Suggested itinerary: Salt Spring
Salt Spring Island is, more often than not, the first introduction people have to the Gulf Islands. And what an introduction it is! Bucolic farmland, kookie artists, and plenty of made-on-island goods to discover. If you have ferry reservations, here is the quintessential Salt Spring Island itinerary to serve as your weekend inspiration.
Day 1: Arrival on Salt Spring Island
Morning to Early Afternoon
Plan to catch a ferry from Vancouver or Victoria that arrives mid-morning or early afternoon. This will give you plenty of time to ease into your Salt Spring weekend. Head to your accommodation and take a moment to unpack and settle in.
And remember, you have plenty of time, so if you happen to drive past one of the island’s dozens of farm stands, you definitely should stop, poke around, and see what’s on offer.
Afternoon
Once you’re settled, it’s time to sample what Salt Spring has to offer: everything locally grown and made. Why not head to a local tasting?
- Salt Spring Island Brewing Co for a tasting flight of local beer with views of Mount Maxwell
- Salt Spring Wild Cider to sample unique ciders made from island-grown fruit
- Garry Oaks Winery or Kutatás Wines for wine tastings overlooking the famous agricultural landscape of the island
For those visiting with children or who prefer an alcohol-free afternoon, spend an hour sampling cheeses and more at Salt Spring Island Cheese. Learn about cheese making, and maybe even meet the makers (aka the goats!).
Evening
As the day winds down, you have two options for dinner: sourcing locally produced goodies to cook at your accommodation or dining out at one of Salt Spring’s restaurants:
Option 1: Dine in
Stop by Country Grocer, Thrifty Foods, or Natureworks to stock up on ingredients. Bonus points for shopping at South End Sausage and The Saturday Market (if you’re visiting on the weekend), and local shops offer fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and island-raised meats. Don’t forget to grab a few locally brewed beverages from the liquor store’s BC section to pair with your meal.
Option 2: Dine out
If cooking wasn’t on your Salt Spring bingo card this weekend, the island has you covered with plenty of options for all tastes and dietary needs.
- Tree House Café (Central) for farm-to-table comfort food in a magical garden setting
- Off the Hook (North End) for a seafood and sushi-focused meal with frequent pop-up menus
- Rock Salt Restaurant & Café (South End) to enjoy a local favourite, with casual dining featuring local ingredients and waterfront views
After dinner, head back to your accommodation for a quiet evening. Pour yourself a nightcap, step outside, listen to the chorus of frogs, and let Salt Spring work its magic.
Day 2: Explore Ganges and the Saturday Market
Morning
Start your Salt Spring Island day 2 itinerary slowly. Spend the morning over a coffee, and don’t rush it. By mid-morning, you’ll want to head into Ganges.
If you’re visiting on any given Saturday between April and October, you’re in for a treat: the Salt Spring Saturday Market in Centennial Park is an island institution.
The market’s philosophy is hyperlocal: “Make it, Bake it, Grow it.” Everything you see here is genuinely local, from fresh-baked croissants and organic vegetables to handcrafted jewellery and original artwork. Arrive hungry and graze your way through the food vendors for a late breakfast or early lunch.
But no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find most businesses open in Ganges on Saturdays.
Afternoon
After the market, spend the afternoon exploring Ganges’ eclectic boutiques and shops. This holds even if you missed the seasonal market days. Wander the village streets, pop into Mahon Hall to see rotating art exhibitions or craft markets, and browse the many galleries showcasing work by Salt Spring’s talented artist community.
You’ll find everything from handmade pottery and local art to gourmet foods and one-of-a-kind gifts. Now is your time to bring a piece of Salt Spring home to friends, family — and maybe even your own pantry.
Evening
As the day winds down, treat yourself to dinner with a view. Ganges’ waterfront restaurants offer the perfect setting to wrap up your Salt Spring itinerary, day 2:
- Auntie Pesto’s Café offers Italian-inspired dishes with harbour views and a cozy, welcoming space.
- Oystercatcher Seafood Bar & Grill features fresh seafood and pub fare, with an epic patio overlooking the marina.
- Moby’s is Salt Spring’s legendary pub with a menu filled with comfort foods and the famous duck wings. Catch live music on the weekends.
Bonus! Catch a Salt Spring Event!
Salt Spring is famous for its vibrant, quirky arts community, and there’s almost always something exciting happening on the weekends. Experience live music, theatre performances, art openings, and only-on-Salt Spring community gatherings.
Check local event listings or ask around at the market or in shops. You might stumble onto an intimate concert, a gallery opening, or an impromptu drum circle.
Day 3: Wander trails and beaches
Morning
Assuming you’re catching an end-of-day ferry back to the mainland or heading onward to another Gulf Island, it’s time to venture beyond Ganges and explore Salt Spring’s bucolic beauty. Spend the morning hiking one of the island’s stunning trails—there’s something for everyone:
Ruckle Provincial Park
Perfect for a more leisurely morning walk, Ruckle offers relatively flat, beautiful trails that meander along the rugged coastline. Expect ocean views, rocky shorelines dotted with arbutus trees, and plenty of secluded coves for a sneaky ocean dip. The park also has heritage farmland where sheep still graze, along with a year-round farm stand.
Mount Erskine Provincial Park
A local favourite, Mount Erskine is known for two things: the “fairy doors” hidden along the trail (a delightful surprise, especially for kids) and the epic summit views overlooking Vancouver Island. The shorter loop takes about an hour, and there are several trail options for different hiking levels. For a little bit of effort, the payoff at the top is worth it.
Afternoon
After your hike, it’s time to take it to the ocean. Pack a picnic (grab supplies from one of yesterday’s market vendors or stop by a local café for takeaway) and head to one of Salt Spring’s beautiful beaches:
- Beddis Beach: Calm, family-friendly, with stunning sunset potential
- Vesuvius Beach: A local hangout with warm water and a laid-back energy (Plus, you’ll have views of the nearby ferry departures.)
- Sunset Drive Beach: Small and quiet with surprisingly warm water, ideal for a peaceful lunch by the water
As your Salt Spring itinerary day 3 comes to a close, make your way slowly back to the ferry terminal. For Long Harbour, you’ll want a reservation, but for all the others, it’s usually suggested to give yourself 45 minutes to an hour before departure.
On the ferry home, take a moment to ask yourself: how do you feel after a heart-filling weekend spent on Salt Spring? Hopefully, this Salt Spring itinerary connected you with the island’s agriculture, creative community, stunning natural landscapes, and a much-needed slower pace of life.
