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Vanislander / Landmarks / Islands / Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island on Vancouver island

Discover the Charm of Salt Spring Island : Escape to Salt Spring Island, the largest and most vibrant of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, renowned for its Saturday Market and thriving arts scene. Nestled in the Salish Sea, this island paradise is famous for its organic apple orchards, with over 450 heirloom varieties celebrated at the annual Salt Spring Apple Festival. Just a short ferry ride from Victoria or Nanaimo, Salt Spring offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit for families, couples, and solo travelers. Dive into our ultimate guide to plan your unforgettable island adventure! Explore more hidden gems in British Columbia.

Why Visit Salt Spring Island?

Salt Spring Island, named by early European explorers for its natural springs, has been a cultural hub for the Coast Salish peoples for millennia, with archaeological sites like midden pits reflecting their enduring presence. Today, it’s celebrated for its Saturday Market, one of the largest in British Columbia, and its apple orchards, which have thrived since the 1860s. Popular activities include hiking, kayaking, and exploring the island’s vibrant arts scene, with the highest per capita number of artisans in the Gulf Islands. Respectful visits to cultural sites deepen the experience.

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From Nanaimo to Salt spring Isand :

Salt Spring Island, Capital Regional District, BC, Canada | Duration: 1 hr 34 min (69.6 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1
 Route: Start at BC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal (680 Trans-Canada Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2X9).
Continue to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S (2 min, 500 m).
 Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to Henry Rd in Chemainus (31 min, 37.2 km).
 Take Chemainus Rd/BC-1A S and Crofton Rd to Crofton, BC - Vesuvius, BC (12 min, 10.5 km).
 Take the Crofton, BC - Vesuvius, BC ferry (32 min, 5.1 km).
Take Vesuvius Bay Rd, Lower Ganges Rd, Fulford-Ganges Rd, and Dukes Rd to your destination.
 Note: This route includes a ferry. Check BC Ferries for schedules.

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From Victoria to Salt Spring Island :

Duration: 1 hr 22 min (52.8 km) via Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17
 Route: Start at Victoria Harbour Ferry (Victoria, BC V8W 9A4).
 Take Fisgard St to Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 (3 min, 600 m).
Follow Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 to Swartz Bay, BC - Fulford Harbour, BC in North Saanich (31 min, 31.2 km).
Take the Swartz Bay, BC - Fulford Harbour, BC ferry (45 min, 10.2 km).
Continue on Fulford-Ganges Rd to your destination (14 min, 10.8 km).
 Note: This route includes a ferry and tolls. Check BC Ferries for schedules.
 For car-free travel, a shuttle bus from Fulford Harbour or hitchhiking (a safe local tradition) makes getting around easy. Parking is available at ferry terminals and major attractions.

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Things to Do on Salt Spring Islands Vancouver Island

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Surrounded by parks and its proximity to a live community is at least two of many reasons why you should come to Shawnigan lake. Not only wakeboarders and water-skiers will benefit from the waters of this lovely lake, but also paddlers are given the best chance to have a great time onboard.

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

If you are collecting a diary of diving experiences, it would be amazing to add your diving experience to HMCS Cape Breton. Wrecks of a sunk ship which has made the area a phenomenal diving location decorated with artificial reefs. The zone offers a spectacular site and undeniable diving opportunities, and it is accessible by boat. Not to mention the diverse sea life you would face there.

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.

Sidney Kayaking

Sidney Kayaking

Views of Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, besides appealing sea excursions, make Sidney a paradise for tourists and suitable for kayaking. Sidney's moderate Mediterranean climate with relatively low rainfall is the reason behind its popularity among paddling enthusiasts. Also, recreational sites around Sidney have made it an ideal place to make beautiful memories while exploring the incredible opportunities provided for you.

Madrona Point Diving

Madrona Point Diving

Being a famous diving zone. Madrona Point provides divers from all skill levels with undeniable diving opportunities within a short distance from Nanaimo. It includes three walls: Small, Mid, and Maze walls, of which an amazing marine life is observable near the Small wall and deep-diving near the Maze wall.

Gabriola Passage Diving

Gabriola Passage Diving

Hope to have a great adventure and do not fear new experiences. One of the best diving spots near Nanaimo downtown, accessible by both beach and ferries, offers a fantastic diving opportunity not to be forgotten easily. The mighty currents with great drifting experience increase the amazement of diving.

