Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea — just an hour from the British Columbia capital, Victoria — known for its freshwater lakes and pristine beaches, gorgeous national parks, and picturesque seaside villages. The island’s Vesuvius Beach has fascinating rock formations perfect for watching the set set over, while Beddis Beach offers safe swimming and tidal pools to explore. Jack Foster Beach is accessed by a 45-minute hike through the forest that leads to incredible views of the Trincomali Channel and Wallace Island, and from here, you may be able to spot whales, seals, and seabirds. The beautiful Mount Maxwell and Ruckle Provincial Parks offer scenic hiking trails and spectacular views.

The island has lovely villages to visit, the largest being Ganges, home to many restaurants and pubs, specialty shops, and a thriving arts community. Vesuvius is the island’s sunniest location and attracts visitors to its beautiful sandy beach, while Fulford has unique gift shops and a picturesque harbor.

Art lovers are drawn to the many galleries and artists’ studios scattered around Salt Spring Island, and you can take a studio tour, where you can view and purchase the artists’ works. Each Saturday from March through October, vendors showcase their food and produce at a market in Ganges.

The nearest airport is Victoria International Airport (YYJ), a short 20-minute bus ride or 10-minute taxi ride to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, where you board a ferry for the 40-minute trip to the island. You could also rent a car at the airport and drive it onto the ferry, which will offer the flexibility to explore the island at your own leisure. The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, and once aboard, the trip to the island will take about two hours. When you arrive, there are buses to take you from the terminals to all the major villages. With many dedicated bike paths and rental shops, cycling is also a great way to get around the island.

Summer is a great time to visit Salt Spring Island and stay in one of many vacation rentals available. You can expect warm days and mild evenings for spending time at the beach, but it never gets too hot, so you’ll be able to enjoy a hike in the national parks or a visit to the lavender blooms at a local farm. In fall, the temperatures drop but are still mild enough to enjoy the changing colors in Ruckle Provincial Park. In September, the popular Apple Festival takes place when local farmers and growers put on festivities to celebrate the island’s amazing crop. Salt Spring Island winters are milder than other parts of Canada, but you can still expect cold and rainy conditions, so come prepared with layers. Spring brings a mix of pleasant days with some rain.

Ganges

Ganges, the island’s largest village, is home to a variety of gift shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and pubs. Explore the many art galleries, run mainly by artists who live on the island, and pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Down by the harbor, you can watch the impressive sight of seaplanes landing and taking off from the water, and there’s also a lovely public park where you can enjoy a stroll.

Ruckle Provincial Park

Enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular views along more than nine miles of hiking trails in this popular park. The Yeo Point hike is an easy 2.5-mile trail one way and guides you along the coast through hemlock and cedar forests and past a secluded pebble beach. There’s an array of wildlife to see, such as grouse and deer, and if you’re lucky, you might spot orcas in the sea. Look up to try and spot bald eagles flying overhead.

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park

Head up nearly 2,000 feet to one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. A trail will guide you along the cliff’s edge (protected by a perimeter fence) up to the Mount Maxwell Baynes Peak lookout, where your reward will be unparalleled vistas of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and even as far as the mainland.