# Things to do > Plan your Ganges getaway: Salt Spring Market, beaches, forest walks, studios, and dining minutes from Mariner’s Loft. Source: https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/about-us/things-to-do/ Updated: 2026-08-18T18:01:07+00:00 Site: Mariner's Loft Salt Spring Island — +1-604-968-6565 --- Activity Guide # Things to Do In Salt Spring Island The Perfect Day Trip ## Salt Spring Island in 1 Day ![Mount Erskine](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mount-Erskine-570x380.webp) Morning ### Breakfast at Barb’s Buns and hike the Mount Erskine In and out for a quick trip? 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. [![Arbutus Thermal Spa](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/10414b_09c7e6fbbaf3452192c45fce5dbf54dbmv2-1-570x380.png)](https://www.arbutusview.com/) Afternoon ### Arbutus Thermal Spa Nestled in the heart of nature, Arbutus View Thermal Spa offers a private and rejuvenating outdoor spa experience. Enjoy the benefits of hot and cold hydrotherapy in one of our two unique thermal circuits Nordic and Salish – each with a sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and shower. [Arbutus Thermal Spa](https://www.arbutusview.com/) ![Solace Organic Spa’s Hydrotherapy Circuit](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Solace-Organic-Spas-Hydrotherapy-Circuit-570x380.jpg) Afternoon ### Spa 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. ![Auntie Pesto’s](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Auntie-Pestos-570x380.webp) Evening ### Wine Tasting and Dinner 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. The Perfect Weekend ## Salt Spring Island for the Weekend ![Salt Spring Market](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Salt-Spring-Market-570x380.webp) Day 1 ### Breakfast and Market 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. ![Whale Watching](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Whale-Watching-570x380.jpg) Day 2 – Morning ### Breakfast and Whale Watching 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. ![Salt Spring Wild Cider](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Salt-Spring-Wild-Cider-570x380.jpg) Day 2 – Lunch ### Craft Cidery 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! ![Lavender & Black](https://marinersloftsaltspring.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lavender-Black-570x380.webp) Day 2 – Afternoon ### Lavender Farm and Pizza 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 ## Things To Do In Salt Spring Island | [ARBUTUS THERMAL SPA](https://www.arbutusview.com/) | Nestled in the heart of nature, Arbutus View Thermal Spa offers a private and rejuvenating outdoor spa experience. Enjoy the benefits of hot and cold hydrotherapy in one of our two unique thermal circuits – Nordic and Salish – each with a sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and shower. | | --- | --- | | [SALT SPRING MARKET](https://www.saltspringmarket.com) | Discover local farmers and artisans every Tuesday and Saturday (seasonal) at this 85-vendor market. | | [SALT SPRING STUDIO TOUR](https://saltspringstudiotour.com) | Watch artists at work, try on unique jewellery, or stop in for a wine tasting. | | [TOUR SALT SPRING](https://toursaltspring.com/) | Choose from four guided tours, including wine tasting and sightseeing. Custom tours available. | | [SOLACE ORGANIC SPA](https://www.solaceorganicspa.com/) | All-natural, organic boutique day spa with professional massage and holistic therapies in a zen forest garden. | | [SALT SPRING ADVENTURES](http://saltspringadventures.com/) | Whale watching, SUP, and kayak rentals—an island favorite for on-the-water fun. | | [SALT SPRING ISLAND GOLF CLUB](https://saltspringgolf.com) | The island’s premier golfing destination. | | [SALT SPRING PADDLE BOARD CO](https://saltspringpaddleboard.com/) | Based at beautiful Beddis Beach with easy access to calm shoreline paddling. | | [MOBILE THERAPEUTICS & DAY SPA](https://mobiletherapeuticssaltspringisland.com/) | Spa and massage services that come to you—book for groups up