Why Salt Spring Island is a must-visit destination in British Columbia

I’m a born and bred Vancouverite. I’ve lived here most of my life and still do. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret I’m kind of ashamed of. 

I didn’t visit Salt Spring Island until 2024. 

The reason I’m ashamed is that it’s really not that far from me. And there has been no reason or excuse not to go. I don’t know why I’d never been. I guess sometimes we are all guilty of not exploring places so close to home. 

This may have been my first visit to Salt Spring but I can assure you it will not be my last. Something about this island captured my heart in a way I can’t really explain, and I’m constantly thinking about my next trip there. 

So if you’re visiting Vancouver or if, like me, you’re just a lazy local, here’s why I think you should put a trip to Salt Spring Island at the top of your list!

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Stunning natural surroundings, artistic, talented locals, and endless options for outdoor recreation make Salt Spring a special place.

Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands, in southwestern British Columbia. It’s home to about 10,000 year-round residents. 

The island is most known for its stunning natural surroundings. Full of forest and surrounded by the Salish Sea, you’ll see heart-stopping views at every turn. And you’ve never breathed fresh air quite like this. 

Salt Spring Island is heaven for outdoor adventurers. You will be spoiled here whether you love camping, hiking, cycling, or water sports.

Salt Spring is also well-known for its artsy, bohemian vibe. And from the moment you step off the ferry, you’ll see why this land has inspired creatives for decades.

So, if you are on the hunt for locally-made handicrafts and artisan food, you’ve come to the right place. 

Every route to Salt Spring is a scenic one, whether you’re riding the ferries or taking a seaplane.

Getting to Salt Spring Island is easy from both Vancouver and Vancouver Island. It’s possible to visit on a day trip from Vancouver, but spending a night or two is ideal. Even then, you’ll wish you had longer. 

The BC Ferries service runs between Vancouver’s Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Salt Spring’s Long Harbour daily. 

From Victoria, ferries go from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour. And if you’re higher up Vancouver Island, head to Crofton to catch the ferry to Vesuvius Bay. 

If you prefer to take in southern BC’s breathtaking scenery from the air, why not take a float plane? Harbour Air departs from YVR’s South Terminal or Downtown Vancouver. In half an hour, you’ll reach Ganges Harbour, the heart of the action.

Exploring Salt Spring Island is best with a car. But visiting without a vehicle can be just as rewarding. Traveling by ferry as a walk-on passenger is easier and less expensive. And you won’t find yourself waiting in one of our infamous ferry line-ups. 

Whether you’re taking a car on the ferry or walking on, it’s always best to reserve your ticket in advance. Especially in summer, ferries book up fast and there are long waits between sailings if you don’t have a reservation. 

There are options to rent a car or bike on Salt Spring. Public transit serves the whole island. There are two licensed taxi services, but there are no rideshares like Uber. 

On Salt Spring, you’ll ditch the chain hotels for beautiful campgrounds and charming bed and breakfasts.

If you’re looking for big-name hotels, you won’t find them here. And I love that. 

There are several campgrounds on Salt Spring Island – Ruckle Provincial Park and Mowhinna Creek Campground are two favorites. Personally, I’m not a big fan of camping, but these surroundings make me want to roll out my sleeping bag!

Camping has become very popular in BC, and campgrounds are fully booked months in advance. Be sure to reserve well in advance so you don’t miss out. 

The island is also home to charming guest houses and bed and breakfasts. Wisteria Guest House and Magnolia Petal Bed & Breakfast are beautiful spots for a weekend away. But Cusheon Lake Resort is a great option if you’re traveling with the kids. 

👉 Pro Tip: Be mindful of your mobile phone while staying on Salt Spring Island. No, crime is not rampant here, but the island is geographically in line with the United States and sometimes cell signals can cross. Turn off your roaming feature to avoid any nasty surprises on your bill (especially if you have a Canadian phone plan). 

Shop for local artisan-made goods like pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Saturdays from March to October are where it’s at on Salt Spring Island. It’s the best day of the week to give your wallet a good workout. Local vendors flock to Centennial Park to sell their wares at the Saturday Market, which has been running since the 1970s!

You will find it all here, whether you’re committed to buying locally-grown produce or looking for a unique gift. And be prepared to stumble upon many treasures you don’t need but have to have. 

The amount of talent and creativity on this small island is impressive. At the market and in the shops around town, you can find one-of-a-kind pottery, textiles, woodwork, and jewelry. The temptations are endless.

Ganges is the center of town and where you’ll find the most opportunities to shop every day of the week. It’s home to vintage clothing boutiques, artisan workshops, art galleries, and quaint bookstores. You won’t find any chain stores here, except the supermarket.

I am particularly fond of Mouat’s for clothing. Twang and Pearl and Salt Spring Goods are the best for colorful home decor. Saltspring Soapworks makes my favorite lip balm. And I love to get lost in the shelves of rare literature at Black Sheep Books. 

The Pottery Shop + Studio at Fulford Harbour is a wonderful place to add to your mug, candle, or earring collection with their unique, handcrafted items. 

Pick up a fun souvenir at Salt Spring Mercantile Ltd. And find a special piece at Artcraft Gallery & Shop, located in the historic Mahon Hall (it’s seasonal, so check the schedule). 

Sample fresh, organic food at cafes, orchards, and tiny farm stands.

The talent on Salt Spring doesn’t end with arts and crafts. With farms and orchards everywhere, the island is also famous for its fresh and creative organic food. 

