Salt Spring Island: Exploring the Largest Gulf Islands
Salt Spring Island: Exploring the Largest Gulf Islands
Why Salt Spring Island Captivates Travellers
Salt Spring Island, the largest and most beloved of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, is a destination that blends natural beauty, artistic expression, and a vibrant community spirit. Nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland, Salt Spring Island has earned a reputation as a haven for artists, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower pace of life.
For visitors booking a private experience such as EV Tours’ Magic of Salt Spring Island, the island reveals itself as much more than a day trip—it is a tapestry of history, culture, and eco-friendly living. From its bustling Saturday Market in Ganges to the soaring vistas atop Mount Maxwell, Salt Spring Island offers travelers an unforgettable glimpse of West Coast life.
The Gulf Islands: A Scenic Archipelago
The Gulf Islands are scattered jewels in the Salish Sea, stretching between southern Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. Accessible by ferry or small plane, these islands are celebrated for their unique characters—Pender for its quiet coves, Mayne for its historic lighthouses, Galiano for its hiking trails, and Gabriola for its artistic enclaves.
Yet among them all, Salt Spring Island stands out. At 182 square kilometers, it is the largest and most populated Gulf Island. Its central location makes it easy to access, while its diverse offerings—ranging from organic farms to studios, markets, and nature reserves—draw visitors year after year.
The Origins of Salt Spring Island and Ganges
The island’s English name, Salt Spring, came from its natural saltwater springs, which were once prized by early settlers. Its main town, Ganges, was named after HMS Ganges, a Royal Navy ship stationed on the Pacific Coast in the mid-19th century.
Early Inhabitants
Long before Europeans arrived, Salt Spring Island was home to Coast Salish peoples, including the Cowichan and Saanich Nations. The island provided food, fishing, and spiritual places, with its forests and shores shaping the lives and traditions of Indigenous peoples for centuries. Their connection to the land remains strong today, and Indigenous artists continue to contribute to the island’s cultural richness.
First Settlers
n the mid-1800s, settlers from Britain, the United States, and beyond began arriving. Salt Spring is unique in that it was also one of the first places in British Columbia where African-American settlers, fleeing racial discrimination in California, established homesteads. Alongside them were Japanese, Hawaiian, and European immigrants, creating a diverse cultural mosaic that still defines the island’s identity.
Ganges: The Heart of Salt Spring Island
At the island’s center lies Ganges, a harbor town with a lively waterfront and the island’s beating heart. Sailboats dot the marina, cafés line the streets, and galleries display the work of resident artists. Ganges is both quaint and cosmopolitan, where visitors can sip a cappuccino while browsing artisan shops or wander down to the pier for fresh seafood. Lots of information offered at their visitor centre.
On Saturdays, Ganges hosts its famous Salt Spring Island Market, which has become a must-do experience. Here, artisans sell everything from pottery to organic produce, soaps, jewelry, and textiles. The rule is simple: everything sold must be “make it, bake it, or grow it†on the island.
The Saturday Market: A Showcase of Island Creativity
The Salt Spring Saturday Market began in the 1990s and has grown into one of Canada’s premier open-air artisan markets. Held from April through October, it draws both locals and visitors to Centennial Park in downtown Ganges.
The market is a reflection of the island’s creative energy. Painters, potters, glassblowers, and woodworkers set up alongside organic farmers and bakers. Music drifts through the air as buskers perform, creating a festive yet laid-back atmosphere. For travelers on EV Tours’ Magic of Salt Spring Island, this stop offers a chance to meet the people behind the art and take home one-of-a-kind treasures.
Salt Spring Island’s Flourishing Art Scene
Salt Spring Island is often called the “Island of the Arts,†and with good reason. It is home to more than 200 working artists and countless studios, galleries, and cooperatives. The island’s natural surroundings seem to inspire creativity, with many artists drawing from the forests, sea, and mountains in their work.
Highlights of the art scene include:
- ArtSpring, a performing arts center that hosts concerts, theater, and dance.
- Dozens of studios open to visitors during the annual Studio Tour, where travelers can meet artists in their own creative spaces.