to four for a relaxing weekend in. | | [REEL ACTION CHARTERS](http://www.ssireelaction.ca/) | Customized fishing charters aboard a custom 24ft Northwest aluminum boat, with a fully enclosed heated cabin and private marine toilet. Up-to-date fishing equipment provided, comfortable for up to four guests. Grab your fishing license and let them take care of the rest. | Solace Organic Spa Salt Spring Island Studio Tour Salt Spring Island Paddle Board Company Hidden Gems ## Food and Coffee | [TREE HOUSE CAFE](https://www.treehousecafe.ca/) | Heritage-home cafe for sandwiches, espresso, and a terrace under the plum tree. Live music on summer evenings. | | --- | --- | | [BARB’S BAKERY & BISTRO](http://www.barbsbakeryandbistro.ca/) | A local favorite for soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked treats—welcoming artists, farmers, foodies, and families. | | [MOBY’S PUB](https://mobyspub.ca/) | Casual pub vibes with live music on weekends. | | [THE COFFEE CAN](https://thelittlecoffeecan.ca/) | A Sea-Can turned coffee shop, open seasonally April–October. | | [BUZZY’S LUNCHEONETTE](https://www.buzzys.ca/) | Real Montreal smoked meat—crafted by the island’s own Hollywood comedy writer. | | [SALT SPRING INN](https://saltspringinn.com/#restaurant) | One of Salt Spring’s classic dining rooms with a global, crowd-pleasing menu. | | [CASSETTE](https://www.cassettecafebar.com/) | “Service Station for the Lighthearted” — playful food, drinks, and energy. | | [AUNTIE PESTO’S CAFE](https://auntiepestos.com/) | A seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients and island flavors. | | [FEAST](https://thehenandhound.com/feast) | Single-origin, traceable food from real farms within ~100 km—made by real humans. | | [OFF THE HOOK](https://offthehookrestaurant.ca/) | Seafood-forward plates, creative pop-up dinners, and a team celebrating coastal BC’s bounty. | | [SEASIDE](https://seasiderestaurantsaltspring.com/) | Seafood specialists—well-loved for fish and chips on the island. | | [ROCKSALT RESTAURANT & CAFE](https://rocksaltrestaurant.com/#) | Baked goods and wraps in the cafe; a 180° ocean-view dining room in the restaurant. | Tree House Cafe Buzzy’s Luncheonette The Little Coffee Can Hidden Gems ## Groceries and Liquor | [SALT SPRING SHINE CRAFT DISTILLERY](http://www.saltspringshine.com) | Small-batch spirits made with 100% BC honey. | | --- | --- | | [SWEETWATER DISTILLING CO.](http://sweetwaterdistilling.ca) | Up the mountain on Toynbee Rd. Open Wednesday–Saturday. | | [UPPER GANGES LIQUOR STORE](https://uppergangesliquorstore.com/) | Broad selection, open 7 days a week. | | [SALT SPRING BREWERY](https://www.saltspringbrewing.com) | Local island brewery just off Fulford–Ganges Rd. | | [VOYAGE LIQUOR](https://www.voyageliquor.com/) | Walking distance from Mariner’s Loft. | | [SALT SPRING NATUREWORKS](https://saltspringnatureworks.com) | Locally owned grocery & health foods. Open Tuesday–Saturday. | | [COUNTRY GROCER](https://www.countrygrocer.com/locations/salt-spring-island/) | Full-service grocery in Upper Ganges. | Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery Sweetwater Distilling Co. Salt Spring Brewing Hidden Gems ## Local farms + Food experiences *Seasonal. Check before you go! | [SALT SPRING ISLAND CHEESE CO.](http://saltspringcheese.com/) | Family-owned, handmade cheeses using traditional methods and natural ingredients. | | --- | --- | | [SALT SPRING ARTISAN VINEGAR](https://saltspringvinegar.com/) | Small-batch fruit vinegars crafted from local orchard harvests. | | [LAVENDER & BLACK](https://www.lavenderandblack.ca/#/) | Boutique lavender farm and shop. | | [NORTH END FARM](https://www.facebook.com/northendfarmssi/) | In-season produce, eggs, and lamb from a working island farm. | | [THE WOODSHED](https://www.woodshedprovisions.com/) | Curated local goods, produce, and ready-to-enjoy meals. | | [SALT SPRING SEA SALT](https://www.saltspringseasalt.com/) | Hand-harvested fleur de sel, infused with locally sourced ingredients. | | [FRANCIS BREAD](https://francisbread.com/) | Beloved bakery—don’t miss the Saturday Sesame