Recently we took a trip to Salt Spring with the kids and it was so much fun. Salt Spring has so much to offer and is a PERFECT destination for the whole family. (For a video of the trip, scroll down to the bottom)
We have been to a couple of the Southern Gulf Islands, each of them are so different and unique. This is the second time we have visited Salt Spring Island, first time was 3 years ago when Ava was just one and I was pregnant with Sophie. We had such amazing memories from that trip we couldn’t wait to go back .
It’s kind of a magical feeling to come back to a place where you already travelled and made memories. It felt nostalgic to revisit our favourite places and discover new ones.
There are so many things to love about Salt Spring; the beautiful nature, the beaches and lakes, the amazing FOOD, so many artisan goodies, the endless galleries and studios.
Salt Spring Island is the perfect place for a Family adventure!
So if you are wondering where you could take the whole gang, think no further. Here is your little guide to your time best spent on the island.
STAY:
Salt Spring is very unique in that there isn’t a single big chain on the island (unless you count Thrifty’s), so wherever you stay your place WILL have character.
The island is full of BnBs, cottages, cabins and now Air BnBs so really anything that suits your taste.
This time around we stayed at “The Cottages on Salt Spring” located on Bullock Lake, only 5 minutes from Ganges. I got an overflow of questions about them when I did the tour and I do have to say that our stay was amazing.
All the cottages are lake view and are southwest facing, you can either choose an option of a duplex or a single dwelling cottage, whatever fits your needs/budget. They even have places that will accommodate larger groups. AND if you are in search of vacation property some cottages are for sale.
I was very surprised to find out that the lake water was SO warm so we all enjoyed a swim. They have included canoes and paddle boards at the dock so you’re set up for the ultimate lake time. You can watch the sun set from your balcony and as it sets the toads come out and it’s the loveliest sound to fall asleep to.
I always recommend staying somewhere with a separate room for the kids to sleep if your children are young, so you don’t have to tip tow when they go to sleep.
This place has the ultimate family set up, it’s got 2 large bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and it’s also got a full kitchen which is SO convenient. We mostly ate out for supper but we made our own pancakes/cereals in the mornings.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Honestly, one of the main reasons I love to travel is the food. I love trying local foods/restaurants.
Just like with everything else, there is not a single restaurant chain in sight (so if you’re craving golden arches you’re going to have to wait). Most of the food is locally grown and farmed which makes for delicious plates.
The highlight for us was coming back to the Oystercatcher. We are suckers for a good patio and the Oystercatcher hands down has the best patio in town looking right at the marina.
If you eat there, do yourself a favour and order the Brussel Sprouts. Seriously, MUST ORDER IT!! Funny story, I used to hate brussel sprouts until 3 years ago when we first visited Salt Spring. I was so pregnant and hungry and craving strange things that I decided to try some of my husband’s AND I NEVER LOOKED BACK, I was converted. They tasted just as good as they did 3 years ago. We also had the Baked Shrimp, Halibut with Mango Salsa and Mashed along with Halibut Tacos. Pair all of that with some draft beer and local cider and it’s the perfect way to finish up a busy day of exploring.
If you want to stay in and order out, Uptown Pizza was very delicious with a big menu and free delivery. Also, get their wings as they were amazing.
If you are looking for live music the Tree House is a great place to go. The food is so decadent and it’s a very cozy set up.
There are produce and farm stands all over the island which use the honor system (cash in the box).
Salt Spring also has some amazing local wine and beer companies. We visited both the Ale House and the Salt Spring Winery and you better believe we didn’t walk away empty handed.
Lakes and Ocean Beaches:
There really is no shortage of beaches when it comes to Salt Spring, whether you’re a lake person or an ocean person. St. Mary Lake is the biggest on the island. Bullock lake, where we stayed, is smaller and therefore very warm. Stowell Lake is one that someone recommended to us, it isn’t marked on the tourist map but it’s right off the road close to Fulford Harbour and it’s super cozy with a tiny beach, warm water and a few floating docks.
If you’re looking to check out a few ocean beaches, our ABSOLUTE favourite is Beddis Beach. It’s east facing so try and get there as early as possible to catch some sun. Both times we’ve been there we pretty much had the beach to ourselves.
If you’re looking to get some afternoon sun, then head to Vesuvius Beach. If you want a swim, make sure to check the tides as they can get quite low.
Activities/Attractions:
The island is boasting with art!
There are so many galleries and studios that it would take you days to visit them all.
If you are looking to do something artsy, look into Ocean Art Studio/Gallery.
I am not much of a painter but after a lesson with Daina we left so inspired and full of new skills.
Daina’s studio is light airy and beautiful and full of her artwork which captures her worldly travels.
The girls were mesmerized while she was talking about water colours. Daina offers an array of classes for kids to adults which can be totally customizable to your wants and skill level. She also runs kids camps twice a week so if you’re looking for some activities for your kids, I’ll attest she is simply wonderful with children.
If you are craving an amazing view, you’ll want to see Mount Maxwell. You can either hike or drive up to the peak and the view is simply breathtaking.
Another beautiful attraction which is worth a visit is the Sacred Mountain Lavander Farm. They have different types of lavender which bloom at different times. The aroma is amazing and so are the photo ops.
When you are done exploring the fields, they have the cutest little gift shop with all things lavender.
Salt Spring Cheese, a place we visited both times on the island and we always leave with some amazing cheese to take home.
You can take yourself on a self guided tour and see how the cheese is made.
They have a little cafe which serves amazing pizza which you can eat in their garden. The animals are a big hit with the kids, they did’nt want to leave.
We were on Salt Spring Island for 5 days and we still feel like there is so much more that we haven’t seen and explored, the island is simply beautiful.
If you are planning a trip to the Southern Gulf Islands I am more than happy to have a chat so never hesitate to message me with a question.
Bon Voyage!!
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