckner uses recycled scrap window glass and an energy-saving electric-powered furnace to produce coastal giftware such as starfish, sea horses, slugs, bowls and vases. A small table filled with scrap glass invites kids to design their own fused glass plates.

His backstory involves hundreds of colored glass insulators lined up on rows of shelves outside his gallery.

Now collector’s items, they were used between 1920 and 1950 on telephone and telegraph lines to prevent wires from touching poles. For those curious enough to know more, Lauckner will unlock a side door leading to a small museum housing Canada’s largest collection of insulators (3,000), all neatly labeled with explanations of their historical significance.

Not far from St. Mary Lake, one of two large lakes on the island, Hampson-Reid of Mudpuppy Studios walks visitors through an explanation of how she crafts wheel-thrown stone dinner and cookware in “runs”: one day pie plates, the next day mugs or bowls.

After an initial firing in an electric kiln, the pieces are fired again using an ancient German technique of mixing salt and baking soda in a backyard propane-fired kiln cranked up to 2,350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The salt vaporizes and interacts with the clay to create unique and unpredictable designs. The firing takes place over a three-day period. The kiln has to be monitored for heat control, which Hampson-Reid and her husband can do while sitting in their sauna.

Finished pieces are for sale in their “gallery,” consisting of two glass cases in the hallway of their home next to the pottery studio. Among items for sale are teapots with wooden handles crafted by Reid from Madrona trees on their property. 

Close to Ganges is Cheyenne Goh’s  Tweed and Bananas workshop, where the crafter works in a garage decorated with an Oriental rug and vintage suitcases to “upcycle” fabric scraps, old kilts, tweed jackets and most anything people drop at her door.

“From the beginning I have been into recycling and upcycling,” Goh said, a passion that evolved while the Singapore-born crafter worked with nongovernmental organizations to teach Indonesian villagers to recycle paper and make paper products that were sold to hotels and galleries.

Her signature items are bags fashioned from Harris Tweed jackets, incorporating the lapels as a design detail. Sleeves from jacket cuffs become small purses. Old neckties become holders for key fobs. Upholstery samples, dropped off by a company closing its business, are fashioned into clutch purses.

Her next project might involve an elegant silk Japanese wedding kimono that’s been sitting on a shelf waiting for an idea.

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“I see something,” Goh said, “and I want to figure out what to do with it.”

Explore north and south

The studio tour is an opportunity to explore the far north and south ends of the island, just a 45-minute drive in either direction.

At the northern tip of Salt Spring Island is Sunset Farm , where the owners raise sheep fed on native grasses along with pet donkeys, horses and goats. For sale in a small shop next to the farm is wool for knitting or felting sheepskins, socks, blankets and pillows.

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Facing Vancouver Island and Vesuvius Bay is the Zak Studio , where Margo Zak, a ceramist since her college days in Manitoba, crafts functional, hand-built porcelain vessels, and Dan Zak, a retired architect, paints watercolors, using abstract touches to interpret natural scenes around Salt Spring, Tofino and other Canadian destinations.

A flight of wooden steps leads to the contemporary house, which Dan designed to include a home gallery and studios for the duo. Margo works downstairs building tubular vases, mugs and pots, glazed on the inside so they can be used for holding liquids. Dan works upstairs, painting and making his own borderless frames for his watercolors.

Heading south, closer to Fulford Harbour and Ruckle Provincial Park, with trails and ocean views, are two worthy refreshment stops.

Former restaurant owners Michael and Rie Papp operate Salt Spring Shine , a craft distillery with spirits made from fermented local honey. Stop by to see their small still, and sample their gin, vodka, honeycomb or apple pie moonshine.

Farthest south and perhaps the most remote location on the tour is Salt Spring Island Cheese Company , in business since 1996. Travel a woodsy road past farm stands selling coffee, books, firewood and homemade jams, then veer off on a one-lane road, park and walk up the hill to the farm where the owners raise goats and make cheeses delicately decorated with flowers and herbs.

Visit the goats, watch the cheese-making process or picnic in the garden with a pizza from the farm cafe or a slice of fresh goat-cheese cheesecake.

Salt Spring island lies in the Strait of Georgia between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. It’s the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, connected to the mainland and Vancouver Island by ferry. Getting there takes some time, so plan on a two- or three-night stay.

Border policies: The Canadian government says existing coronavirus-related border restrictions will remain in place until at least Sept. 30. That means most U.S. travelers will need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the country.

The government requires all travelers to upload their vaccine information and travel documents to the ArriveCAN mobile application up to 72 hours prior to arrival. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can sign in to ArriveCAN from a computer to get an ArriveCAN receipt to print and take with you.

See travel.gc.ca/travel-covid for full details; check before you go for any updates.

Remember to bring your passport when crossing the border.

Ferry reservations: There are three towns with ferry terminals on Salt Spring Island. See bcferries.com for schedules and reservations. Ferries call between Tsawwassen, north of Point Roberts, about 135 miles north of Seattle, and Long Harbour on Salt Spring (the most direct route); between Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Fulford Harbour; and between Crofton (on Vancouver Island) and Vesuvius Harbour.  

Exchange rates: A favorable exchange rate makes Canadian travel a good value for U.S. travelers. The current rate is about 78 U.S. cents to one Canadian dollar. See bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange for more info.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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The Studio Tour’s 2023 season featured 18 stops, from glassworks and photography to wine and farm goods — one of the busiest years on record, according to Hampson-Reid, a participating artist and also the tour’s coordinator, and certainly the most action since COVID shuttered so many studios to visitors.  

Those visitors returned, cautiously — first from the island, then from B.C., then from the rest of Canada, and eventually the world. Indeed, for three decades, through winter storms or smoky summers, they come — and come back — for the Studio Tour’s unique year-round proposition: participants choose what interests them, then stop by to visit with the artists and artisans who have made it their passion. 

“It’s great that the public get to choose what they’re going to see each day — because you can’t do it all, it’s just too much,” says Hampson-Reid. “Some will take an afternoon and do what I call the ‘Liquid Tour’ — the wineries, cideries, and the distillery. And if you have an interest in clay, maybe you’ll go see all the pottery studios. Or maybe it’s woodworking, or printmaking, you can visit those. Maybe you just want to take an afternoon and visit the sheep!” 

The Studio Tour requires 80 per cent of the artisan’s work to be done on Salt Spring Island

All the studios are juried; Hampson-Reid says a team from the board of directors chooses the best of the applications each year, within a narrow set of rules. The Studio Tour requires 80 per cent of the artisan’s work to be done on Salt Spring Island, for example, and mandates a certain number of “open hours” be set in advance. The requirements are intentional, meant to keep the offerings local, and protect the integrity of the tour. 

“Right from the beginning, the core organizers sat down and established the ground rules,” says Hampson-Reid. “And they haven’t really changed much in 30 years, because it works very well. It works for artists and studios, and it works for visitors.” 

When they began in 1990, there were 10 participating studios on the self-guided tour; there have been as many as 34, Hampson-Reid says — although it crowded the printed map a little. 

“We have one member on the tour that’s been on it since day one,” says Hampson-Reid. “She said in the beginning, there were just a few bed and breakfasts, five or 10.” 

Those were operating like a hotel at the time, she told her, with checkout in the morning. But many of the people who “came from away” didn’t want to end their visits so soon — there were evening ferries, after all, and they wanted to squeeze every minute out of their vacation. 

