Everything you ever wanted to know about Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is teaming with life, love, and creativity. As arguably one of the most famous Southern Gulf Islands, it has become internationally known for its legendary Saturday Market, arts community, and forward-thinking farms.
Yes, Salt Spring Island is just a few hours from Vancouver, but it can feel impossibly different from big-city daily life, which is probably why you have so many questions.
How do you get here? Do you need to get groceries beforehand? What about gas? Consider this your starting point—your guide to everything you’ll need to know to make the most of your first visit to Salt Spring.
Where is Salt Spring Island, British Columbia?
Salt Spring Island is in the heart of the Salish Sea, part of a chain of islands known as the Gulf Islands. Within this archipelago that lies between the lower British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island, it’s the closest one to the latter.
How big is Salt Spring Island?
By Gulf Island standards, Salt Spring is massive. It’s over 180 square kilometres, and if you were to drive the island’s windy roads, it’s nearly an hour from end to end. It’s also one of the most densely populated, with roughly 11,600 people calling this place home year-round.
Of course, like all the Gulf Islands, these numbers increase in summer with many more people heading here on their annual migration to lean into the slower, more artistic way of life.
Why is it called Salt Spring Island?
Did you know that Salt Spring is just the latest iteration in this island’s many names? The SENĆOŦEN peoples call it ĆUÁN (čuʔén), and the Hul’q’umi’num peoples have names for many of the important areas: Beaver Point is Ts’usna’am, Ganges Harbour is Shiya’hwt, Mount Maxwell is Hwmet’utsum, and more.
When the settlers arrived in 1859, they first called it Admiral Island. Then, with the island’s re-titling in 1910, it became Salt Spring Island, so named for the salt springs found at the island’s north end. Can you see these mystical salty waters? Unfortunately, these days the springs are on private property, with no public access.
What is the main town on Salt Spring Island?
The only town on Salt Spring – and really, in the entirety of the Southern Gulf Islands region – is Ganges. While many Gulf Islands have community hubs, Ganges feels more like a town (technically speaking, it’s probably more of a village). It’s the central location where you’ll find all services, amenities, and much, much more.
What is Salt Spring Island known for?
Salt Spring has a reputation that has travelled far beyond its shores. Out of all the Gulf Islands, it’s one of the weirdest and most wonderful, especially if you go beyond the list of things to do here.
For many, Salt Spring is renowned for its intensely creative arts and crafts community; for others, it’s known for its dedication to farming, especially for the many farms that approach agriculture from an alternative perspective.
But whatever you’ve heard about Salt Spring Island, chances are you’ll find it on display at the Saturday Market. This is the centre of everything Salt Spring and at the top of everyone’s island bucket list.
Yet, this is only the beginning. Salt Spring is a destination for nature lovers, retreat attendees, and creatives seeking never-ending inspiration. With so much to discover here, who knows what surprises lie in store for you?
What is there to do on Salt Spring Island?
No matter how many times you return to Salt Spring Island, you’ll never run out of things to do. But let’s start with the highlight reel of where you’ll want to go on your first trip here.
Start your morning at the Saturday Market, then schedule a tasting at Salt Spring Wild Cider before heading to Salt Spring Cheese. Next, take an hour or more to explore the rugged west coast landscapes at Ruckle Park and along its trails before a quick stop at Ruckle Heritage Farm for a mid-afternoon treat. In the evening, head to Ganges for your pick of dinner options, beers with ocean views, and charming village vibes.
For those looking for more outdoor adventure, hike up Mount Maxwell or the shorter (but no less rigorous) Mount Erskine for epic views across the archipelago. Seeking relaxation? Check out Solace Organic Spa, The Wellspring Spa, Artbuts, or any of the other island spas for the perfect dose of rejuvenation.
And remember, this is just a taste of what’s in store for you here. Whatever you’re after—food, arts, nature, relaxation—Salt Spring has a way of filling your cup.
How do you get to Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island has three ferry terminals, each with daily service:
- Vesuvius from Crofton
- Fulford from Swartz Bay, near Victoria
- Long Harbour from Tsawwassen, near Vancouver.
The Crofton and Swartz Bay routes are shorter (25–35 minutes) and non-reservable. The Long Harbour route from Vancouver is the longest (up to 3 hours). It may stop at other islands along the way, but it does offer reservations, which are highly recommended, especially in summer.
Fares vary by route and season, but an Experience Card can save you money on shorter trips.
Always check the BC Ferries schedule for the latest sailing times and travel updates.
Ferries accept walk-on passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, vehicles, RVs, and even boat trailers. Coming with your furry friend? BC Ferries has designated pet areas!
You can also fly into Ganges Harbour via float plane on one of the regular flights from SeaAir and Harbour Air. There are daily trips from both Victoria and Vancouver, with charter service also available.
