Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by William Alexander
If you are thinking of visiting Salt Spring Island and are wondering what fun activities you can do there, this guide will give you complete information about the best things to do in Salt Spring Island BC.
Brief introduction about Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is situated near the east coast of Vancouver Island. It is the largest and most populated Gulf island. Salt Spring Island is known as Salt Spring because it offers all the attractions and charm that attract tourists from all around the world.
The name of this island was given by Hudson’s Bay Company officers who were interested in getting salt from the fourteen springs on it.
Best things to do in Salt Spring Island BC
The best time to visit this island is from May to September. The weather is moderate, warm, and dry during this time.
There are two types of fun activities.
- Outdoor fun activities
- Indoor fun activities
Outdoor fun activities
Here, I recommend the best activities and places to enjoy while visiting Salt Spring Island.
1.Enjoy hiking at Mount Maxwell.
This place offers different trails with different difficulty levels. It also provides stunning viewpoints over the island and surrounding water.
2. Explore the island through kayaking and paddleboarding
We can explore Salt Spring Island by kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental tours are also available. This island provides calm water, scenic coastlines, and stunning sight of dolphins and seals.
3. Enjoy cycling around the island.
Salt Spring Island has many cycling routes of all types, including easy and challenging inland trails.
4. Visit Ruckle Provincial Park
It is one of the most popular parks on this island. It offers many routes, picnic spots, and historical buildings. Visitors can also see different animals and historical artifacts.
5. Explore Salt Spring Island Farmer’s Market.
This Saturday market offers different types of local produce, crafts, food items, fresh organic food, and live performances in a community setting.
6. Explore beachcombing at Vesuvius Bay.
This is a popular spot for different fun activities like swimming and exploring different types of fabulous stones and shells. It has calm water, a stunning sunset, and friendly community vibes.
7. Watching Whales
Different operators offer different types of whale-watching tours around Salt Spring Island. These tours also provide the opportunity to see orcas, whales, and other marine life.
8. Fishing
This beach provides many opportunities for fishing, both from shore and by boat. Different types of local fish, such as salmon and trout, are available here.
9. Enjoy sailing and boating.
This island is considered a popular destination for sailing and boating, with a variety of marine and boat rental services.
10. Watching birds at Ford Lake
This is the primary place for birdwatching, with a wide variety of waterfalls and birds. It has a peaceful setting, well-maintained trails, and easy access.
11. Salt spring wild cider
Salt Spring Wild Cider is a famous craft cider company situated in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. It is known for making high-quality artisanal cider using good-quality apples and other local ingredients.
Famous cider delicious dishes in Salt Spring Wild cider
1.Dry apple
It is a delicious cider made with fresh apples and uses local apple varieties.
2. Hopped apple
In this dish, add the unique twist of the bitterness of the apple.
3. Ginger Perry
It is a Perry with a twist of spicy kick and fresh gingers.
4. Wild perry
A traditional cider made up of refreshing pears.
12. Visit Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
It is a famous and renowned cheese producer known for its handcrafted goat cheese. This company is famous because it uses traditional methods, high quality, and local ingredients to make a variety of delicious dishes.
Famous cheese varieties are available in this company.
- Chevre: Made of organic goat milk that is soft, creamy, and tangy.
- Peppercorn: It is fresh goat cheese flavored with cracked peppercorn.
- Garlic and Basil is a fresh cheese blended with garlic and basil flavor.
In short, the Salt Spring Cheese Company is a famous place for cheese lovers and visitors to enjoy the artisanal culture of Salt Spring Island.
13. Visit Salt Spring Brewing Co.
Salt Spring Brewing Co. is a fantastic brewery on Salt Spring Island. It is famous for producing high-quality small-batch beer using local ingredients. It is located in a scenic area of Salt Spring, offering a beautiful and relaxing setting for visitors.
Famous varieties of beer at Salt Spring Brewing Salt Spring Pale Ale: a balanced mixture of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.
- Dry porter: It is a dark, robust beer with a touch of chocolate and coffee.
- Heather Ale: A specific ale brewed with heather flowers offers a beautiful aroma and a little sweet flavor.
You should visit Salt Spring Brewing Co. and enjoy the local flavor and community of Salt Spring Island. You should try the variety of delicious beer dishes.
Indoor activities
Salt Spring Island provides a variety of indoor fun activities that are interesting to people.
1.Art Galleries and Studios
There are three famous art galleries on Salt Spring Island.
1.Salt Spring Island Art Gallery
Visit the Salt Spring Gallery and explore an art exhibition. The gallery also offers different types of paintings and other artworks by talented island artists.
2. Duthie gallery and Sculpture park
Explore this unique gallery that allows you to see contemporary art and sculptures.
3. Salt Spring Studio tour
Arrange a self-guided tour of various artist studios across the island, where you can meet with famous artists and see their workshops.
2. Different historical sites and museum
There are two famous museums and historical places on Salt Spring Island.
1.Salt Spring Island Museum
You can learn about culture, history, and heritage in this museum through different exhibitions.
2. Heritage place
This will allow us to learn about the history of this island, including the early settlers and indigenous people.
3. Relaxation and fitness
1.Salt Spring Wellness Center
You can enjoy various wellness services in this center, such as massage and yoga classes.
2. Salt spring center of yoga
This center provides different yoga sections that will be helpful for the betterment of physical and mental health.
4. Cooking classes
1.Salt spring vineyards
You can participate in wine tasting and learn about the wine-making process.
