Salt Spring Island
Capital, British Colombia
The largest of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, Salt Spring is a cherished getaway among Vancouverites looking to escape the city. The island’s beach and cliff-bordered coastline, rain forests, and peaks promise a tranquil, back-to-nature experience, while local restaurants and markets offer just-plucked produce from Salt Spring farms.
The basics
Salt Spring offers numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking, scenic swimming spots, hiking trails, and climbing routes. Culture lovers can visit the many artist studios and galleries peppered around the island, while foodies can indulge in wine tastings at Salt Spring vineyards as well as picking up local produce at island markets.
Whale watching tours departing from Vancouver often cruise the waters around the Gulf Islands in search of orcas. Some boats dock at Salt Spring Island, where participants typically get some free time to explore.
Things to know before you go
- Public transport on the island is limited, so if you plan on traveling around a lot, consider renting a car or going as part of an organized tour.
- You’ll find the most restaurants, cafés, shops, and facilities—including a tourist information center—in the main town of Ganges.
- Bring a paper map as cell phone data services may not be available in some of the more rural parts of the island.
How to get there
BC Ferries operate services between Vancouver Island’s Swartz Bay (about a 30-minute drive north of Victoria) and Fulford Harbour, and between Tsawwassen (about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver) and Long Harbour. There is no airport on the island, but float planes fly into Ganges Harbour.
When to get there
The best time to visit is between May and October, when milder weather facilitates outdoor fun. This is also the market season and peak whale watching season. Plus, there are more festivals and special events taking place during this time.
The Salt Spring Market
One of the biggest draws on Salt Spring Island is the Saturday market in Ganges, which takes place from May through October. Beginning in the early morning, vendors arrive with their own island-made products, such as farmstead cheeses, paintings, and handmade soaps. The market is extremely popular, and it’s worth getting there early as it can become crowded later in the day.
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