From downtown Vancouver it’s a 36 km drive to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, then one boat to Salt Spring Island. That’s the whole trip. In summer the island is busy: the Saturday Market draws crowds and the ferry line-ups get long. Come in winter and the harbour and the trails are still here, with a lot more room on both. You also get rain on the windows and a fireplace to watch it from.

Getting to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver

The Tsawwassen terminal sits at the southwest end of Highway 17 in Delta. From there, BC Ferries sails to Long Harbour on Salt Spring’s east side, a 10-minute drive from Ganges.

Winter means fewer sailings. In mid-November 2026 there were two or three a day in each direction. Most stopped at Galiano, Mayne or Pender along the way, which stretches the crossing to somewhere between two and three hours; the occasional non-stop takes under an hour and a half. The timetable shifts through the season, so look up your dates before you plan anything else: Tsawwassen to Long Harbour on the way over, Long Harbour to Tsawwassen for the trip home.

Reserve if you’re bringing a car. With only a few boats a day, missing one can cost you an afternoon.

If the Long Harbour times don’t work, there’s a second way in. Take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, near Victoria, then the short crossing to Fulford Harbour and a drive north to Ganges. Our Salt Spring Island ferry guide compares all three routes.

Friday: take whichever boat you can get

Mariner’s Loft has self-check-in, so a late sailing is fine. Nobody is waiting up at a front desk. If your boat lands after dark, bring dinner from the city; every suite has a full kitchen. Turn on the gas fireplace, and that’s Friday done.

Saturday: the village, a walk, a long dinner

Ganges village is a short walk from the suites. The Saturday Market runs from April to October, but it comes back for three Winter Markets in the Park in December. In 2026 those are December 5, 12 and 19, from 10 am to 3 pm in Centennial Park. A week earlier, the Fulford Artisan Christmas Fair (November 28 and 29, 2026) has 45 vendors at the south end of the island.

Then get outside while there’s light. In December the sun is down before half past four. Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park has the island’s best-known view, and on a clear winter day it’s worth the drive. For something gentler, Ruckle Provincial Park has coastal trails over rocky headlands. Wear boots that can take some mud.

If it’s pouring, our rainy day guide has the indoor options. Studios and galleries often keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you drive across the island.

For dinner, start with the restaurants and cafés on our things to do page. Book ahead on a Saturday night. It’s a small island, and the good tables go.

Sunday: a slow morning, then home

Have your coffee by the window and watch the harbour wake up. If it’s dry, the balcony is fine in a sweater. Check the return sailings again before you pack the car, because winter timetables can be thin on a Sunday afternoon.

Better still, stay Sunday night. You swap the Sunday ferry for a Monday one, and the island is at its quietest midweek.

What winter weather to expect

Mild and wet. Between November and March, daytime highs average 6 to 10°C and nights sit around 2 to 4°C. November, December and January each bring rain on about 20 days. Snow is rare: December and January each average around 10 cm, usually over a day or two. Those figures are Environment Canada’s 1981–2010 climate normals for the island, and our Salt Spring Island weather guide has the month-by-month picture.

Where to stay

Mariner’s Loft is seven ocean-view condos perched above Ganges Harbour, a short walk from the village. Choose a 2-bedroom suite (about 1,250 sq ft) or the 3-bedroom penthouse on the top floor (about 2,025 sq ft). Every suite has a gas fireplace, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, a BBQ on the balcony or patio, and parking on site.

Dogs are welcome at $45 per pet per night, up to two per suite. Register them before you arrive and you’ll find a bed, bowls and towels waiting.

Check winter availability and book direct

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island?

Non-stop sailings from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour take under an hour and a half. Most winter sailings stop at Galiano, Mayne or Pender first, which makes the trip two to three hours. Check the BC Ferries timetable for your dates.

Is Salt Spring Island worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you want quiet. The trails and the harbour are still here, the island is far less busy than in summer, and December brings the Winter Markets in the Park. Some seasonal businesses close or shorten their hours, so check ahead.

Does it snow on Salt Spring Island?

Not often. December and January each average around 10 cm of snow, usually over a day or two, and it rarely stays on the ground.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. BC Ferries carries dogs, and Mariner’s Loft welcomes them at $45 per pet per night, up to two per suite, registered before arrival. Dogs aren’t allowed at the Saturday Market or in Centennial Park, so plan your market time around that.