Salt Spring Island is a special place. It is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, rich community and cultural experiences, and charming local spots for eating, shopping and playing. Beautiful beaches, protected forests, clear lakes, farms and a bustling village make travelling to Salt Spring Island with kids memorable, relaxing and fun.
Salt Spring Island lies within the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Hul’qumi’num and SENČOŪEN-speaking communities. These peoples include a diverse group of First Nations cultures who have lived and cared for Salt Spring Island and the Salish Sea since time immemorial.
Some Hul’q’umi’num’ speakers refer to the island as Tl’elhum. SENĆOŦEN speakers refer to the island as ĆU,ÁÁN. However, there are so many Indigenous placenames on Salt Spring Island, and each holds a significant meaning for the local people.
Planning Your Trip to Salt Spring Island with Kids
How to Get There
Reaching Salt Spring Island is half the adventure. Families can take BC Ferries from Vancouver (via Tsawwassen terminal) or Victoria (via Swartz Bay terminal). Another option is the Crofton ferry from Vancouver Island, just south of Nanaimo. Reserve your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons! If you’re short on time and have a larger budget, you can take a seaplane from Vancouver or Victoria.
How to Get Around
A car is the most convenient way to explore the island, with kids or otherwise. Salt Spring Island Transit also offers six routes that run daily, with extended hours during the summer.
You can cycle around Salt Spring Island or hire e-bikes, but caution is advised. The roads are winding with minimal shoulders, and the island is hilly. While the island is small, cycling might be best for experienced cyclists with older teens.
Where to Stay
Salt Spring Island offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, from cozy cottages, vacation rentals, and hotels to farm stays, luxury B&Bs, and campgrounds. Be sure to book in advance if you are planning a trip in the summer months. Find places to stay on Salt Spring Island.
Camping with Kids on Salt Spring Island
Because Northern Explorers is an outdoor adventure guide, information on campgrounds is essential for this article! There are only really two options for camping on Salt Spring Island, and reservations are a must for both.
- Mowhinna Creek Campground: Nestled in a forested setting, this private campground is close to Ganges and offers clean facilities, making it a convenient choice for families. The hosts are very friendly and can provide you with local information during your stay.
- Ruckle Provincial Park Campground: For a more rustic experience, Ruckle Provincial Park Campground offers oceanside sites with access to trails, tide pools, and wildlife viewing. It has some of the prettiest beachside walk-in tenting campsites in BC and is popular with cyclists. Camping here is a perfect way to immerse your family in nature.
Where to Eat
Local flavours shine on Salt Spring Island, with plenty of kid-friendly options. There is a great kid’s menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the Tree House Cafe, and you can grab sweet treats from Harlans Salt Spring Chocolates. If you’re after local seafood, try Off The Hook or our favourite for fresh mussels and water views – The Rock Salt Café.
Many restaurants prioritize fresh, local ingredients and have kids’ menus and options for picky eaters. Check out more restaurants on Salt Spring Island.
Salt Spring Island with Kids 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Island’s Natural Beauty
Morning: Family Hikes on Salt Spring Island
Ruckle Provincial Park: This pretty provincial park has a gentle coastal trail with breathtaking ocean views and plenty of spots to stop for a picnic. It also shoots down to some rocky beaches, where kids will love looking for pretty rocks and shells.
Raining? No problem—the lush greenery and ocean mist add an enchantment and wonder. Just make sure to pack your rain gear. Find a trail map for Ruckle Provincial Park.
Mount Erskine Fairy Door Trail: The hike up Mount Erskine is about 3.6km round-trip with a 216m elevation gain. However, your kids will be rewarded with magical hidden fairy doors along the trail. Plus, the short climb to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the ocean and Gulf Islands. Learn more about the Mt. Erskine Trail.
Afternoon: Best Beaches on Salt Spring Island
Ocean Beaches: The island is small enough that you can take a trip to the beach before, after or during other activities. Head to sandy Beddis Beach, known for its shallow, calm waters, perfect for young swimmers (it’s cold!). Another great option is Vesuvius Bay Beach, which offers slightly warmer waters (still cold!) and beautiful sunsets. This rocky beach can be covered in oyster shells, so water shoes or sandals are a must!
Lake Beaches: Salt Spring Island has two wonderfully swimmable lakes: St. Mary Lake and Cusheon Lake. Both of these freshwater swimming spots are ideal for families. Both beach areas are tiny and have limited parking, but they are worth stopping for a quick swim or paddle. Cusheon Lake has a dock from the shore where people love to jump and dive into deep water. St. Mary Lake has a floating platform that is a swimmable distance from shore. Don’t forget your PFDs.
Day 2: Local Charm and Farm Visits
Morning: Explore Ganges and the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market
If you’re on the island on a Saturday, you must visit the iconic Salt Spring Saturday Market. This bustling market in Ganges features handmade crafts, local produce, art, jewellery and delicious snacks. Browse unique treasures, treat yourself to coffee and mini donuts and enjoy the live music at the market!
