Salt Spring Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Enviro Foto/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Enviro Foto/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 CA $449 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $449
CA $517 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (517 reviews)
"Great location, lovely rooms, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Harbour House Hotel
Garden cottage
Garden cottage
saltspring island
The price is CA $250 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
CA $250
CA $440 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Weston and Salt Spring Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Beautiful, Quiet, and Peaceful
"It was incredibly beatiful, quiet, and peaceful! Loved every minute of it!"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Garden cottage
Wetherly Inn
Wetherly Inn
3.5 out of 5
169 Armand Way, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and Salt ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Tucked in the forest, down a country lane is the Wetherley Inn, a complete gem of a Inn/B n B. It features a stunning garden including a pool worthy of a French Chateau picture, pond, streams, fountains and gardens full of bees, butterflies and other woodland creatures. It was magical.The rooms a ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Wetherly Inn
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.
Garden cottage
Garden cottage
saltspring island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Weston and Salt Spring Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Beautiful, Quiet, and Peaceful
"It was incredibly beatiful, quiet, and peaceful! Loved every minute of it!"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Garden cottage
100 Year-Old Log Cabin Lovingly Restored - With New Bathroom And Kitchenette
100 Year-Old Log Cabin Lovingly Restored - With New Bathroom And Kitchenette
Salt Spring Island
Stay at this cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Saltspring Marina and Ganges Marina are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
Cabin
"We had a lovely stay in a small garden setting. The bread was delicious and everything was clean and cozy. It was within walking distance of most places in Ganges."

Reviewed on Jun. 16, 2025

100 Year-Old Log Cabin Lovingly Restored - With New Bathroom And Kitchenette
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Westover Bed and Breakfasts
Salt Spring Island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free breakfast, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Saltspring Marina and Ganges Marina are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"We loved the quiet and simplicity of this little forest retreat. Every day started with a shower on the deck to the sound of birds, and ended with frogs singing at night. The cabin is thoughtfully appointed with so many cozy details. It really felt like coming home at the end of every day."

Reviewed on Jun. 6, 2025

Westover Bed and Breakfasts
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

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
54
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful beaches and the hiking is excellent. I found the locals to be .... snobby? Uppity? Whatever it is in general they aren’t overly friendly. But we had a great time exploring and enjoying the beautiful weather.

5/5 - Excellent

Corinne

Salt Spring Island is a fun and funky place to visit. Lots of great choices for food and accommodation as well as lots to do and see. Highly recommend it.

5/5 - Excellent

JanL

We really enjoyed Ruckle Provincial Park. There are soooo many art studios etc to visit, so if that is your thing then this is the place! Lots of organic foods and farm to fork options. And a gluten free bakery! Fun island!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Salt Spring Island is such a mystical place. It will fill your soul

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Salt spring island is a perfect getaway place! Highly recommended.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

lots of shops and artisans to see. The island could use more eating establishments.

Cities near Salt Spring Island