Things to Do
Check out our Activity Guide for things to do on Salt Spring Island
what to do on salt spring island
THE PERFECT DAY ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
In and out for a quick trip?
We have the perfect island day planned for you.
Start your morning off with coffee and a pastry or a delicious smoothie from Barb’s Buns where you can sip artisanally made drinks.
After you’ve fueled up, hike through the magical trees of Mount Erskine, or drive up Mount Maxwell to enjoy an incredible view.
Treat yourself with an afternoon at Solace Organic Spa’s Hydrotherapy Circuit, featuring an infrared sauna, forest hot tub, and cold plunge pool. A private experience, you’ll really feel the relaxation of the island here.
Now that you’re all mellow, enjoy a wine tasting at one of Salt Spring Island’s wineries. We recommend a visit to Salt Spring Vineyards to taste their Ortega, which gives off flavours of passionfruit, lychee and nectarine.
End your island day with a decadent meal at Auntie Pesto’s. Featuring fresh local ingredients and a waterfront view, this is a place you don’t want to miss.
what to do on salt spring island
THE PERFECT WEEKEND ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
Here for the weekend? Make it memorable by exploring some of the best of what Salt Spring has to offer.
Begin your day with coffee and breakfast at Tree House Cafe. Featuring wholesome food prepared from scratch, you’ll enjoy your morning in an old heritage cottage from the 1920s.
Make your way to the Salt Spring Market* and experience over 85 vendors, including farmers, food and craft. (*seasonal)
Enjoy dinner at Moby’s, featuring live music to dance and jive to on weekends.
Ready for day two? You’ll need coffee first, so make sure to stop at Switchboard Cafe which is in a heritage building within walking distance from Mariner’s Loft.
Keep the weekend going on a high note with whale watching offered by Salt Spring Adventures. This area is known for sightings of orca, humpbacks and sea lions.
Worked up an appetite? Visit Salt Spring Wild Cider, featuring a covered outdoor patio. Enjoy a flight at this craft cidery which uses apples sourced from locals for a real island taste. Must try the homemade salty potato chips hot from the fryer!
Head to the Lavender & Black farm and learn how lavender is grown, cultivated, dried and turned into essential oil. Don’t forget to visit their shop to leave with a lavender body lotion, tea, or linen spray.
Hungry? Make sure to sneak in one last island meal and head to True Love Woodfire Pizza Cart for a pizza pie.
activities
| SALT SPRING MARKET | Discover local farmers and artisans every Tuesday and Saturday (seasonally) at this 85 vendor market. |
| SALT SPRING STUDIO TOUR | Watch artists while they work, try on some unique jewellery, or attend a wine tasting |
| TOUR SALT SPRING | Four different tours to choose from, including wine tasting and sightseeing. Custom tours available |
| SOLACE ORGANIC SPA | An all-natural, organic boutique day spa offering exceptional professional massage and a variety of holistic spa therapies in a beautiful zen forest garden. |
| SALT SPRING ADVENTURES | Offering whale watching, SUP and kayak rentals. The best on the island |
| SALT SPRING ISLAND GOLF CLUB | The island’s premier golfing destination. |
| SALT SPRING PADDLE BOARD CO | Located at beautiful Beddis beach. |
| MOBILE THERAPEUTICS & DAY SPA | Spa and massage services that come to you! Available for parties of up to four, perfect for a weekend with friends. |
parks + hikes
Salt Spring Island is famous for its remarkable environment featuring mystical rainforest and sandstone shores.
