Salt Spring Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Travel the length of Salt Spring Island and find woodland walks, picturesque beaches and thrilling adventure sports options.

Life moves at a different pace on Salt Spring Island. The forested landmass just off the coast of Vancouver Island demands that you slow down to appreciate its beauty. Boutique shops and bustling markets dominate the towns, while the wilderness hides wildlife and walking trails. Escape from the bustle of everyday life and embrace the sense of peacefulness that characterizes this idyllic destination.

Step into the venerable halls of the Bittancourt House Museum. This fascinating 19th-century house documents the farming history of the island. See a large-scale model of the HMS Ganges, a military ship that sailed the Pacific during the 1850s.

Explore the village of Ganges, where you’ll find many of the businesses on the island. Watch boats bobbing in the pretty harbor of Centennial Wharf and admire the nautical mural that adorns a buoy at the entrance.

Haggle with traders at one of the island’s famous Saturday Markets. These take place between March and October and offer everything from locally grown vegetables to intricate artisan jewelry. Most items sold here have usually been made or grown by the people selling them.

Take camping gear to the island and spend some time out in the great outdoors. Pitch your tent in Ruckle Provincial Park beside 4 miles (7 kilometers) of spectacular coastline, where you may spot sea lions frolicking in the water. Hike around the little-populated coast to find your own secluded spot of shoreline.

If you want more excitement, Salt Spring Island can provide that too. Rent kayaks and launch them into the ocean to explore the island’s coastline. The slopes of the island’s rolling interior are well suited to cyclists looking for demanding but rewarding routes to pedal along.

Ferries to Salt Spring Island run from the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. Rent a car to explore Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands. Don’t worry about traffic even the main roads here are still quiet, winding countryside routes.

Harbour House Hotel
Harbour House Hotel
3 out of 5
121 Upper Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
The price is HK$2,030 per night from 24 May to 25 May
HK$2,030
per night
24 May - 25 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (454 reviews)
"Very relaxed stay and the hotel’s restaurant Woodley’s offers a splendid choice of delicious burgers!! Rooms are quite pricey though."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Harbour House Hotel
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Salt Spring Island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free breakfast, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Saltspring Marina and Ganges Marina ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Lovely spot, considerate host.
"Thanks!"

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2023

Westover Bed and Breakfasts
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
"The cottage is spacious and with nice decor. A good supply of cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery. A baking dish is not available though."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Salt Spring Island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free breakfast, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Saltspring Marina and Ganges Marina ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Lovely spot, considerate host.
"Thanks!"

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2023

Westover Bed and Breakfasts
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
"The cottage is spacious and with nice decor. A good supply of cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery. A baking dish is not available though."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Mineral Springs Resort
Mineral Springs Resort
2.5 out of 5
1460 North Beach Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Blue Horse Folk Art Gallery and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Mineral Springs Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Salt Spring Island

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Daniel
10 Aug 2019

Follow the Studio trail to visit local artisans