If it isn’t Saturday, there is plenty to check out in Ganges with kids. Walk through town and visit the unique shops, artists’ studios and ice cream shops. You can explore the boardwalk, look at the boats in the marina, and stop to play at the amazing natural playground in Centennial Park.
Afternoon: Farm and Orchard Visits
Salt Spring Island has a rich farm culture. While driving through the rural areas, you’ll notice dozens of roadside stands selling fresh produce, preserves, eggs, and other unique items. You can check out local farms and book a guided tour at North End Farm, Foxglove Farm and many others. Visit Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, where kids can watch cheese being made and sample creamy delights. Find freshly baked bread and other delights from The Bread Lady.
Take a tour at Apple Luscious Organic Orchard, pick fresh apples (seasonally) and learn about their sustainable farming operations. You can also walk around the orchards at Salt Spring Wild Cider House and Ciderworks, where kids can taste apple juice, and grown-ups can enjoy a flight of local ciders.
Day 3: Play and Indigenous Experiences
Morning: Playtime at the Park
Portlock Park: Located in the middle of the island, this park is a favourite for active families. It has baseball and soccer fields, a playground, track, tennis courts, mini-courts for ball hockey and basketball, a picnic shelter and a 400-metre track!
Centennial Park: This park is in the hub of Ganges and is usually bustling with activity, families and playing children. It has a unique natural playground, picnic tables and a bandshell that hosts special events. It’s also next to the waterfront boardwalk and in the middle of the world-famous Salt Spring Saturday Market.
Afternoon: Indigenous Experiences on Salt Spring Island
Connect with the island’s rich Indigenous heritage. Participate in cultural workshops and art exhibitions with local Indigenous artists through the Sweetgrass Arts and Music Society.
Visit Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay), an area of cultural significance to the Coast Salish people, to learn about a traditional village site. An Indigenous-led non-profit organization called Stqeeye’ is spearheading several projects to restore native food, wetland habitats and traditional knowledge of Xwaaqw’um. Learn about these projects.
Learn more about the Indigenous history of Salt Spring Island.
Day 5: Paddle Adventures and Whale Watching
Morning: Go on a kayak or SUP adventure
Salt Spring Island is nestled in the Gulf Islands and has many protected areas that are safe for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you have your own paddle board or kayak, you can launch at Beddis Beach, Fernwood Dock, Burgoyne Bay Dock (do not leave your boat tied there) and the Ganges Harbour (you must pay to use this launch at the wharf office). If you prefer freshwater, St. Mary’s and Cusheon Lake offer calm and serene waters and public access points.
Salt Spring Adventures offers family-friendly beginner sea kayaking tours through the intertidal zones and to Third Sister Island. They also offer kayaking and paddle board rentals. You can also rent paddleboards from Salt Spring Island Paddle Board, which includes a mini-beach lesson and SUP delivery!
Afternoon: Whale Watching
Set out on the Salish Sea on a whale watching and wildlife viewing tour. Salt Spring Adventures offers 3-4 hour whale watching tours and private zodiac tours with a 97% viewing success rate! While Orca and Humpback whales are the main attraction, you could see a myriad of west coast wildlife, including sea lions, harbour seals, bald eagles, porpoises, blue herons and many other bird species.
Rainy Day Activities for Families on Salt Spring Island
Rain happens on Salt Spring Island! But a little rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your fun. Check out these indoor and rainy-day-friendly activities and sprinkle them into your itinerary when the wet weather arrives.
Salt Spring Island Public Library: This cozy library has a lovely children’s section, story-time sessions and programs for toddlers, kids and teens. Check out the website for updated information.
See what’s happening at ArtSpring: ArtSpring is a community arts centre that hosts performances, workshops and events year-round, including some family events. View their calendar for upcoming events.
Local studios and galleries: Salt Spring Island is a hub for artists. Depending on your kid’s interest, they might enjoy visiting kid-friendly spaces like Little Loft Studios, Steffich Fine Art, and the eclectic Waterfront Gallery.
Gear up and go outside! If you’re up for an adventure, rainy weather makes hiking trails like those in Ruckle Provincial Park even more magical. You can also check out the Ruckle Heritage Farm, the oldest working farm in the Gulf Islands located in the heart of the park.
Tips for a Smooth Family Adventure
Pack clothing for all weather: Rain or shine, you want to be prepared! Pack clothes for sunny beach days and a rainy walk on the coast. Make the most of whatever weather may come.
Book activities ahead: Some activities, like farm tours, whale watching or kayaking tours, gear rentals or art programs, should be booked ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Embrace island time: Slow down. You’re on island time! Enjoy Salt Spring Island’s relaxed pace, go with the flow and give yourself the time to take it all in.