- Public art installations throughout Ganges and beyond, celebrating the island’s unique character.
For visitors, Salt Spring’s art scene is not simply about viewing—it is about connecting with makers and the community that sustains them.
Mount Maxwell: A View from the Top
No visit to Salt Spring Island would be complete without a journey to Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. Rising over 600 meters, Mount Maxwell—known locally as “Baynes Peakâ€â€”offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in the Gulf Islands.
From the summit, visitors can gaze across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the distant peaks of Coast Mountains. The rugged cliffs and forested slopes make this a favorite spot for hiking and photography. For travelers on EV Tours’ Magic of Salt Spring Island, the drive to Mount Maxwell becomes a highlight, with breathtaking views at every turn.
Salt Spring Island Cheese: A Taste of Local Flavour
One of the most beloved stops for food lovers is Salt Spring Island Cheese. This is a small artisanal creamery famous for its hand-crafted goat cheeses. Located on a scenic farm near Fulford Harbour. This family-run business produces cheeses that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each wheel is topped with herbs, flowers, or spices. The flavours created reflect the island’s natural bounty.
Visitors can watch the cheesemaking process through viewing windows. Take a stroll the farm, and most importantly, enjoy tastings of their signature creations. Popular varieties include chèvre topped with edible flowers. Enjoy a creamy feta, and the much-loved truffle-infused cheese. Pairing these with local bread, preserves, or even Salt Spring Island wine creates a great tasting experience.
For guests on EV Tours’ Magic of Salt Spring Island, a stop here is a must. It offers a chance to savour one of the island’s most famous artisanal products and connect with the farm-to-table spirit that defines the community.
A Natural and Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Salt Spring Island has long attracted those who value a close relationship with nature. Its mild climate, fertile soils, and community spirit make it a hub for eco-conscious living. The island is known for its cheeses, wines, and locally grown produce.
The island also leads in sustainability initiatives, with residents committed to renewable energy, recycling, and protecting the natural environment. This eco-friendly ethos is not just a lifestyle choice. It is woven into the fabric of the community.
A Community of Artists and Retirees
Salt Spring Island is famous as both an artists’ haven and a retirement paradise. Many residents came seeking tranquility and creative freedom, while others arrived to escape urban life. Retirees often describe the island as a place where they can slow down, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the beauty of nature each day.
Community life thrives on Salt Spring. From local festivals to community theater and farmers’ gatherings, the island fosters a sense of belonging. Visitors quickly notice that Salt Spring is not just a place to see—it’s a place to feel.
EV Tours Magic of Salt Spring Island Experience
At EV Tours, we invite travelers to experience Salt Spring Island in a way that is immersive, relaxed, and personalized.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive up the northern point of the Saanich Peninsula, where we board the ferry with our van for a smooth 30-minute crossing of the Salish Sea. This ride sets the stage for the day, as travelers watch islands drift past and seabirds circle overhead.
Once on Salt Spring, our Magic of Salt Spring Island tour includes:
- Time in Ganges to explore shops, galleries, and the Saturday Market (seasonal).
- Visits to local studios and artisan spaces.
- A stop at Salt Spring Island Cheese for tastings of world-renowned goat cheese.
- A drive to the summit of Mount Maxwell for iconic views.
- Optional visits to organic farms, vineyards, or additional scenic spots, tailored to your interests.
This private tour is crafted to balance nature, culture, and leisure, offering a rich sense of Salt Spring’s character in just one day.
Conclusion: Salt Spring Island’s Lasting Impression
Thus, this Island is more than just the largest Gulf Island—it is a world of its own. From its history of diverse settlers to its thriving art community, from the energy of the Saturday Market to the serenity of Mount Maxwell, Salt Spring blends culture and nature seamlessly.
In conclusion, travellers seeking an eco-friendly escape, a cultural discovery, or simply a peaceful day surrounded by beauty, Salt Spring Island delivers. With EV Tours’ Magic of Salt Spring Island, visitors can experience the island at their own pace, guided by local insight and designed with care.