Bread (order ahead). | | [MOONSHINE MAMA’S](https://moonshinemamas.ca/) | Revitalizing turmeric elixirs made with organic ginger and honey on Salt Spring. | | [TRUE LOVE PIZZA](https://www.truelovepizza.com/) | Family-run, wood-fired pies—crafted with island spirit. | Salt Spring Island Cheese Salt Spring Artisan Vinegar Salt Spring Sea Salt Hidden Gems ## Beer, Wine, and Cider | [SALT SPRING ISLAND ALES](http://www.saltspringislandales.com/) | Highly flavourful small-batch beers made with quality malted barley and local hops. | | --- | --- | | [SALT SPRING WILD CIDER](http://www.saltspringwildcider.com/) | Artisanal ciders pressed from heritage apples and pears grown on Salt Spring. | | [GARRY OAKS WINERY](http://garryoakswinery.com/) | Estate-grown, estate-bottled wines—sustainably farmed and produced on-site. | | [SALT SPRING VINEYARDS WINERY](https://www.saltspringvineyards.com/) | Dry, crisp island wines with tastings of sparkling, whites, reds, rosé, and dessert styles. | | [SALT SPRING SHINE CRAFT DISTILLERY](https://saltspringshine.com/) | Small-batch spirits crafted with 100% B.C. honey. | Salt Spring Wild Cider House Garry Oaks Estate Winery Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery Hidden Gems ## Shopping | [SALT SPRING SOAPWORKS](https://www.saltspringsoapworks.com/) | Saltspring Soapworks makes natural, ethical body and bath products. | | --- | --- | | [CEDAR MOUNTAIN](https://cedarmountainstudios.com/) | Thoughtful cards, jewelry, and home decor. | | [MONDO AND COMPANY](https://www.mondoandcompany.com/) | Eclectic mix of gifts and decor. | | [MOUATS TRADING COMPANY LTD](https://mouatstrading.com/) | Island staple for clothing, kitchenware, hardware, and toys. | | [SALT SPRING NATUREWORKS](https://saltspringnatureworks.com/) | The island’s natural foods store. | | [SALT SHOP](https://saltshop.ca/) | Canadian-made West Coast clothing designs. | | [TWANG AND PEARL](https://twangandpearl.com/) | Contemporary women’s clothing and accessories. | | [POD CONTEMPORARY](http://podcontemporary.com/) | Curated women’s clothing. | | [THE POTTERY](https://www.thepotteryonssi.com/) | Pottery shop and studio in Fulford Village. | Twang & Pearl The Pottery Salt Spring Natureworks Hidden Gems ## Salt Spring Art Galleries | [GALLERY 8](https://www.gallery8saltspring.com/) | Gallery 8 Salt Spring showcases fine art by local and Canadian artists. | | --- | --- | | [SALT SPRING GALLERY](https://www.saltspringgallery.com/) | Salt Spring Gallery features contemporary art by Salt Spring Island artists. | | [CARL SEAN MCMAHON](https://carlseanmcmahon.com/) | Carl Sean McMahon showcases one-of-a-kind sculptures crafted from reclaimed metal and wood. | | [PEGASUS GALLERY OF CANADIAN ART](https://www.singulart.com/en/art-galleries/canada/british-columbia/salt-spring-island/pegasus-gallery-of-canadian-art-13992) | Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art offers investment-quality historical and contemporary Canadian art from its Salt Spring Island location. | | [JILL LOUISE CAMPBELLS](https://www.jilllouisecampbell.com/) | Jill Louise Campbell showcases her vibrant, whimsical paintings and limited-edition art collections inspired by her world-travels and life on Salt Spring Island. | | [WATERFRONT GALLERY](https://www.waterfrontgallery.ca/) | Waterfront Gallery showcases handcrafted art and craft by over 100 local artisans from Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. | | [COAST GALLERY](https://www.coastgallerysaltspring.com/) | Coast Gallery on Salt Spring Island exhibits original fine art inspired by coastal life and landscapes. | | [MAHON HALL](https://saltspringarts.com/mahon-hall/) | Mahon Hall on Salt Spring Island provides a historic venue for community cultural events, exhibitions and arts-education programs. | | [DAINA DEBLETTE](https://www.dainadeblette.com/) | Daina Deblette showcases her oil-painted, ocean-inspired fine art and creativity coaching studio on Salt Spring Island. | Jill Louise Campbell Gallery 8 DAINA DEBLETTE --- ## Elsewhere on this site - 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