“And at the time all you could do on Salt Spring on Sunday was drive around in the woods!” laughs Hampson-Reid. “So the bed and breakfast people asked if she could be open on Sunday, so the people could come visit her little shop?” 

The answer? “She said ‘absolutely not!’” laughs Hampson-Reid. “’I’m a farmer and it’s the only day off I ever get!’” 

But she ultimately relented, and the rest, as they say, is history — and a trend began. “She said it’s the best decision she ever made,” smiles Hampson-Reid. “Her studio was pretty far from Ganges — and Ganges was the centre of the universe, everything was in Ganges. All of a sudden, her studio became a location people would drive up north to.” 

There aren’t any other tours like Salt Spring’s, Hampson-Reid says; for 12 months of the year, the studios are open for visitors — sometimes by appointment, sometimes with regular hours. Even if you’re here for a weekend in the middle of November, there’s something to see, she says. 

“All the studio tours I’ve run into elsewhere are maybe a two-week period, or maybe a long weekend,” says Hampson-Reid. “Having the whole year gives visitors the opportunity to come in the winter — maybe they’re a musician, coming to play at ArtSpring, and they can do a studio tour on their day off.” 

From October until the end of December, organizers for the Salt Spring Studio Tour are busy, as hopeful tour members send in their applications; in January, the map production begins. Ultimately there are 50,000 maps printed — Hampson-Reid says they try to have them on all the ferries before Easter — and as soon as the maps are ready, the new signs go up. 

“So when you see those sheep signs with a number on them, it will correspond to numbers on the new map that year,” says Hampson-Reid. “We have a team that goes out in the community and changes all the signs every spring.” 

The tour is something of a transition for many newer artists — a stage in their careers after they’ve decided they want to run their own business, but before they’re ready to rent a storefront in Ganges or Fulford. It’s a chance to see if they can keep up with the business end of being an artist — collecting and submitting tax, having proper insurance.  

“You show up when it’s business hours, you open the door, you take credit cards,” says Hampson-Red. “Some this year even have electric car plug-ins! You have to be prepared to operate as a business, so if you’re not prepared to go there, well this isn’t for you.” 

For her part, Hampson-Reid says the discovery of the Studio Tour transformed her journey as a working artist.  

“Part of the business of craft is marketing your work,” she says. “Before Salt Spring, I’d never lived in a place that had the marketing so established. I remember I’d thought that it would be great because I could live on Salt Spring and market in Vancouver and Victoria. But I sell everything I make right here! I don’t have to go and find customers and buyers and collectors. They come to me.” 

And the art scene on Salt Spring, she says, is no longer a secret, if it ever was; it’s possibly the largest artist colony in Canada, and ranks high on every world-wide list of such things. Add to that being on all sorts of “10 best” lists, and it’s little wonder being on the Studio Tour can take a bite out of an artist’s “creating time,” particular in the summer. Hampson-Reid works with salt-fired pottery, a technique of firing clay developed in the Germany in the 1600s, she says, now being done worldwide but still relatively rare. There’s fewer than 10 kilns like hers on Vancouver Island, she believes, and she has the only one on Salt Spring. 

“But it’s more interactive than turning on a button and coming back tomorrow,” she laughs. “When we’re loading and firing, it’s a three-day process where we live outside with the kilns. You can’t be interrupted halfway because it might dry too fast!” 

Her solution — and one she’s seen repeated among others on the tour — has been to make her complicated work in the winter, and simpler things in the summer, so she can take the time to really get to know visitors. After a long winter of solitary work, she says she finds herself looking forward to the interaction; most people haven’t seen a kiln like hers, she says, so she’ll try to teach them about how it’s done.  

“It excites people, to know why something turns out the way it does, like they’ve discovered something,” says Hampson-Reid. “And it’s exciting for me to have the opportunity to teach people about it. But you’ve got to make yourself available, because the people are coming to Salt Spring looking for you.” 

Imagining the Studio Tour’s future — say, another 33 years from now — Hampson-Reid says she doesn’t think there will be too many changes. They recently added a QR code to the map, and despite some discussion about switching to an online or phone-based version, the realities of cell phone coverage on the farther-flung parts of Salt Spring Island are such that the paper map is likely here to stay.  

And, she says, something to hold in your hands is part of the experience of connection, getting in touch with one another through the creation of art. 

“There’s so much art occurring on this island we don’t even know about,” says Hampson-Reid. “They’re just in their studio doing their work, doing their thing. Thanks to the tour, I get to meet and talk to all these people from all over the world.” 

• For artists’ profiles and tour info, visit saltspringstudiotour.com .
• The website also includes an application form and contact information for artisans wanting to become a tour stop. 

This story first appeared in Gulf Islands Aqua magazine in November-December 2023.

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15 Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island

Looking for the best things to do on Salt Spring Island? Read on!

Just a short ferry ride away from both Victoria and Vancouver, you’ll find Salt Spring Island — the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia.

Known for its rolling pastoral lands, farm-to-table food scene, breathtaking coastline, and vibrant bohemian community, Salt Spring Island is a must-visit coastal destination. From culinary experiences to outdoor adventures, this island really has it all!

We love visiting Salt Spring Island over and over again. It feels like there’s always more to see!

Below, we’ll guide you through the best things to do, top places to see, and fun activities on Salt Spring Island (also known as Saltspring Island). Our recommendations are based on our experiences exploring the island and we hope you enjoy these activities as much as we have.

Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island

With rolling pastoral hills, gorgeous coastlines, and seemingly endless places to explore (for an island), Salt Spring Island is one of the best Gulf Islands to visit in BC.

Below, we cover the best things to do, places to see, and activities to try on Salt Spring Island. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful island paradise!

1. Go to Mount Maxwell’s Summit

One of the tallest points on Salt Spring Island, Mount Maxwell’s Baynes Peak towers over much of the island. The mountain is protected by the 231-hectare Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and features epic coastal vistas.

Located on the edge of Burgoyne Bay, the peak offers spectacular views of Mount Bruce, Sansum Narrows, Vancouver Island, and the other surrounding islands. The summit also gives you a bird’s eye view of some of the farms on Salt Spring Island!

Visiting the top of Mount Maxwell is definitely one of the best things to do on Salt Spring Island. When we first saw the jaw-dropping views from the top, we were blown away. It’s one of our favorite things to do on the island!

You can hike or drive up to the summit (or bike, if you’re determined). The road is rough, potholed, and best handled by a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. During winter, the mountain can get plenty of snow that obstructs the road so you may need to park and walk the rest of the way up.  

2. Shop at the Salt Spring Market 

Salt Spring Island is home to a diverse community of small-scale farmers, creative artists, and talented artisans. While many sell their wares in road-side stalls, the best way to see many of these local goods is at the Salt Spring Market.  

This delightful local market is held every Saturday in Centennial Park in Ganges Village. The market runs from April to October every year. It is open 9am – 4pm, rain or shine.  

The Salt Spring market features over 100 vendors, selling everything from fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods to handmade jewelry, pottery, and clothing. 

All of the vendors make, bake, or grow their own goods on Salt Spring Island! 

If you’re on Salt Spring Island on a Saturday, visiting this lively market to shop for island-made products is one of the best things to do! But if you do miss the market, follow the Salt Spring Studio Tour to find local vendors or visit some of the local stores and farm stands.