- RUCKLE PROVINCIAL PARK
- BURGOYNE BAY PROVINCIAL PARK
- MT. MAXWELL PROVINCIAL PARK
- MT. ERSKINE PROVINCIAL PARK
- CHANNEL RIDGE TRAIL NETWORK
- CUSHEON LAKE
- VESUVIUS BAY BEACH
- NATURE CONSERVANCY TRAILS
food + coffee
| TREE HOUSE CAFE | Located in an old heritage home, enjoy a sandwich, espresso or pint on the terrace under the plum tree on a sunny afternoon, or come on a summer evening, when live music is a regular feature. |
| BARB’S BAKERY & BISTRO | Attracting artists and artisans, farmers, foodies and families with soups, salads, sandwiches and more. |
| MOBY’S PUB | Enjoy live music here on weekends. |
| TOUR SALT SPRING | Four different tours to choose from, including wine tasting and sightseeing. Custom tours available |
| BUZZY’S LUNCHEONETTE | Real Montreal smoked meat made by the island’s own Hollywood comedy writer. |
| DOS AMORES TORTILLERIA | Authentic Mexican takeaway. |
| HOUSE PICCOLO | Uniquely housed in a heritage building, this restaurant is one for food and wine lovers alike. |
| AUNTIE PESTO’S CAFE | Offering a unique seasonal menu that features local ingredients. |
| FERNWOOD CAFE | Large patio space offers sea views and access to beach walks. |
| SWITCHBOARD CAFE | Hip cafe offering guest roasters and delicious paninis. |
| SEASIDE | Known by locals as the best seafood restaurant on the island specializing in fish and chips. |
| ROCKSALT RESTAURANT AND CAFE | Baked goods and wraps are offered in the cafe, while the restaurant includes a 180-degree ocean view dining room |
groceries + liquor
| SALT SPRING SHINE CRAFT DISTILLERY | Small batch spirits made with 100% BC honey. |
| SWEETWATER DISTILLING CO. | Just up the mountain on Toynbee Rd. Open Wednesday to Saturday |
| UPPER GANGES LIQUOR STORE | Best selection and open 7 days a week. |
| SALT SPRING BREWERY | Our island brewery – just off of Fulford-Ganges. |
| THRIFTY FOODS & LIQUOR | Walking distance from Mariner’s Loft. |
| SALT SPRING NATUREWORKS | Locally owned, grocery store. Open Tuesday – Saturday |
| COUNTRY GROCER | Located in Upper Ganges |
beer, wine + cider
| SALT SPRING ISLAND ALES | Highly flavourful small-batch beers using high-quality malted barley and local hops.
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| SALT SPRING WILD CIDER | Artisanal craft ciders made from the heritage apples and pears grown on Salt Spring Island. |
| GARRY OAKS WINERY | Seven acres offering Estate grown and bottled wines, meaning they grow their grapes sustainably and only bottle what they grow. |
| SALT SPRING VINEYARDS WINERY | Island wines that tend to be dry and crisp. They offer a selection of tastes ranging from traditional champenoise- style sparkling, whites, reds, pinks and dessert wines |
| SALT SPRING SHINE CRAFT DISTILLERY | Small batch spirits crafted with 100% B.C. honey. |
local farms + food experiences
*Seasonal. Check before you go!
| SALT SPRING ISLAND CHEESE CO. | Family owned and operated, with handmade cheese using traditional methods and only natural ingredients. |
| SALT SPRING ARTISAN VINEGAR | Artisan vinegar made with fruit from local orchards. |
| LAVENDER & BLACK | Lavender Farm and store. |
| NORTH END FARM | Hearty selection of in-season farm grown produce, eggs, and lamb. |
| THE WOOD SHED/HAIDEE HEART | A beautiful stand of upper end picnic essentials, as well as soups, cakes, and scones. |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW VEGAN BAKERY | Plan your day around their cinnamon buns! |
| BARB’S BAKING STAND | Locally loved bagels, cheese twists, bread and the BEST dark chocolate brownies. |
| BULLOCK LAKE FARM | Seasonal farm produce and exceptional flowers. |
| FRANCIS BREAD | Set your alarm clock for the Saturday Sesame Bread! Order online and pick up at their gallery space or at Bullock Lake Farm |
| LAUGHING DAUGHTERS GLUTEN FREE FOODS | A well established baker offering cookies, cakes, granola, and bread you can order online. |
| NELLIE’S | Looking for a delicious meal delivery? Look no further. Sign up for their newsletter and be enchanted by their process with the “weekend meal”. |
| THE SALTY WHISK | Need a custom cake for a special occasion? Gluten Free available here too! need an amazing custom cake? |
| LULU’S APRON | Offering specialty catered dinners and events. |
shopping
| SALT SPRING NATUREWORKS | The island’s natural foods store. |
| SALT SHOP | Canadian-made West Coast clothing designs. |
| TWANG AND PEARL | Contemporary womens clothing and accessories. |
| POD CONTEMPORARY | Curated women’s clothing. |
| THE POTTERY | Pottery shop and studio located in Fulford Village. |
| CEDAR MOUNTAIN | Thoughtful selection of cards, jewelry, and home decor. |
| MONDO AND COMPANY | Eclectic mix of gifts and decor. |
| MOUATS TRADING COMPANY LTD | An island shopping staple, from clothing, kitchen, hardware and toys. |