If this feels complicated, check out How to get to Salt Spring Island for a full breakdown.
How to get to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver?
Take the BC Ferries route from Tsawwassen Terminal (near Vancouver) to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island. This is the only reservable ferry to Salt Spring. Depending on the day and specific sailing, it may stop at other Gulf Islands and could take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours.
It’s highly recommended to book early, as sailings fill up fast in summer and during holidays.
How much does it cost? Plan to budget around $75 for a vehicle and $20 per adult (and fares are cheaper when you leave Salt Spring). Just keep in mind that prices and schedules are prone to change; check BC Ferries for schedules, rates, and reservations info.
How long is the ferry to Salt Spring Island?
The ferry ride to Salt Spring Island varies depending on where you are coming from:
- From Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Long Harbour, the trip takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on whether the ferry stops at other islands along the way.
- From Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Fulford Harbour, the sailing takes about 35 minutes.
- From Crofton to Vesuvius Bay it takes only 25 minutes.
Travel times can fluctuate, so it’s always best to check the current BC Ferries schedule before planning your trip.
Do you need a car on Salt Spring Island?
If you’re heading to Salt Spring without your own car, you have options! BC Transit offers seven regular bus routes around the island, to and from Ganges. Buses also meet (most) ferry arrivals at Vesuvius, Long Harbour, and Fulford. Check out BC Transit for route and schedule information.
For cyclists, Salt Spring has also become a very popular weekend bikepacking destination (try the Salt Spring Loop starting in Cowichan Valley). Although many island roads are winding and have no shoulders, there are now several quieter, marked bike routes and trails, making biking safer for everyone. (If you’ve never cycled the Gulf Islands, you’ll want to start here for a few local tips.)
Salt Spring also boasts a large (for an island) fleet of taxis. If you need a ride around the island, give Silver Taxi a call (250-537-3030). Most days, dispatch is available until at least 11 pm.
Honourable mention goes to Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Tours and Tour Salt Spring, two great tour companies offering transportation options for sightseeing, taking you both on and off the beaten track.
Where should I stay on Salt Spring Island?
No matter what flavour of accommodation you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it on Salt Spring. For a taste of bucolic farm life, check out Ruckle Heritage Farm, or for ocean views, book a few nights at The Cottages On Salt Spring Island, Skipping Stone Beach B&B, or Mineral Springs Resort, among countless others.
Camping? Head to Ruckle Provincial Park, Mowhinna Creek Campground, or Garden Faire Gallery Nursery & Campground. And for those heading here with kids, nothing beats a summer week spent at St Mary Lake Resort or Cusheon Lake Resort.
Again, this is just a taste. There are endless bed and breakfasts, boutique resorts, and vacation rentals ready to welcome you, along with the rest of your crew. But book ahead of your arrival, especially if you are travelling during the busier Spring through Fall seasons.
Where should I eat on Salt Spring Island?
Given Salt Springs’ agricultural history and food-to-table character, you’d probably need an encyclopedia to cover all the possible eateries here.
Outside of the endless farm stands hidden behind every twist in the road and the Saturday Market, you’ll find locally sourced flavors at Off the Hook by the Fernwood Dock, the Woodshed Provisions in Merchant Mews, and the Manor at Hastings House.
Around Ganges, take a peek at the menus at Cassette Dive Bar and Cafe, Auntie Pesto’s, True Love Pizza, The Treehouse, or the legendary Moby’s Pub. And no visit to Salt Spring is complete without stops at Salt Spring Island Cheese, Salt Spring Wild Cidery, and Francis Bread.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t be afraid to explore the breadth of Salt Springs’ foodie options.
Does Salt Spring Island have a gas station?
Yes! There are two gas stations on Salt Spring, both located around Ganges:
- Mid Island Co-op at 135 Rainbow Rd
- Canco Gas + One Stop Convenience at 149 Fulford-Ganges Rd
Does Salt Spring have a grocery store?
Trust that you won’t go hungry on Salt Spring. The main grocery stores are Country Grocer, a few minutes north of Ganges, and Thrifty’s, right in the village.
For more curated goods, stop by Natureworks or head to Merchant Mews for a sampling of some of the made-on-island boutique options.
Does Salt Spring have a pharmacy or clinic?
Salt Spring Island is the only Gulf Island with a hospital and an emergency room. It has several pharmacies located around Ganges and at Country Grocer. As always, for emergency services, dial 911.
Are there grizzly bears on Salt Spring Island?
There are no bears of any type on Salt Spring Island. Although the island was home to black bears, cougars, and wolves before the settlers arrived in the 1800s, they were very quickly killed off in confrontations with the new arrivals.