3. Escape on a Weekend Getaway

Salt Spring Island is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Unwind, recharge, and fully experience the laid-back island vibes at one of the top cabins, B&Bs, or guest houses on Salt Spring Island. Here are our top picks:

• Cusheon Lake Resort is perfect for a lakeside log cabin getaway. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cusheon Lake from the balcony of your rustic cabin. There’s even a hot tub to enjoy after a long day of adventuring!
• Wisteria Guest House , on the edge of Ganges, features a 1-acre English garden with a terrace and a variety of guest accommodations. Their cottages are cute and colorful!
• The Sanctuary immerses you in the tranquility of the coastal forest. Wake up to the sounds of nature from your beautifully designed guest room.

4. Walk Around Ganges

Ganges is the charming village that serves as the central hub for Salt Spring Islanders. The town has a distinct Gulf Islands feel — laid-back, artsy, and full of character.

To experience a slice of Salt Spring island life, walking around Ganges is one of the best things to do. The bohemian town has lots to offer, from cute local shops selling artisanal products to oceanside restaurants serving fresh seafood.  

The village is also home to the Salt Spring Island Market, which showcases local produce, baked goods, and crafts, offering a delightful shopping experience.

Browse through the shops or market to discover unique handcrafted items, taste locally produced foods, or just watch the boats come and go from the Ganges Harbour! 

5. Sunbathe at Beddis Beach

Want to spend the day by the ocean? If so, check out Beddis Beach! 

One of Salt Spring’s most popular beaches, Beddis Beach is small but beautiful. The white shell beach is located on the east side of the island at the end of Beddis Road.  

If you want to enjoy the sun on Salt Spring Island, visiting Beddis Beach is one of the best things to do. Visit earlier in the day for the best sun!

The beach is a mix of sand, crushed shell, and small pebbles. It’s the perfect for destination for a picnic or settling against a driftwood log to read a good book. Some large trees provide shade on those really hot days, too.

At low tide, you’ll find tide pools along the beach’s rocky edges. It’s best to visit this beach when the tide is out so there’s more space. And, you can go tide pooling, as a bonus!  

If you’re brave, try swimming at Beddis Beach. But be forewarned! The water is quite cold, even in summer.

Salt Spring Island isn’t really known for its beaches, although Beddis Beach is definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for spectacular Gulf Island beaches, check out Hornby Island !  

6. Tour the Farm Stands

When you’re driving around Salt Spring Island, you’ll probably notice all of the cute farm stands set up beside the roads.  

These charming farm stands are a hallmark of Salt Spring Island’s agricultural landscape, offering a chance for visitors to purchase locally grown, produced, or handcrafted goods.  

The farm stands on Saltspring Island vary in size and offerings, but visitors can typically find a range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and handmade preserves.

Some stands also offer freshly baked bread and pastries, kombucha, artisanal cheeses, flowers, and locally raised meats (including pepperoni sticks and sausages). We’ve even seen raw wool being sold!

Often operating on the honor system, these stands simply have their goods set out, without anyone from the farm attending them. There is a small box for money and some farms accept e-transfers. The farmers trust that you’ll be honest (and you should be)!

7. Bike Around Salt Spring Island

Biking is a great way to explore the Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island is no exception!

Only 182.7 km 2  (70.5 square miles) in size, most of Salt Spring Island is easily accessible by bike. From rolling farmland to scenic shoreline, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to enjoy along the island’s network of quiet country roads.

Biking is the perfect way to experience the island’s unique culture. It’s much easier to stop at the roadside farm stands, local galleries, vineyards, and more along the way.

Not only that, biking will save you some money on the ferry ! There’s no extra fee for a bicycle (unlike a vehicle), so you just pay the passenger fee. Unfortunately, BC Ferries doesn’t have a good spot to store bikes but usually you can lean it off to the side somewhere. Just ask one of the employees if you’re unsure.

Cyclists get off the ferry with the foot passengers but once you’re on the island, we recommend waiting to the side until the traffic has passed. It gets a bit hectic while all the cars unload!

One downside to biking is that the Gulf Islands are pretty hilly. An e-bike is almost necessary! Luckily, there are e-bike rentals on the island, if you don’t own one already.

Another thing to watch out for on Salt Spring Island (and any of the Gulf Islands, really) is that drivers often go quite fast. Combined with narrow roads, limited bike infrastructure, and drivers that don’t give you enough space, biking isn’t always the safest. You likely won’t have a problem but make sure you bike safely and wear a helmet!

8. Explore Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the best and most beautiful places to visit on Salt Spring Island.

The park boasts over 7 km of breathtaking coastline, with a mix of sheltered bays, small coves, and rocky headlands. The Ruckle Park shoreline trail between Grandma’s Bay and Yeo Point offers spectacular views over the waters of the Swanson Channel. We highly recommend walking this trail, even if you just do a section!

Watch for marine animals off the coast of Ruckle Park. We’ve spotted sea lions swimming past Beaver Point and Bear Point. Occasionally, orcas are spotted from shore as they swim past the island, but we haven’t been lucky enough yet to see them.

With over 15 km of hiking trails, Ruckle Provincial Park has lots more to explore than just the coastline. Walk through coastal Douglas fir forest to destinations like Merganser Pond or Beaver Point Park.

The trails also take you past the Ruckle Heritage Farm, one of the oldest farmsteads in British Columbia. Established in 1872, the farm was once run by the Ruckle family but the land was donated to BC Parks in 1972.

Ruckle Park also features the largest provincial campground in the Gulf Islands. The campground is primarily walk-in, but there are a few RV-accessible campsites too. Here, you’ll get to wake up to the gentle ocean breeze in a coastal seaside meadow!

9. Walk the Fernwood Dock

On the northeastern edge of Salt Spring Island, you’ll find a 400-foot government wharf pier with red railings known as the Fernwood Dock.

Extending into the Trincomali Channel between Salt Spring and Galiano Islands, the dock offers incredible views of the Salish Sea, Wallace Island, and Galiano Island. This scenic spot is located at Fernwood Point Beach, just off Walkers Hook Road, and is definitely worth a stop!

Amazing scenery isn’t the only thing that this spot offers — Fernwood Point Beach is also a great spot to look for sea life!

The sandy beach and rocks at Fernwood Point Beach are home to all kinds of marine creatures , from sea stars and anemones to moon-snails and kelp crabs. Around the dock, you’ll also have the chance to see live sand dollars. This is the only spot on the island to see them (they look like black discs). Watch where you step!

10. Swim at a Lake

On a hot summer’s day, cool off at one of the swimming spots around Salt Spring Island. There are a few lakes to choose from. Alternatively, if you’re brave, you can also swim in the ocean — but be prepared for very cold water!

Cusheon Lake, just south of Ganges, is one of the best places to go swimming on Salt Spring Island. There is a public access spot beside Cusheon Lake Road and a small dock (that could use some repairs).

Another large and beautiful lake for swimming is St. Mary Lake, on the north side of the island near Vesuvius. The public access spots are off North End Road and at the end of Tripp Road.

The lakes themselves are spacious but they have limited parking and beach space. They get quite busy in the summer. You need to arrive early or late in the day to get a parking spot.

Forgot your swimming suit? Head to Blackburn Lake! Unlike Cusheon and St. Mary Lakes, this swimming spot isn’t as family-friendly. Blackburn is known for being clothing-optional!

