What you'll do
Escape to Salt Spring Island for a two-day adventure filled with charm and creativity.
Meet artistic locals, explore vibrant markets, and taste some of the world’s best cheese.
There are many incredible dining experiences, and don’t miss the island’s famous apple orchards and cideries, where you can enjoy local craft ciders.
This picturesque island offers a perfect blend of culture, flavor, and natural beauty for a refreshing weekend getaway.
Day 1
Disclaimer: Our Vancouver Island travel guide offers packed, detailed itineraries designed to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful and diverse region. Vancouver Island is vast, with countless sights to see and experiences to enjoy, so there is plenty of ground to cover. While our itineraries provide a full and exciting schedule, we encourage you to tailor your trip to fit your preferences.
Please keep in mind that driving distances between destinations can vary significantly. We recommend doing some research to understand the travel times between locations and planning your route accordingly. Our itineraries are meant to inspire your journey, allowing you the flexibility to make your trip as short, long, busy, or relaxed as you like.
Happy exploring!
Salt Spring Island is our favourite gulf island and we visit often.
You can get there on a BC Ferry from Victoria, Vancouver or Crofton. Keep in mind you may need to make ferry reservations or arrive early to ensure a spot.
You can also take a sea plane with Harbour Air from Vancouver or Victoria.
Tree House Cafe
restaurant
Charming treehouse café with live music
Do me a favour a don't miss the Tree House Café on Salt Spring Island 😊
This is a charming indoor/outdoor restaurant that has been built around a plum tree. This lively café serves up big breakfasts, handmade burgers, wraps, and quesadillas made from scratch. Our favorites include the lamb burger, Thai green curry, and butternut squash stew.
Don't forget to grab a table early on summer evenings - it's the place to be, especially with the live music playing in the summer!
Ruckle Provincial Park
park
Tranquil park for exploration
Ruckle Provincial Park is a gem on Salt Spring, offering stunning views of Swanson Channel and a mix of forest, field, and shore habitats.
With over 15km of trails, it's perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting - keep an eye out for sea lions, killer whales, and a variety of bird species.
The park also features a heritage farm area with old buildings to explore.
Whether you're into camping, kayaking, or just chilling by the water, Ruckle Park has got you covered for a laid-back outdoor adventure.
Salt Spring Island Cheese
Sightseeing
Artisan goat cheese on Salt Spring
Salt Spring Island Cheese is a charming artisan goat cheese company located on Salt Spring Island. It is a must stop on this gulf island and personally, I think it's the best goat cheese on earth!
Their cheeses are all handmade using traditional methods and natural ingredients like pure goat milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet.
When visiting the farm, you will get to see the goats, cheese factory, farm shop and Café. You can sample a variety of cheeses, enjoy delicious fare like pizzas and salads, and even indulge in a goat cheese cake and ice cream made with their own milk.
Don't miss this Salt Spring gem!
Mount Maxwell Park Lookout
Sightseeing
Breathtaking summit views on Salt Spring Island
Mount Maxwell Park offers stunning views from its lookout point, Baynes Peak. It's a fabulous spot to get a sense of Salt Spring Island and it's surroundings.
Here you can enjoy old-growth forests, meadows, and creeks while taking in panoramic vistas of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the mainland.
There isn't much of a hike here, which is rare for a summit view like this one!
But note that the road to the viewpoint is extremely rough (and keeps getting worse every year). You will need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance in order to access it.
Salt Spring Brewing Co.
brewery
Laid-back brewery on Salt Spring Island
A gem hidden brewery tucked in the woods of Salt Spring Island.
Salt Spring Brewing Co. is a laid-back spot where you can kick back with a cold brew and some tasty bites.
With a super cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the island.
The brewery offers a variety of craft beers to choose from, along with delicious snack options that pair perfectly with your drink of choice.
We love their Earl Grey IPA and their Creme Brulé Vanilla Stout.
Moby's Pub
restaurant
Cozy pub with tasty food
Moby's Pub is a super fun spot on Salt Spring known for its laid-back vibe and tasty pub grub.
With a menu featuring dishes like duck wings, fish and chips, and warm duck and kale salad, this place is perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
The pub also offers outdoor seating, live music, game nights and a fun atmosphere, making it a great choice for a night out on the town.
Always a fun time!
The Sanctuary Retreat
hotel
Treetop and forest style accomodations
Perched high atop Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island, nestled among the trees, you will find a special sanctuary.
At The Sanctuary Retreat, accommodations are designed to make you feel at home. It's an amazing place to find peace, and feel re-energized and inspired.
Enjoy serenity with sweeping 180 degree views of Active Pass, stretching all the way from Whistler to Mount Baker.