There are few outside of British Columbia, Canada who have Salt Spring Island on their radar, but that’s a good thing for those seeking a tranquil getaway with plenty of things to see and do. In fact, Travel + Leisure recently named it among the world’s best lesser-known islands for a secluded escape.
While there’s plenty to love about bucket-list destinations like Santorini, Maui, and Bali, one thing is sure: they’re not islands for escaping the crowds. If elbowing your way through tourists or sunbathing on a jam-packed beach is not your idea of fun, you’ll be happy to know you can enjoy the serenity of Salt Spring without the need for an expensive long-haul flight.
Where is Salt Spring Island?
Just a short ferry ride from its more famous neighbor, Vancouver Island, in the Southern Gulf Islands, you can be on Salt Spring in just 20 minutes. Or, if you’re coming from the Greater Vancouver Area on the BC mainland, you can catch the Long Harbour-Tsawwassen ferry and be there within a couple of hours.
What to Do
While Vancouver Island steals the spotlight, Salt Spring is an artsy contrast with stunning natural beauty. The largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands, it includes rocky shorelines for searching through tidepools, along with white sandy beaches that look like they belong in the tropics, like Beddis, made from a mixture of sand and tiny, crushed white shells.
If you want to swim on a pleasant summer’s day, Vesuvius Bay Beach near the ferry terminal has water that’s warmer than the other beaches and ideal for a dip. Jack Foster is harder to access, reached via a scenic 45-minute trail that meanders through the forest. Your reward is a sweeping vista of Wallace Island and the Trincomali Channel, where you can watch for whales, seals, and all sorts of birds. At low tide, a sand bar is revealed that’s ideal for swimming and exploring.
Beyond beach time, in the main town of Ganges, you’ll find many art studios and galleries that showcase works by local artists, along with wineries for tasting. There’s also a Saturday Market in Centennial Park offering everything from fresh local produce and cheeses made by island cheesemakers to handcrafted artisan items.
Where to Dine
The Tree House Cafe in downtown Ganges is literally a treehouse. Enjoy a unique dining experience and tasty dishes with the menu featuring globally-inspired cuisine, soups, sandwiches, and burgers, including vegetarian and vegan options. In the summer, live music is hosted under the stars.
For dining on upscale fare in a relaxed setting, it’s hard to beat Off The Hook – Coastal Cuisine & Sushi Bar. Located near the pier, it’s a great place for watching a sunset with highlights that include seafood boils, ceviches, and sushi.
Where to Stay
Located at the tip of a wooded peninsula less than a mile from the ferry terminal, the romantic Spindrift Oceanfront Cottages offer adults-only stays between March and October, complete with fireplaces, full kitchens, and sea-view decks.
Cusheon Lake Resort is popular among families with lake-view log cabins, including two-bedroom options, all featuring full kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and large decks.