Those who don’t mind the cold ocean water can try swimming at Beddis Beach. The water here is shallow and family-friendly. The beach is a mix of sand and white shell. Expect the ocean to be quite cold though, even in summer.

11. Explore the Hiking Trails

Saltspring Island has many short but beautiful hiking trails to explore. The trails usually take no more than an hour or two, but are highly rewarding!

Our favorite coastal hike on Salt Spring Island is in Ruckle Provincial Park. Following the coastline, the trail takes you past the campground and an active farm site, alongside King’s Cove and Grandma’s Bay, and to scenic viewpoints (like Beaver, Bear, and Yeo Points).

Another great coastal hike is Daffodil Trail, which follows alongside Burgoyne Bay and features blooming wildflowers in spring. For a longer adventure, add on a hike up to Baynes Peak (Mount Maxwell) from Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park.

For those seeking a good workout, hike to the summit of Baynes Peak, Mount Erskine, Bruce Peak, or Mount Tuam. Bruce Peak is Salt Spring Island’s highest mountain at 709 m (2,326 ft), followed by Mount Tuam at 602 meters (1,975 ft).

Despite being shorter, Baynes Peak and Mount Erskine are more popular for hiking, with maintained trails and impressive views over Vancouver Island.

Give Bruce Peak or Mount Tuam a try if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. The trail to Bruce Peak follows a service road, while Mount Tuam’s trail is challenging and poorly marked. Both have buildings at the top, taking away from the natural beauty, but you’ll find spectacular views too!

The inland trails on Saltspring Island are lots of fun, too. Channel Ridge has an extensive network of forested trails to explore, complete with a good sunset-watching spot and views of St. Mary Lake and Stuart Channel. Take a picture of the map before you start — the trails are only marked with numbers!

At Peter Arnell Park, Bryant Hill Park, and the Andreas Vogt Nature Reserve, you’ll find forested trails with Garry oak or arbutus trees. Duck Creek Trail, near Vesuvius Bay, features a cute creek and some grasslands.

12. Sea Kayaking

One of the best ways to explore Salt Spring Island is by kayak! There are many beautiful spots to go kayaking around the island, but our some of our favorite destinations are around Ganges Harbour.

In the middle of the Ganges Harbour, there’s a chain of small islands that you can explore by kayak. Accessible only by boat, Chocolate Beach on Third Sister Island is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches around Saltspring!

Many of the smaller islands around Saltspring are fun to kayak to, as well. Russel Island, at the Fulford Harbour’s entrance, has a beautiful beach. Wallace Island, between Galiano and Saltspring, is a bit more of an adventure to get to but very beautiful!

There are several outfitters on Salt Spring Island that offer kayak rentals and guided tours. The tours are a great option if you don’t have your own gear, have limited sea kayaking experience, or just don’t know where to go!

Looking for a completely unique kayaking experience? Try one of the bioluminescence kayaking tours from Salt Spring Island in summer! Appearing like glowing fireflies in the water, this phenomenon happens when phytoplankton in the ocean are disturbed. The phytoplankton light up when you paddle through them. These tours happen at night but are super cool!

13. Hike Up Mount Erskine

If you’re looking for a memorable experience on Salt Spring Island, then hiking up Mount Erskine should be at the top of your list!

At 448 meters (1470 feet) tall, Mount Erskine is one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island. Much of the mountain is protected by Mount Erskine Provincial Park. The hike to the top is very worthwhile!

From the peak, you’ll overlook Vancouver Island and the narrow channel, known as Sansum Narrows, that separates it from Saltspring. Look for landmarks like Crofton, Chemainus, and Mount Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island.

The Mount Erskine Loop is a 3.9-km hiking trail that starts from Trustees Trail and takes you to the summit through Douglas-fir forest. This is the recommended route for hiking to the top.

Alternatively, you can start at Collins Road, where the trail takes you through Lower Mount Erskine Nature Reserve before entering Mount Erskine Provincial Park. The trail from Collins Road starts quite steep, however, with a scramble up a hill with roots.

14. Play Disc Golf at Mouat Regional Park

Mouat Regional Park is a small recreational area just outside of Ganges. Here, you’ll find hiking trails through the forest, but the best thing to do here is play disc golf!

Disc golf (or frisbee golf) is similar to a traditional game of golf, but uses a disc (like a frisbee) that’s thrown to a target.

The Hart Memorial Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-3 course that’s located in Mouat Park. It spans 5-acres, in an open forest where the campground used to be. Watch out for walkers when you throw your discs!

The park is also home to the Salt Spring Lions Commemorative Bike Park. There are also some hidden gems scattered throughout the park, like fairy doors and faces carved into trees.

15. Taste Local Wines and Ciders

As you explore Salt Spring Island, you’ll probably discover vineyards and orchards scattered around the rolling rural landscapes.

With a mild climate and fertile soil, these small-scale wineries and cideries produce some of BC’s best libations and visiting them is one of the best things to do on Salt Spring Island. If you’re a fan of wine or cider, we recommend stopping for a drink (or two)!

One of the standout wineries on the island is Salt Spring Vineyards, known for their dry and crisp fruit wines. Their tasting room is surrounded by vineyard and garden. We LOVE their blackberry dessert wine but all of their wines are amazing!

As for cideries, Salt Spring Wild Cider shouldn’t be missed. They produce delicious ciders from locally-grown heritage apples and pears. You’ll find their bottles of cider sold all around BC, but if you stop at their cider house (a renovated horse barn), you can sip craft cider while enjoying views of their orchards.

Be sure to add a stop at one (or all) of these top-notch wineries and cideries to your itinerary when visiting Salt Spring Island.

Top Travel Tips & Resources for Vancouver Island, BC

• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

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Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

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23 Best Things To Do On Salt Spring Island [2024]

Salt Spring Island is one of the quirkiest places I have visited within British Columbia. Known for its rugged coastline and creative community, Salt Spring Island is a laid back bohemian paradise. Located between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver , or day trip from Victoria . 

This decidedly quirky island has much to offer from its whimsical art studios to its breathtaking hiking trails. Many a view can be found in this verdant landscape. There is plenty to see and do on Salt Spring Island. Read on to discover the best things to do on Salt Spring Island and truly experience a taste of island life. 

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Where is Salt Spring Island?

Salt Spring Island is part of an archipelago known as the Southern Gulf Islands, which lie between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Other nearby Gulf Islands include Galiano Island, Mayne Island and Pender Island. 

When to visit Salt Spring Island

There is never a bad time to visit Salt Spring Island but as it is a seasonal destination, the summer months are the best for experiencing the Island in all its glory.

Since the Gulf Islands experience a temperate climate, Salt Spring is a great year-round destination, with the summer being the busiest. The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are perfect if you want less crowds,  and temperatures are still relatively warm.   

I visited Salt Spring Island over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and the weather was fantastic. And because it was a long weekend, all the local shops and restaurants were still open. Some businesses on the island only operate in the peak seasons, so make sure you research ahead of time what will be open. 

Where to stay on Salt Spring Island

• Cusheon Lake Resort – I stayed in a beautiful log cabin at Cusheon Lake Resort and had such an amazing time here. The log cabins are spacious and well-equipped with a TV, WiFi, and kitchen utensils and appliances. The canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are free to use all throughout the day. Life jackets are available but you may want to bring your own. This is a quiet area and beautiful for a fall getaway.
• Salt Spring Inn – The Salt Spring Inn is located right in the heart of the town of Ganges. The location is great for walking to the Saturday Markets as well as local restaurants and the Ganges Harbour. 

