As much as I like travel hopping and moving swiftly from destination to destination (mainly out of my excitement to see many places and with limited PTO days), I also appreciate opportunities I have to slow down. Salt Spring Island- one of the gulf islands in British Columbia has been that place for me. I only got to know about this island by chance in 2024, when an older lady I had just met in Church told me about her trip there, and of course, she only had amazing things to say.
2 months after that discussion, I was on a flight to Victoria and then on the ferry from Victoria to Salt Spring Island to experience this place myself. I went back again in summer of 2025 and I may start making a yearly pilgrimage to the island at this rate. It’s that good.
After exploring Kelowna and the Okanagan valley, I wanted to get some rest and quiet before heading back to the hustle and bustle of Toronto, so I got on a flight with Pacific Coastal Airlines and made my way to Victoria, and then got on the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour. My Airbnb host is the sweetest woman with the warmest aura. Her husband is fantastic as well so being here feels like coming ‘home’ to me.
Here’s what my two quiet days on Salt Spring Island looked like.
Where Is Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. The island is known for its artistic community, quiet beaches, farms, and scenic views. It feels far removed from the noise of city life, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to unwind.
How to Get to Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island can only be reached by ferry or seaplane. The BC Ferries connects the island to several nearby cities.
Ferries operate from:
- Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal near Vancouver to Long Harbour
- Crofton Ferry Terminal to Vesuvius Bay
- Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal near Victoria to Fulford Harbour
For my trip, I took the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour, which took about 35 minutes. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience. Once onboard, you can leave your car and walk onto the deck to enjoy beautiful ocean views.
Day 1: Arriving on the Island
Unlike busy tourist destinations, Salt Spring Island feels calm and unhurried. My first stop was one of the island’s most popular attractions.
Visiting the Salt Spring Island Cheese Farm
At the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, visitors can see how artisan cheeses are made. The farm produces both sheep and goat milk cheeses and you can enjoy a self-guided tour explaining the cheese-making process. There’s also a farm shop selling cheese, chutney, and jam. You can also get ice cream, gelato, and pizza while you’re there. Seeing the farm animals up close, adds to the relaxed countryside experience. I had a very filling lunch just before I got on a ferry so I grabbed a fruit popsicle to enjoy at my next stop.
A Quiet Evening at Beddis Beach
My second stop was Beddis Beach. Salt Spring Island has 27 beaches, and Beddis Beach is a wonderful spot to enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery. With gentle waves and quiet surroundings, it was the perfect place to sit, enjoy the evening breeze, and reflect after the day’s travel. It was also not crowded, few people came by while I was there but the beach was large enough we were quite spaced out.
A Cozy Stay at an Island Airbnb
Later that evening, I checked into the Airbnb where I was going to be staying for the next two nights. The house is perched on a hill overlooking mountains and lush greenery so the views from the bedroom were breathtaking, it almost looked like a painting framed by the window. My host had even prepared a beautiful flower arrangement from her garden, which made the space feel even more welcoming.
Day 2: Exploring Ganges Village
The next morning began with something rare for someone that lives in downtown Toronto- complete silence. No traffic, no city noise, just the sound of birds chirping. After enjoying the view for a while, I drove to Ganges, the island’s main town. The harbour here is where seaplanes arriving from Vancouver land. Before breakfast, I spent some time wandering through the small shops and quiet streets.
Breakfast at the Tree House Café
One of the most unique places to eat in Ganges is Tree House Cafe. The restaurant is built around a large tree growing through the center of the space. During the summer months, the café often hosts live music in the evenings, making it a popular spot on the island. The wait for a table was quite long, so I spent some time walking around again before finally sitting down for breakfast. The food was well worth the wait.
Visiting Sunset Farm
Later in the afternoon, I drove about 30 minutes north of Ganges to visit Sunset Farm.This 23-acre farm is home to sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks. The farm store sells handmade products including wool yarn, blankets, scarves, and pillows. It’s another place that captures the rural charm of Salt Spring Island. You can walk around the farm to observe the animals so it feels partly like a zoo.
The Tuesday Farmers’ Market in Ganges
Back in Ganges, I stopped by the Tuesday Farmers’ Market at Centennial Park. The Tuesday market runs from May through October, between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Although the Saturday market is larger and more famous, the Tuesday market still offers a great selection of local produce, artisan goods, handmade crafts. Before heading back to my Airbnb, I grabbed a sandwich from Buzzy’s Luncheonette.
A Rainy Evening on the Island
The weather forecast had predicted rain during my stay, and by the evening the clouds had finally arrived. So, I spent the evening relaxing indoors, watching the rain fall outside while enjoying a quiet movie night.
Day 3: Saying Goodbye to Salt Spring Island
My final morning on the island was rainy as well. But even still, the peaceful scenery outside the window was still beautiful. Before leaving, I signed the guest book at the Airbnb and said goodbye to this wonderful retreat and my host.
Lunch at Salt Spring Wild Cider
Before catching the ferry back to Victoria, I made one last stop at Salt Spring Wild Cider. This cider house offers a restaurant and tasting room overlooking the surrounding countryside. Like many places in British Columbia, the views were absolutely stunning and it was the perfect final stop before leaving the island.
Ferry Back to Victoria
After lunch, I drove back to Fulford Harbour to catch the ferry to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. If you’re traveling by ferry, it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, especially during busy travel days. If the ferry fills up, you may need to wait for the next sailing.
The ticket you get on your way to the island from Swartz Bay at Victoria is a round-trip ticket, so boarding the return ferry was quick and easy. Thirty-five minutes later, I was back in Victoria, ready to head to the airport.
If you’re looking for a calm and scenic getaway in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island is a perfect choice.