2. Cooking classes
In Salt Spring Island, you can participate in cooking classes and learn about local ingredients and culinary techniques.
5. Enjoy theaters and performing arts.
1. Art spring
Enjoy live performances like theater productions, music concerts, and dance shows.
2. Film screening event
Enjoy local listening and film screenings and movie nights at various places.
5. Attend Different classes and workshops
- Art and craft workshops
Participating in these workshops to learn about painting, art, and crafts by local and famous artists.
2. Educational classes
Enroll in these classes and learn about gardening, photography, and writing.
6. Shopping
1. Local boutiques and shops
Explore different shops that offer handcrafts, clothing, and jewelry.
2. Salt Spring Island Saturday market
While it is an outdoor market, some vendors have indoor shops to get locally-made products year-round.
Top things in salt spring island for kids
Salt Spring Island is also famous because of its family-friendly activities. There are a variety of fun things that you can do with their kids and families, such as
- You can enjoy visiting the Salt Spring Market with your kids. They can do face painting, try delicious food, and buy a wide variety of toys.
- Salt Spring Island Public Library is a good place for children. There is a separate section for kids in this library, and it provides a variety of children’s activities, such as a storytime section, craft activities, and a wide range of children’s books.
- Tour the cheese company with children, where they can enjoy the variety of cheese and go on a farm tour.
- Salt Spring Adventure Playground is a well-structured playground specially designed for kids. Here, children can climb, slide, and imaginatively play.
- Visit Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and enjoy family-friendly hikes and breathtaking views of this park’.
- Enjoy swimming and water activities at Blackburn Lake, such as paddle boarding.
- Visit Salt Spring Island Ales, a local brewery with a family-friendly environment. Kids can enjoy outdoor space, and parents can try local brews.
- Explore the glass foundry, watching live glass-blowing demonstrations.
- Visit Garry Oak’s Estate winery. This welcoming family environment allows you to picnic in the vineyard and explore the ground with your kids.
- Visit Salt Spring Wild Cider House and attend family-friendly performances and workshops here.
- Art Spring is a community art center with various programs. You can attend family-friendly activities, performances, and workshops.
Salt Spring Island attractions.
Planning a trip to Salt Spring Island is the best option. The following points are given below.
- Ruckle provincial park
- Salt Spring Island Saturday market
- Mount Maxwell Provincial Park’
- Ganges village
- Artspring
- Baker Beach
- The glass Foundry
- Salt spring vineyards
- Salt spring wild cider
- Tree-house cafe
- The salt spring golf and country club
- Cusheon Lake
Best restaurants on Salt Spring Island
Here is a list of some famous restaurants on Salt Spring Island.
- Treehouse café
- The Oyster Catcher Seafood Bar and Grill
- House Piccolo
- Moby’s pub
- Embo. Bakery
- Dagwoods Diner
- Barbk’s bakery and bistro
- The Rock salt restaurant and cafe
- Penny’s Pantry on the Green
Wineries on the island
There are three wineries on Salt Spring Island
- Salt spring vineyards
- Garry Oaks Estate winery
- Mistaken Identity vineyard
Fun activities for couples on Salt Spring Island
- Wine tasting: You can visit local wineries like Salt Spring Vineyard and Garry Estate Winery and enjoy a romantic wine-tasting experience.
- As a couple, you can enjoy a relaxing couple massage and spa treatment on an island in British Columbia.
- Enjoy the trip to the island, go hiking, and enjoy the breathtaking view.
- Salt Spring Island is a great place for a picnic. You can enjoy a picnic as a couple and watch the sunset on the island’s beautiful beach.
- Enjoy the houseback ride and see the view of the island.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at the island’s top restaurant.
- Explore the farms, such as craft beer and cheese at Salt Spring, and enjoy the delicious products.
- Take a boat tour and enjoy the trip throughout the island.
- Cycling is one of the best things you can do as a couple and explore the island’s road.
FAQ’S
1. What is the distance between Salt Spring Island and Vancouver?
The distance between Salt Spring Island and Vancouver is a 72-kilometer drive around the island. However, the distance will be longer due to the ferry ride.
What did Salt Spring Adventure Company do?
Salt Spring Adventure Co. provides one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor adventures and tours. The following is a list of adventure tours.
1. Kayak tours and rentals
2. Stand-up paddle boarding
3. Hiking tours
4. Biking tours
5. Whale watching tours
6. Custom adventure packagesÂ
7. Team building and corporate events
8. Camping and overnight trips
3. What is the best time to visit Salt Spring Island?
The best time of year to visit this island is from late spring to early fall, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and there are many activities and events to enjoy.
4. How many cars fit on the Salt Spring Ferry?
The BC ferry routes serving Salt Spring Island typically use vessels with capacities of around 92 to 138 vehicles, depending on the ferry.
The Salish class vessel has a capacity of 138 vehicles, while the Queen of Cumberland has a capacity of 112 vehicles, and the Skeena Queen can carry about 92. Capacity may vary slightly based on vehicle size.Â
Final words
In this article i have covered every thing about Best things to do in Salt Spring Island BC .Salt Spring Island is situated between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia. It is the largest and most famous of the southern Gulf Island. It is ‘known for its fabulous beauty, art community, and simple lifestyle.
Salt Spring Island offers various outdoor and recreational activities. Its mild climate, scenic landscape, and friendly community make it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.