How to get to Salt Spring Island

Getting to Salt Spring Island does require taking a ferry or flying. It is surrounded by water after all! The great thing about Salt Spring is that it is one of the larger of the Southern Gulf Islands and therefore has many more options to get there. Salt Spring is a pretty accessible island, whether you are coming from Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo.  

• From Vancouver: One of the more popular routes for day trippers and weekenders is the Tsawwassen to Long Harbour route with BC Ferries . There are two itineraries for this route, direct with no stops, and a route which stops at the other Gulf Islands first. If taking the longer route, you will remain on board at each stop until you reach your destination. The ferry time varies depending on the departure time and route. Make sure to check ferry sailing times ahead of your trip to see which routes operate when. The Tsawwassen to Long Harbour route is reservable in both directions.
• From Victoria: To get to Salt Spring Island from Victoria you’ll need to take the ferry from Swartz Bay terminal which is around a 30-minute drive from downtown. The ferry from Swartz Bay is a short 35-minute journey. The ticket price also includes cost for return journey back to Vancouver Island, so you won’t pay anything on the return leg. This also applies to the Vesuvius Bay terminal (if you are returning to Vancouver Island only) This route is non-reservable and first-come-first-served. 
• From Nanaimo: For getting to Salt Spring Island from Nanaimo, you’ll take the ferry from Crofton to Vesuvius Bay. Just like the ferry from Swartz Bay this is a short 20-minute sailing and ticket price includes return journey, This route cannot be booked and is first-come-first-served only. 
• From other Gulf Islands: Gulf Islands Water Taxi connects Salt Spring with Galiano, Mayne and Pender Islands. This company only operates between July and August. See the schedule for more details. Aqualink also offers sailings between these islands on Saturdays. 

Important things to know:

• There are three ferry routes to Salt Spring Island and they all leave from different terminals. Make sure you know which ferry terminal you will be arriving and departing from. 
• The ferries from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour can be reserved in advance. This is the only route that does not include return ferry cost. You will need to pay for each ferry separately and both directions can be reserved in advance.
• The ferry to Salt Spring Island gets very busy on weekends, especially in the summer months. Reserving ahead of time is highly recommended. There can be as little as 3 ferries to and from Salt Spring to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) a day. If you have not reserved, get there early for stand-by. 

I travelled to Salt Spring Island over the Thanksgiving long weekend and didn’t reserve any ferries. I was lucky to get on the ferry going there on stand-by. We got to the terminal 2 hours early and there were still people ahead of us in the stand-by lane. 

On our journey back to Vancouver we decided to head to Swartz Bay via Fulford Harbour and take the ferry to Tsawwassen from Swartz Bay. We decided to do this as there were many more ferries leaving from Swartz Bay that day and only 2 from Salt Spring (Long Harbour) that were both fully-booked. The ferry from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay was free – this ferry route is included in ticket prices! Even if you are coming from Vancouver. 

By Floatplane: 

Traveling by floatplane to Salt Spring Island is by far the most fun way to get to the island. Harbour Air operates out of Vancouver and total travel time from Vancouver is approximately 35-minutes one way. 

How to get around Salt Spring Island

The best way to get around Salt Spring Island is by car. Public transport is scarce on the island and if you want to explore the island fully you’ll want to have a car. 

Things to do on Salt Spring Island

1) stay in a rustic cabin or quirky bnb.

There are a wide variety of places to stay on Salt Spring Island, from camping to luxury retreats. Staying in a lakeside cabin is the perfect way to spend a weekend getaway on Salt Spring Island.

• Cusheon Lake Resort – This resort features 1,2 & 3 bedroom log cabins that sit at the shores of Cushion Lake. The secluded location is great for a quiet getaway and offers access to free canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. 
• The Cottages at Salt Spring Island – Enjoy a relaxing lakeside retreat at the Cottages at Salt Spring. These rustic cottages are located on the shores of Bullock lake surrounded by mountain vistas. On a rainy day the fireplace is the perfect to get cozy. 
• The Sanctuary – The Sanctuary is a spacious and incredibly stunning cabin which sleeps up to 6 people. This is the kind of place where you can relax, unwind and disconnect from technology. 

2) Grab coffee at Salt Spring Coffee

Coffee is a must when venturing out for a long day of exploring. Head to Salt Spring Coffee , a local favourite, to get your caffeine fix. Located in the heart of Ganges, this coffee shop offers sustainable environmentally friendly coffee and delicious sandwiches and baked goods. 

3) Hike to the summit of Mount Erskine

Salt Spring Island is home to an abundance of hiking trails that cater to every type of fitness level and ages.  One of the most popular trails on the island is Mount Erskine . This is a moderate hike that rewards you with panoramic views from the summit. 

The hike itself is fairly easy for the average hiker with the trail being relatively wide the whole way and easy to navigate terrain. I recommend taking the loop counter-clockwise so you can do the steepest part at the start.  

This is one of my favourite hikes in British Columbia because the trail itself is so unique and describes Salt Spring Island perfectly. Along the trail up to the summit you’ll pass by several cute fairy doors. The term “away with the fairies” definitely describes the laid back culture of Salt Spring. 

4) Watch the sunset from Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Park

There is no shortage of sunset spots on Salt Spring Island. To experience the best views, head to the west side of the island.

Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park is lovely at sunset with broad views across the Saanich Inlet. To reach Baynes Peak you can either hike or drive. The hike to Baynes Peak is an easy to moderate trail. If you are hiking via the Mountain Trail the elevation gain is 166 metres and total length of 2.3 kilometres. 

The drive to the summit of Baynes Peak is a dirt road that is rough with steep bumpy sections so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. We saw many non 4×4 cars parked part-way up. It’s possible to park at the start of the forest service road too, and hike the rest of the way. 

5) Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

One of the most unique things you can do on Salt Spring Island is take a bioluminescent kayak tour. There are certain times of the year that this activity is best suited. Bioluminescence is best seen from mid-June to mid-September when the water is warm and sky is dark.

If you are visiting outside of these months, you can still enjoy a kayaking tour but you probably won’t see the bioluminescent plankton. A Kayak tour to Chocolate Beach is another popular kayaking tour from Salt Spring Island.

6) Explore Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Provincial Park is one of four Provincial Parks on Salt Spring Island. Surrounded by beautiful ocean views, this wonderful park offers great picnic spots and trails interwoven among lush forest and rugged rocky outcrops. 

Not only is Ruckle Provincial Park a stunning area to take a walk, it has a rich cultural history. It started as a farm owned by Henry Ruckle who emigrated to Salt Spring from Ireland. Although the family donated much of the land to the province in 1974, they still continue to raise sheep on nearby private land. Ruckle Farm is the oldest continually operating farm in British Columbia. 

7) Visit a Lavender Farm

There are two different lavender farms you can visit on Salt Spring Island, Lavender & Black and Sacred Mountain Lavender . The best time to visit a lavender farm is around May to June when the lavender is in full bloom. These two lavender farms are situated at opposite ends of the island, so I would recommend visiting one or the other depending on your accommodation or plans. 

8) Go cheese tasting at Salt Spring Island Cheese Company

Famous for their artisan goat cheeses, Salt Spring Island Cheese is a family owned and operated company and a must do when visiting Salt Spring Island. Their array of beautifully packaged cheeses can be found throughout British Columbia and are very popular across the province. 