Victoria Diving

Victoria Diving

Extraordinary opportunities to make your diving experience memorable in the heart of Greater Victoria, including high-ranked spots for diving. These spots provide you with inevitable diving opportunities which allow you to explore the alien underwater world of Victoria's waters saturated with magnificent creatures. Do not miss it for the world.

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point is a part of Uplands Park in Victoria, runs along the coastline of Oak Bay. During falls and winters, especially November through March, the Cattle Point Storm Watching is an exhilarating experience. Watch storms smashing from spectacular vantage points as dark clouds blanket the sky, rains whipping, gusts of winds making barreling high waves.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

Get out of your comfort zone and go diving in one extraordinary place with quite a history behind it. The wreck of the Robert Kerr is the graveyard of a ship that sank about 200 years ago. Still, now it is a habitat for several marine creatures and offers excellent opportunities to dive deep and explore the underwater world.

Tips for Tourists visiting Salt Spring Island BC :

Make your Salt Spring Island trip authentic and sustainable with these insider tips:
 Shop Local: Visit the Saturday Market for organic produce, crafts, and heirloom apples.
Stay Eco-Friendly: Stick to marked trails in parks to protect ecosystems and respect wildlife.
Join Community Events: Attend the Salt Spring Apple Festival in October or summer art fairs for a cultural immersion.
Try Hitchhiking: Experience the island’s community spirit with safe, local hitchhiking, especially around Ganges.

Salt Spring Popular Events

Yes, Salt Spring Island hosts several popular events throughout the year that draw locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the most notable:

Salt Spring Island Saturday Market (April–October)

 Where: Ganges
What: One of the most iconic markets in BC, featuring local artisans, organic farmers, food vendors, and musicians. It's a must-do for any visitor.
Highlight: The "make it, bake it, or grow it" policy ensures everything is local.

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Salt Spring Island Apple Festival (October)

 What: Celebrates the island’s rich apple-growing heritage with over 300 varieties of apples, tastings, orchard tours, and family-friendly activities.
Highlight: Many rare and heritage apple varieties not found elsewhere.

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Salt Spring Film Festival (Spring)

 What: A documentary film festival featuring thought-provoking films from around the world.
Highlight: Known for its community vibe and post-screening discussions.

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Salt Spring National Art Prize (every two years)

What: A prestigious juried competition showcasing contemporary Canadian artists.
Highlight: Finalists’ work is displayed in a public gallery on the island.

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What you Can Expect to See Near Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island

Discover the Charm of Salt Spring Island : Escape to Salt Spring Island, the largest and most vibrant of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, renowned for its Saturday Market and thriving arts scene. Nestled in the Salish Sea, this island paradise is famous for its organic apple orchards, with over 450 heirloom varieties celebrated at the annual Salt Spring Apple Festival. Just a short ferry ride from Victoria or Nanaimo, Salt Spring offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit for families, couples, and solo travelers. Dive into our ultimate guide to plan your unforgettable island adventure! Explore more hidden gems in British Columbia.

St Mary Lake

St Mary Lake

Discover the serene beauty of St Mary Lake—a gem in the Capital Regional District of BC that offers a perfect blend of water sports, hiking, camping, and cultural heritage. Nestled amid lush forests and sparkling waters, St Mary Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat on Vancouver Island

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach in Victoria is where the blue of the sea and sky and the Olympic Mountains at a distance is situated in a perfect picture. There are hills along the beach to stand on for a wide view. Walk on the sands and pebbles with the driftwoods around on the beach. Listen to the waves, walk on the shoreline, and have the storm watching pleasure in the fall and winter.

McNeill Bay

McNeill Bay

McNeill Bay has plenty of benches along the seawall to sit and enjoy the landscape of Trial Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Olympic Mountain. Do exciting water activities on McNeill Bay Beach and experience its wonderful esplanade and photogenic scenery. It is considered one of the fantastic off-leash dog beaches in Victoria.

Duncan

Duncan

The city of Duncan is famous for its totem collection. Duncan's tourist attractions and activities include shops and restaurants, great vineyards, kayaking the rivers and ocean, hiking the Trans Canada Trail, or the farmers' market. The city offers Cowichan Performing Arts Centre with amazing shows, restaurants, pubs, and Duncan Showroom (a live music venue) for entertainment.

