Explore Local Flavour on the Southern Gulf Islands Passport Tour – Salt Spring Island Edition

The Salt Spring Island Tuesday Farmers’ Market is a midweek treasure for both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant selection of fresh, locally grown produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods. Stalls overflow with seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, and locally made cheeses, while bakers tempt you with warm bread and sweet treats. You’ll also find preserves, honey, and unique crafts that showcase the island’s creative spirit. Set in the heart of Ganges, the market has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to shop, chat with producers, and soak in the charm of island life.

Saltspring Island Cheese

Salt Spring Island Cheese is a family-owned artisan creamery specializing in handmade goat and sheep cheeses crafted with just four ingredients: pure milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet. Visitors can explore the farm, meet the goats, and watch cheesemaking through large viewing windows while enjoying the Farm Shop and Café, which offers a range of cheeses, seasonal dishes like salads, soups, pizzas, and even gelato made with their goat milk, along with curated local products such as chutneys, jams, crackers, and smoked salmon. Open year-round with seasonal hours, the creamery also features on the Hop On Hop Off Tour, making it an ideal stop to sample cheese, enjoy the scenery, and experience the charm of Salt Spring Island.

Saltspring Brewing Company

Salt Spring Brewing Company is a family-owned microbrewery nestled at the base of Mount Bruce in the Fulford Valley on Salt Spring Island. Established in 1998, it has become a cherished destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery operates from a converted barn, sourcing its water from a spring located on the mountainside above the facility, ensuring fresh water, which is a valuable resource on the Southern Gulf Islands. Visitors can enjoy a selection of core beers and seasonal brews in the tasting room and on the patio, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. Whether you are a local or a visitor, it is a great spot to savour craft beer while immersing yourself in the island’s serene landscape. The brewery is also a feature stop on the Hop On Hop Off Tour, making it even more accessible.

Francis Bread

Francis Bread is a bread-focused bakery dedicated to using organic Canadian grains and time-honoured techniques. Specializing in slow-fermented sourdough breads, classic pastries, and hearty sandwiches, they craft each item with care and a deep connection to local food producers. All of their whole grains are grown in BC and freshly milled in nearby Cowichan, ensuring exceptional flavour and quality. Their menu is shaped by the seasons, featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, island-raised eggs, and locally smoked meats, with many ingredients sourced through collaborations with Salt Spring’s farmers and food artisans. The result is a delicious, ever-changing offering that reflects the best of the island’s bounty.

Waterfront Gallery

Waterfront Gallery is a non-profit artisan-run collective. Situated beside the Ganges post office, the gallery showcases the work of over 100 local artisans from Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Visitors can explore a diverse array of handcrafted items, including ceramics, jewelry, body products, edibles, tea, paintings, glass, silk, woodworking, weaving, fabric art, cards, and candles. The gallery operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Sundays. It offers a welcoming space for both established and emerging artists to display their creations and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the stories behind each piece and the dedication involved in its craftsmanship.

Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Tours

The Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Tour is a delightful way to explore the island’s artisan scene at your own pace. Operating Fridays through Sundays from May to September, this small-group shuttle embarks from the Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre in Ganges and follows a scenic 28 km loop through forested roads and seaside vistas. With just 20 spots per departure, it ensures a relaxed, personalized experience. Stops include Salt Spring Island Cheese, Salt Spring Brewing Co., plus many more, each offering unique local flavours and crafts. The shuttle runs at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM, with the full loop taking about an hour. This tour is a must-do for visitors seeking to savour the best of Salt Spring Island’s artisanal offerings.

Ruckle Heritage Farm

Ruckle Heritage Farm, established in 1872 by Irish settler Henry Ruckle, is one of Salt Spring Island’s oldest working farms. Located within Ruckle Provincial Park on the southeastern tip of the island, the farm spans over 82 hectares of forest, fields, and shoreline. Today, it is managed by Mike and Marjorie Lane, who continue the Ruckle family’s legacy by producing a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and livestock including sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, and Highland cattle. They also host several seasonal events, which you can find out about on their calendar.

While the active farm area is not open to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding park, which offers scenic hiking trails, picnic spots, and access to seven kilometers of rugged coastline. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including sea lions, otters, and a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Whether you’re exploring the park’s natural beauty or participating in their seasonal events, Ruckle Heritage Farm offers a unique glimpse into Salt Spring Island’s rich agricultural history.

Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Provincial Park is a scenic coastal park located on the southeastern tip of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Established in 1974, it encompasses over 5 square kilometers of diverse habitats, including Garry oak meadows, dense forests, and rugged shorelines. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, offering habitats for various species of birds, marine life, and wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy over 15 kilometers of hiking trails, such as the Ruckle Loop, which provides stunning views of Swanson Channel and the surrounding islands. Camping is available at the park’s campground, which offers 78 walk-in campsites situated along the forest edge and open grassy areas overlooking the water. The park is accessible year-round and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.

Island Bees

Island Bees is a beekeeping operation specializing in producing healthy honey bees and queens. They focus on nurturing bees capable of thriving through the island’s winters and adapting to local conditions. Island Bees offers raw, unfiltered honey harvested from island flowers, preserving the natural enzymes and pollen. For those interested in beekeeping, they also provide educational opportunities through tours led by “The Bee Wrangler,” Daniela. These tours offer hands-on experiences, allowing participants to suit up and engage directly with the hives, learning about sustainable beekeeping practices, pollination, and honey production.

There are plenty of places to stay on Salt Spring Island. Discover cozy cottages, charming inns, seaside resorts, and more at SouthernGulfIslands.com

Get out there and enjoy the Southern Gulf Islands Tour! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App, and earn points and rewards when you check in at farmers’ markets across the province!