Before tasting some of the cheese on offer, explore the self-guided tour of the factory which details the process of making the goats cheese. All cheeses are handmade using traditional methods and natural ingredients (my favourite was the truffle goats cheese. Mmm!) Before you leave make sure to tour the barn and meet the goats!

9) Stop at one of the many farm stands

A trip to Salt Spring Island wouldn’t be complete without having visited one of the many farm stands. Farm Stands are a staple on Salt Spring Island and each one is more whimsical than the next. 

It’s almost impossible to drive around the island and not see a farm stand. Most of them are cash only, where you leave your cash in the money box and take what you like. Some even offer e-transfer. 

You will see a wide array of stands selling everything from fresh produce to flower arrangements and lip balm. Handmade soaps are popular on the island and many stands offer their own. This is a great way to support local and take home a unique souvenir. 

10) Take a walk along Fernwood Dock

Head north of the island and take a beautiful walk along the Fernwood Dock. The Fernwood Dock spurts out from a beautiful rugged beach and showcases a 360 degree view of verdant mountains and coves. 

Just opposite the dock is the Fernwood Café, another great café to grab lunch. 

11) Go cider Tasting at Salt Spring Wild Cider

Being from England, I naturally love cider! And here in Canada it’s sometimes hard to find a good fruity cider like back home. Salt Spring Wild Cider produces artisanal craft cider from apples that are grown right here on Salt Spring Island. They have some of the best flavours I have tried in BC. My personal favourite was the elderflower cider.

Ordering a flight is the best way to sample the ciders at Salt Spring Wild. I really loved the fact that each cider is served in a different shaped glass. There is also a food menu featuring small and large plates. 

If you find a flavour you like you can order the full size to go from the store. The bottles are designed with a swing top so that you can keep the cider fresh. The cider house is open 7 days a week year-round.

12) Eat Lunch at the Tree House Café

The Tree House Cafe is now one of my favourite restaurants in BC. The food is incredible and really affordable. The Tree House Cafe is a quirky eatery designed to look like a Tree House, it even surrounds a huge century-old plum tree.

Throughout August and September the Tree House Cafe offers live folk music nights know as “Music under the stars”.This place is extremely popular and waiting for a table in peak times should be expected. 

13) Visit the Saturday Market

The Saturday Market is one of the most popular things to do on Salt Spring Island and is frequented by both locals and tourists. Visiting the market is the best way to experience the island way of life and purchase any local trinket or souvenirs.

With over 100 vendors you’ll find everything from local soap makers and jewellery makers to fresh produce and handmade garments. 

The market is located right in the centre of Ganges town just by the harbour which is beautiful for an afternoon stroll.  

14) Go shopping in Ganges

Other than the Saturday Market there are plenty of opportunities to shop local on Salt Spring Island. One of my favourite stores on the island is Salt Spring Soapworks , offering a range of soaps, skincare and haircare products rich in organic ingredients and natural botanicals. This is the perfect place to pick up some bath bombs and enjoy some r&r. 

15) Salt Spring Art Studio & Gallery Tour

Experience Salt Spring Island’s thriving arts community by touring the plethora of art studios and galleries. The Salt Spring Studio Tour is a self-guided tour which takes you to a variety of studios including glass, pottery and interior design studios. The town of Ganges is home to many art galleries and most are all within walking distance of each other. 

16) Go wine tasting at one of the many vineyards

Salt Spring Island may be famous for its apples that grow on the island but it’s also known for its vineyards. There are many wineries on the Island that you can visit for a wine tasting tour. Some of the most popular include Garry Oaks Estate Winery, Salt Spring Vineyards & Tasting Room, and Kutatás Wines. 

17) Go canoeing or kayaking on the lake

The Gulf Islands experience a moderate climate year-round which means spending time on the lake. There are 5 main lakes on Salt Spring Island including St Mary Lake, Stowell Lake, Blackburn Lake, Cusheon Lake and Weston Lake. 

In the summer months (June to September) the lakes are perfect for taking a dip but when the cooler months come you can still get out on the lake by canoe or kayak.  

18) Grab a beer flight at Salt Spring Brewing

If cider and wine aren’t your thing, head to Salt Spring Brewing Company and enjoy a flight of craft beer  surrounded by nature. The brewery is open Wednesday to Sunday. 

19) Relax in a sauna at Salty Pear

Surrounded by the sounds of nature, the barrel sauna at Salty Pear is the perfect way to end a morning of hiking. The sauna can be booked as a non-guest of Salty Pear and there are two bookings a day with each time slot being a total of 2-hours. The cost for each session is $35. 

The sauna is a DIY experience where you’ll need to start the fire yourself. When we arrived there was no lighter but we found a box of matches, so I would recommend bringing your own lighter. It’s also recommended you bring some tinder and fire starters in case there are none left. 

I booked the 12pm – 2pm slot which was the first time slot of the day and there was plenty of wood and tinder etc. 

20) Have dinner at Auntie Pesto’s

Auntie Pesto’s is an Italian restaurant specializing in pasta dishes. This eatery is located right on the harbour with fantastic views across the water. The pasta here is amazing! Try the Dill Seafood Alfredo – you won’t regret it! This place is very popular and can get very busy so reservations are recommended.

21) Try the gelato at Glad’s Gelateria

Gelato is always a good idea after dinner! Glad’s Gelateria is close to Ganges Harbour and within walking distance of many restaurants and cafes. Glad’s makes small batch gelato and is some of the best I have tasted! The pistachio did not disappoint. 

22) Spot one of the many Fairy Doors!

There are many things that make Salt Spring Island magical, but one of the cuter reasons is the collection of tiny fairy doors that can be found throughout the island. 

Many of the fairy doors can be found on the Mount Erskine trail but there are still many more scattered all over Salt Spring Island. 

23) Enjoy Sweet Treats & Pastries at Embe Bakery

Every small town has it’s famous local bakery, and Salt Spring’s is Embe Bakery – one of the yummiest bakeries I’ve visited in BC to date.

Embe Bakery is locally owned and they have a huge variety of cakes and pastries including cupcakes, strudel and sausage rolls (which are seriously good!). We came here several times on our trip, purchasing one of their pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and returning to grab more sausage rolls for the ride home. 

Explore More of British Columbia!

Want to explore more of British Columbia? Check out these other detailed guides!

• 12 Easy Hikes in Victoria BC
• Camping at Lake Lovely Water
• 3 Days in Tofino Itinerary
• Best Things to do on Bowen Island

About Rachael

Rachael is an avid adventurer and writer, originally hailing from London, England. She embarked on a life-changing journey by moving to Canada in 2016. Settling in the picturesque town of Whistler, British Columbia, Rachael found solace in the majestic beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

A City Girl Outside invites readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and encourages them to embrace the transformative power of exploration.

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Top Things To Do on Salt Spring Island, B.C.

Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands and is located off the Southeastern coast of Vancouver Island. It is approximately 18 miles long and varies from 2 to 10 miles wide. There are almost 500 miles of road winding past lakes, across farmlands, and through wooded areas with frequent views of the ocean, other islands, and the mainland mountains.

Salt Spring Island offers all the attractions and charm which have made the Gulf Islands of British Columbia so very popular. Visitors come from far and wide for the Saturday Salt Spring Market, the farm tours, winery tours, the many art galleries and the unique local arts and crafts.