Salt Spring Island is full of great restaurants and cafés. I love the Oystercatcher Seafood Bar and Grill and The Tree House Cafe for their delicious eats and fantastic live music. But you’ll find great food everywhere on the island, so you can’t really go wrong no matter where you choose. 

Bakeries, chocolate shops, and ice cream stands are dotted around the island. I like to satisfy my sweet tooth at Harlan’s Salt Spring Chocolate, Barb’s Bakery and Bistro and Embe Bakery. And I love to stop and see what’s on offer at all the charming side-of-the-road farm stands. 

On my visit to Salt Spring, there were two places that I loved most. Every foodie should check these out! 

Salt Spring Island Cheese is heaven for any cheese fanatic. This working farm and goat cheese factory has been going strong since 1996. They pride themselves on making all their cheese by hand using the fewest ingredients possible. And you can taste the difference. 

Tour the farm and see how the cheese is made. Sample a few to find your favorite (mine is the roasted garlic). And don’t leave without visiting the real stars of the show, the adorable goats. 

I also loved my visit to Salt Spring Wild Cider House. In fact, I could have spent an entire day there. 

Salt Spring Island has always been one of British Columbia’s top apple producers. The island is covered in apple trees! And the folks here take full advantage. They gather over 250,000 pounds of apples each year. This not only makes tasty ciders, but it also helps the entire community. 

On a sunny day, savor a glass or a few on their patio. It overlooks a vast orchard and is one of the nicest views in town! Soak up the cider with their delicious food. And be sure to pick up a couple of bottles of your favorite flavor on your way out. 

Get a glimpse into the past at heritage halls and hundred-year-old farms.

Salt Spring Island is not only rich in food and drink but also in history.  

The Coast Salish First Nations have called this island home for over 5,000 years. In the 1850s, fishermen, farmers, loggers, and miners began arriving. 

Salt Spring Island was part of Spanish and British exploration in the 1700s. And Black settlers from California first arrived in Vesuvius in 1857. They were soon followed by Portuguese, Scandinavians, British, and Hawaiians who made this island home. 

The Hudson’s Bay Company named the island for the briny saltwater springs found at the north end of the island. Today, these 14 salt springs are located on private property. 

One of my favorite places to explore the island’s past is at Ruckle Heritage Farm. This working farm dates back to 1872 and was established by Henry Ruckle, one of the island’s earliest pioneers. The farm hosts community events and festivals throughout the year. You can drop into a Pilates class or help feed the lambs on a guided tour. 

I’m also fond of Salt Spring Island’s heritage halls. These places are the beating heart of this community. They host craft fairs, art shows, festivals, and anything else that brings Salt Springers together. Mahon Hall (1901), Fulford Hall (1921), and Beaver Point Hall (1934) are not only lovely photo ops but great places to connect with the island’s locals. 

Two of Salt Spring Island’s most treasured places are St. Paul’s stone church and the Burgoyne United Church. These churches date back to the 1800s and are the best places to discover the island’s religious past. They also have small cemeteries on-site which are interesting to explore. 

For such a small place, Salt Spring has so much to learn about. Visit the Salt Spring Museum if you are keen to dig deeper into the island’s history. 

Go cycling, hiking, and kayaking, or simply wander and be inspired by the island’s natural beauty.

I love the food, arts, and history of Salt Spring Island. But for most, the real draw is its stunning natural beauty. 

You’ll share your ferry ride with plenty of people and their bikes. Cycling is popular here. The best time to come with your bike is spring and fall. Summers are busy with lots of cars on the road, making it more dangerous for cyclists. 

There is a northern island cycling loop (35 km) and a southern one (50 km). It’s best to break these up into two days so you can fully enjoy your time and make lots of stops without rushing. And don’t expect an easy ride. The island is quite hilly!

Hiking is another very popular activity on Salt Spring, and the island’s trails accommodate every fitness level. You certainly don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy these beautiful hikes. 

The Chris Hatfield Loop, Grandma’s Bay (in Ruckle Provincial Park), and Reginald Hill Waterfront Trail are all easy hikes with beautiful ocean views. 

For more of a challenge, head to Mt. Maxwell and Mt. Erskine. These hikes will get your heart pumping and it will be worth it when you reach the top. 

Many of Salt Spring’s trails do not allow dogs or they must be on leash. So be sure to check the guidelines if you have your pup with you. However, Duck Creek Trail is a great, easy hike with an off-leash dog park. It’s sure to make dogs and their humans very happy. 

Being surrounded by the ocean, Salt Spring Island is undoubtedly the perfect place for adventure on the water. You can swim, kayak, snorkel, and take a whale-watching adventure. 

But if you’re like me and would rather exercise your creativity and nurture your spirit, yoga retreats, writing retreats, and art workshops are all offered on Salt Spring. The island’s natural beauty is sure to inspire, restore, and rejuvenate. 

There is an otherworldly magic to this island. It’s something that can’t be explained. It just has to be experienced. 

These surroundings are good for the soul. People are happy here. And I found the locals to be some of the friendliest in my province. That was one of my favorite things about my visit here. 

There is something for everyone on this gorgeous island. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, with friends or you’ve got the whole family in tow, Salt Spring Island is a place you’ll never forget.

I hope I’ve convinced you to plan a visit to this wonderful place! And if you’re sticking around British Columbia’s islands, check out my article on Where to Stay in Victoria.