Langford

Langford

Langford is a city on the south coast of Vancouver Island and heaven for golfers. You can stay at lodgings and play at challenging hillside courses and enjoy yourself at luxurious advantages like the Amatista Spa. Beautiful parks surround the city, so go hiking through scenic forests or have peaceful moments beside lakes. Langford offers shops, family activities, sheep farms, and a bike park.

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay is a small scenic bay with a crescent-shaped beach. Its sandy beach is often quiet and peaceful. Walking on the Gonzales Bay beach near the ocean can help to release the world's anxiety. Lie on the beach and see the peaks of Olympic Mountain and enjoy the Mediterrane climate. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach from September through May.

Ladysmith

Ladysmith

Ladysmith is a historic town famous for monuments, battlefields, and memorials commemorating. Tourism in Ladysmith is based on natural beauties like waterfall, great parks, scenic hiking trails, and fun-filled events suitable for all ages. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August. Enjoy many good restaurants and pubs where you can have a drink or a nice meal.

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens is a place for history enthusiasts and gardens and interior design lovers. It is a 19th-century Victorian home and garden full of everything nostalgic to you. As one of Victoria's oldest homes, it is located overlooking the scenic and historic Selkirk Water/Gorge Waterway. It includes vegetables, cut flowers, a small fruit orchard, and a greenhouse.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria or AGGV is home to artworks from talented artists of Canada and Asia. The building complex of the gallery includes the Spencer Mansion and the exhibition galleries. It also has gardens with a Japanese Shinto shrine. The art gallery is kid-friendly, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The gift shop has gorgeous merchandise.

The Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum

Located in Victoria, the Royal BC Museum is one of Canada's most significant cultural and historical treasures. It showcases natural wonders and includes artifacts, documents, specimens, and everything slightly relevant to British Columbia's natural and human history. The museum also provides a dynamic forum and a safe space for discussion and reflection.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

Miniature World

Miniature World

Miniature World is among the top ten attractions in Victoria. It is the World of Smallness, the World of Story Books, and the World of Fact, Fiction, and Fantasy. It presents villages with different themes such as Camelot or the World's Smallest Operational Sawmill or Space 2201 AD and Avian 1 Spaceship. Miniature World is so unique that you may want to visit it every time you're in Victoria.

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.

Best Time to Visit Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island shines year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. Summer (June–August) is ideal for the Saturday Market and outdoor activities, while fall (September–October) brings the Apple Festival and fewer crowds. Spring offers mild weather for hiking, and winter provides cozy retreats and storm-watching.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Trail open; most campsites operational.

Increasing number of hikers; moderate weather.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for variable weather.

Accommodation on Salt Spring Island

Nestled on 22 oceanfront acres, this charming retreat blends historic, old-world elegance with 18 well-appointed suites and cottages, renowned dining, and relaxing spa treatments. Ideal for couples, it offers a luxurious escape with farm-to-table dining.

Top Things to Do on Salt Spring Islands

Unforgettable Activities for Every Traveler ;Salt Spring Island offers a diverse range of activities blending adventure and culture:

Hiking and Cycling

Hike to the summit of Mount Maxwell for breathtaking views or cycle the scenic roads around Ganges. Bike rentals are available, and the island’s compact size makes it ideal for two-wheeled exploration.

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Kayaking and Paddleboarding

The calm waters of Ganges and Fulford Harbours are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent gear in Ganges or join a guided tour to spot seals and bald eagles. Check tides for a safe paddle.

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Art Tours

Visit artisan studios showcasing soaps, candles, and glass starfish, or attend the Salt Spring Studio Tour.

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Hitchhiking Experience

Embrace the island’s unique culture by trying the safe, community-driven hitchhiking tradition.

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Check out the Ganges villages

Ganges is the  largest village and business center on Salt spring Island, a part of the Gulf Islands, which is accessible from Vancouver Island by ferry.

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Most Frequent Questions about Salt Spring Island

 A 2–3 day trip is ideal to explore Ganges, Ruckle Provincial Park, and the Saturday Market. Day trips from Victoria or Nanaimo work for a quick visit to key attractions.
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Arina Akhoundi

2025 May 12

Festival & Events: Don't Miss Out!

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