Overlooking Fulford Harbour is the tiny stone Roman Catholic St. Paul’s Church , built between 1880 and 1883. The church can be viewed from the ferry when sailing into Fulford Harbour.

Salt Springs: The 14 salt springs located on private property on the north end of the island are the only springs in the Gulf Islands. The springs vary in size from one metre to 25 metres in diameter.

Akerman Museum in the Fulford Valley houses artifacts of local history dating back hundreds of years. Thousands of items exhibit the native culture and pioneer history of Salt Spring, a tribute to the early settlers of the island. The private museum is open to the public and well worth a visit.

Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Family farming is firmly rooted in the traditions of Salt Spring Island. The island has over 200 farms, and is widely known for its sheep-raising; be sure to tour the rolling pastures on the north end (visit in the spring, and you’ll never order rack of lamb again).

Bittancourt House Museum illustrates the lives of the early settlers on Salt Spring Island, with displays that include items from the 1880s until the 1950s. All of the items in the museum have been donated by Salt Spring families. The museum is situated in a house built in 1884, displaying artifacts, farming implements and antique equipment on the grounds of the Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute at 351 Rainbow Road. This heritage building was built in Vesuvius by Estalon Bittancourt. The house was moved to the grounds of the Farmers Institute in 1980 to be used as a museum, with an addition to the original house built by volunteers in 2007 to accommodate the ongoing donation of additional museum items.

Theatre: Enjoy theatre and live entertainment throughout the year at the ArtSpring Theatre in Ganges, Salt Spring Island’s premier venue for concerts, theatre, exhibitions and much more. Graffiti Theatre Company utilizes the talents of island artists whilst engaging theatre professionals from away to enrich and broaden their work. Consult the local paper, the Gulf Islands Driftwood, for local music performances.

Arts & Crafts: Salt Spring is also known as a centre for arts and crafts. Many local artisans open their studios for tours, including spinners and weavers, sculptors and glass blowers, painters and potters. Studios showcase ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, furniture, metal craft, stained glass, moulded candles, wool and fleece products, and many other unique island products.

Artcraft is located in the historic Mahon Hall near the harbour in downtown Ganges, featuring works by more than 200 Gulf Island artists and artisans. Open daily from May through to September.

Salt Spring Studio Tour is a unique self-guided visit to over 30 resident properties of artists and artisans showcasing their individual talents and creations for your enjoyment and purchase. Watch an artist paint, attend a wine tasting, try on some jewellery or save time to pick up a one-of-a-kind sculpture on your way home. If you want to savour all that Salt Spring has to offer, nothing compares to the mix of art and creativity you can enjoy on the island’s famous Studio Tour. Pick up a current Studio Tour Map from the Visitor Centre in Ganges.

Disc Golf: Once a popular camping location, a picturesque Disc Golf course – also called Frisbee Golf – now occupies the old camping oval at the 23-hectare Mouat Regional Park , located behind ArtSpring, just a short walk uphill from Ganges.

Ruckle Farm is a prime attraction on the island, located 10 km west of Fulford Harbour at the end of Beaver Point Road. In addition to the fine hiking and camping at Ruckle Provincial Park, visitors are welcome at the heritage Ruckle Farm, the oldest continually operating farm in British Columbia. The farm features a number of old farm buildings, including a barn, a forge, the old pig sty, and the original homestead residence. The big orchard barn has open access to visitors, with the schedule posted at the site. Other buildings are available for viewing from the outside only. The park has a day-use picnic area. Continue straight on the main park road passed the campground turnoff to the day-use parking lot.

Even non-shoppers will enjoy historic Mouat’s Mall in Ganges, a rickety white-and-green building where you can browse a fine collection of arts and crafts. After browsing the galleries, walk down to the water for lunch.

Island Hopping : Travelling between the Southern Gulf Islands and Northern Gulf Islands can be accomplished in small hops. Each of these islands is a world unto itself, each with its own history, culture and colourful characters – each island deserves at least a day or two for exploring.

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11 Fabulous Things to Do in Salt Spring Island

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Salt Spring Island. An adorable little isle lying off the coast of BC (between Vancouver and Vancouver Island), Salt Spring Island boasts a well-earned artsy and bohemian reputation. From its flourishing art scene, organic farms, and lush old-growth forests, there are truly so many things to do in Salt Spring Island .

Whether you love art, nature, or food, Salt Spring Island has it all. With tons of local, organic food options, great hiking trails and ocean activities, and incredible art shops and a local market, you won’t be bored on Salt Spring Island, regardless of its relatively small size!

Moreover, Salt Spring Island holds a special place in my heart; it is where I made the decision to start this travel blog!

So, if you’re planning to visit the free-spirited Salt Spring Island on a weekend getaway from Vancouver , then continue reading: these are the 11 best things to do on Salt Spring Island.

Peruse the Saturday Market

First, one of the best things to do in Salt Spring Island is to visit the Salt Spring Saturday Market. Located in the main town of Ganges and open from April to October, visiting the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market is an absolute must, as it features home-made and home-grown products from over 140 local vendors!

I utterly adored wandering around the Saturday Market and picking up some unique souvenirs, and I’m sure you will too. It is the best place in Salt Spring Island to find delightful artisan goods and mouthwatering food, from unique ceramics, adorable gemstone jewelry, herbal skin and bath products, and delicious pastries.

To learn more, check out the Salt Spring Island Market website .

And, if you’re visiting Salt Spring Island on a Tuesday, I also recommend visiting the Salt Spring Tuesday Market, open from June to October. Filled with local produce and delicious meals, it is the perfect alternative to visiting a grocery store!

Explore Ruckle Provincial Park

Next, if you’re looking for a multi-purpose park filled with great hiking trails meandering through vast forests and along the coast, delightful farmland filled with roaming sheep, turkeys, and chicken, and charming coves filled with diverse marine life, I recommend visiting Ruckle Provincial Park.

With 15 kilometers (or 9.3 miles) of easy hiking trails and perfect picnic spots overlooking the Swanson Channel, Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the best places to visit on Salt Spring Island. It also offers some of the best Salt Spring Island beaches!

And if you’re planning on camping on Salt Spring Island, Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the best places to go, with 78 walk-in campsites.

Go Kayaking

For those wishing to explore the Pacific Ocean rather than the hikes on Salt Spring Island, I recommend going kayaking.

One of my favorite memories from Salt Spring Island was kayaking off the coast with my dog chilling by my side. While we both got absolutely soaked, there is no better way to experience the beauty of British Columbia!

I mean, there are so many reasons why kayaking is one of the best things to do in Salt Spring Island; not only does it provide breathtaking ocean and shoreline views, but it is also the best way to spot some marine wildlife, from harbor seals to otters!

Fortunately, there are many Salt Spring Island kayaking companies that provide both kayak rentals (if you’re experienced and confident in your kayaking abilities) and guided tours. Furthermore, there are many tours available, from short and easy paddles around Ganges Harbor to long, multi-day expeditions; there are options for everyone!

Admire the Views from Mount Maxwell Provincial Park

For some more Salt Spring Island hikes (that provide spectacular panoramic views from one of the highest points on the entire island), check out Mount Maxwell Provincial Park.

While the drive can be a bit rough, the hike to Baynes Peak is incredible, albeit a bit challenging. Providing stunning views of the mainland of BC, Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands, Fulford Valley, and Burgoyne Bay, Baynes Peak is one of the best hikes on Salt Spring Island.

With an elevation change of 600 meters (or 1969 feet), you should allow yourself at least two hours to complete this hike. And don’t forget to admire the old-growth Douglas fir trees!

Planning on exploring more of beautiful British Columbia? If so, check out my 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary between Calgary and Vancouver !

Wander Around Ganges

If you’re not interested in hiking Salt Spring Island, there are many other great things to do, like visiting the main town of Ganges.

Salt Spring Island’s charming town of Ganges is where you can find groceries, shops, cafés, and the best Salt Spring Island restaurants. While it’s nothing like the bustling city life of Vancouver (or even Victoria), Ganges is an enchanting place to stroll around for an afternoon!

Check Out Some of the Salt Spring Island Art Galleries and Studios

While you’re exploring the town of Ganges, some of the best places to check out are the local art galleries and studios.

With Salt Spring Island, BC having the highest number of artists per capita in Canada , Ganges has an abundance of art studios and galleries worth visiting. And the best way to visit them is through the self-guided Studio Tour!

Not only do you get to admire some great local art, but you can watch the artisans at work, creating ceramic bowls, pottery, jewelry, and more. At some studios, you can even create some crafts yourself! But note that some of the studios are only open from May to September.

Click here to learn more about the Salt Spring Studio Tour.

Hike the Trails in Mount Erskine Provincial Park

Now, let’s get back to the best hiking on Salt Spring Island. For another great provincial park, look no further than Mount Erskine.

While the Salt Spring Island parks mentioned so far all have their own unique charms, Mount Erskine Provincial Park is definitely the most magical, with charming little fairy houses hiding around! Made by locals, admiring these fairy houses is one of the best things to do in Salt Spring Island.

Additionally, the hike up Mount Erskine is utterly enchanting, cutting through moss carpets and dense forests to a summit with breathtaking views!

Try Some Salt Spring Island Cheese

Next, the ultimate stop for all cheese enthusiasts is the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company shop. Specializing in artisan goat and sheep cheese, the store offers tons of variety. You can take a peek at how the cheese is made through the viewing windows!

If you want to learn more about the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, click here .

Visit the Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm

For a great Instagram spot on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, visit the Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm. Spanning two acres and hosting up to 60 varieties of organically-grown lavender, Sacred Mountain is the perfect place to drop by.

However, the farm is only open from May to September (with the lavender at its prettiest in June). And while the farm is free to visit, you’ll inevitably spend a lot on their lavender products in their store!

You can also go on a self-guided tour around the farm, where you can learn more about how the lavender is grown, cultivated, dried, and processed into an essential oil. If you want to learn more about the Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm (or maybe even buy some of their products online), click here .

Drop By a Salt Spring Island Winery

While British Columbia’s top wine destination is the Okanagan Valley, Salt Spring Island offers their own fabulous wineries: Garry Oaks Winery and Salt Spring Island Vineyards . If you’re a wine enthusiast, drop by one (or both) of these vineyards and sample some delicious wine!

Taste the Salt Spring Island Cider

Finally, if you prefer cider, one of the best things to do in Salt Spring Island is to try the local craft cider at Salt Spring Wild ! Using organic orchard apples, as well as wild apples and pears, the ciders produced at Salt Spring Wild are delicious. It is definitely a worthwhile stop as you tour Salt Spring Island, BC.

Thinking of visiting Vancouver, and want to learn about the best Vancouver hiking trails? Click here for my Vancouver hiking guide , or click here for the best hikes near Vancouver!

Other Important Travel Information

When is the best time to visit salt spring island.

The best time to visit Salt Spring Island is definitely in the summer, from May to September. With warm weather, little rain, and an open Saturday Market and Art Studio Tour, you get to enjoy the best of Salt Spring Island!

How to Get to Salt Spring Island

While Salt Spring Island does have a seaplane terminal (meaning it is possible to fly in), the best way to get to Salt Spring Island is by ferry.

If you plan to take a ferry to Salt Spring Island, you have 3 possible routes (using BC Ferries):

• Tsawwassen to Long Harbor : First, if you’re visiting Salt Spring Island from Vancouver, the most direct route is from Tsawwassen to Long Harbor. The ferry will take anywhere from 1.25 to 3.5 hours, along with the 40 minute drive (or hour long public transit) from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen.
• Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbor : If you’re visiting Salt Spring Island from Victoria on Vancouver Island, the best route is from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbor, which will only take 35 minutes. This is also another option for taking a ferry to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver, if you first take a ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
• Crofton to Vesuvius Bay : If you’re visiting Salt Spring Island from another part of Vancouver Island, the best route is from Crofton (near Duncan and Nanaimo). This ferry will only take you 20 minutes.

For more information on these routes and BC ferries, check out the BC Ferries website !

If you are short on time (or just prefer to fly), you can also take a seaplane from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island, using either Harbour Air/Salt Spring Air , or Seair Seaplanes . These flights will only take you 35 minutes!

How to Get Around Salt Spring Island

Now that you’ve arrived at Salt Spring Island, what’s the best way to get around? Well, there are several options, including:

• Rent a Car : Driving around Salt Spring Island is definitely the best way to explore the island, being both quick and efficient. You can either rent a car (or scooter) on Salt Spring Island, or you can take a car with you on the ferry from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island (although your ferry tickets will cost more).

• Rent a Bicycle : If you’re not keen on driving around the island, you can also rent a bike! While this is quite fun, most roads on Salt Spring Island are a bit narrow, making it hard for cyclists.
• Use Salt Spring Transit : Another option is to use the Salt Spring Island bus system. With buses at all three ferry terminals (and more), taking the bus is a great budget option for traveling Salt Spring Island.
• Hire a Taxi : While this is the most expensive option, it is available for those with a bigger budget, or for those who prefer not to drive.

As a Side Note,

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, or British Columbia in general, and you’re wondering what to do (other than taking a day trip to the fabulous Salt Spring Island), check out my other articles:

• The Ultimate Self-Guided Vancouver Walking Tour
• The 15 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• 22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver
• 18 Spectacular Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 6 Epic Whistler Hikes
• The Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver
• 15 Incredible Day Trips from Seattle
• The Perfect Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seattle

I hope this list gave you some fabulous ideas on what to do on Salt Spring Island! While the island is small, it’s filled with breathtaking natural beauty and awesome artisan products. You definitely won’t regret visiting Salt Spring Islands!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more posts on destinations in Canada
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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117 Cormorant Cres, Salt Spring BC V8K 1G8 Salt Spring, BC, V8K 1G8

Property Description for 117 Cormorant Cres, Salt Spring BC V8K 1G8

Stunningly renovated 3 bed/2bath elegant West Coast rancher with south west exposure in the desirable Channel Ridge neighbourhood. Lovely gas fireplace in living room with sliders to sunroom between two lovely new decks, one side perfect for BBQ all year long. All new appliances in the fresh kitchen with large pantry plus large laundry room with new washer/dryer adjacent. New heat pump with AC, new floors with beautiful crown molding throughout. Attached large double garage with generough sized workshop. Sunny back yard has roses, grapes, cherry, apple, pear, plum, peach and fig trees with raised beds ready for you to plant your veggie gardens. This is move in ready and priced to move. Book your viewing~!

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