British Columbia

5 Things to Do on Salt Spring Island: Where to Eat, Shop and Sip

From lavender farms and local wineries to design shops and delicious eats, these five Salt Spring Island stops are worth exploring.

By Anicka Quin /

There’s plenty to do on Salt Spring Island beyond checking into a dreamy waterfront hotel. Between Ganges’ independent shops, inventive food stops and farms tucked into the island’s rolling hills, it’s easy to fill a weekend without ever feeling rushed. From sustainable design finds to vineyard views (and a seriously good poke bowl), here are five Salt Spring Island spots worth exploring.

1. Woven Curated Goods: Sustainable Shopping in Ganges

Ask co-owner Genevieve Graham about anything she’s selected for Woven Curated Goods, a design shop in downtown Ganges, and you’ll discover there’s an incredible story behind every sustainable, ethically made piece.

The shop, which opened in April 2026, is also the sister company to Salt Spring-based firm Woven Architecture and Design. No surprise, then, that the space itself is masterfully designed, from its charcoal walls to its gorgeous lighting. Consider it a must-stop for design lovers (and anyone with a weakness for beautiful things).

Visit: wovencuratedgoods.com

2. Cassette Cafe and Dive Bar: Casual Eats and Patio Drinks

Located in a former service station in the heart of Ganges, Cassette Cafe and Dive Bar bills itself as a dive bar, with a nostalgic nod to the mixtape era. But on a sunny afternoon, its patio is the place to be, drawing families and locals alike for laid-back vibes and an excellent pub menu.

If the prawn burger is on the menu, order it: perfectly pan-seared chili-lime prawns topped with homemade slaw and tucked into a sesame-seed brioche bun. A little more elevated than your average dive-bar fare.

Visit: cassettecafebar.com

3. Lavender and Black: Explore a Salt Spring Island Lavender Farm

This little farm on the north end of Salt Spring Island seems to have its own microclimate of South-of-France sunshine. At Lavender and Black, visitors can wander through sloping fields of lavender, with varieties from France, Spain and England, each helpfully labelled with its origins.

The fragrant plants are transformed into house-made botanical products, including tinctures, essential oils and skincare. And if lavender ice cream is available during your visit, consider that your reward for all that strenuous strolling.

Visit: lavenderandblack.ca

4. Garry Oaks Estate Winery: Sip Wine with a Vineyard View

When we told Hastings House general manager Michael Coughlin that we planned to pop by Garry Oaks Estate Winery for a quick tasting, he smiled knowingly and suggested we might want to stay a little longer. He had a point.

Every wine here is crafted from grapes grown right on the property, and tastings are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Grab a seat in one of the hillside chairs overlooking the vines and settle in. It’s an idyllic way to start a Salt Spring Island weekend.

Visit: garryoakswinery.com

5. Pura Vida Food Truck: Some of Salt Spring Island’s Best Poke

I say this without hyperbole: Pura Vida serves the best poke bowl I’ve had outside of Maui. This little food truck near Ganges Marina dishes out freshly made bowls with your choice of ahi tuna, salmon, chicken or tofu, piled high with fresh vegetables (including caramelized red onion) and drizzled with chipotle mayo or basil and garlic aioli.

There’s optional avocado and mango, too. Go for the option. Your lunch break just became one of the highlights of your island getaway.

Visit: @puravidasaltspring

Planning a Salt Spring Island getaway? Check individual businesses for current hours, seasonal opening dates and menu availability before visiting.

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Anicka Quin

Anicka Quin

Anicka Quin is the editor-in-chief of Western Living magazine and the VP of Content for Canada Wide Media. If you've got a home design you'd like to share with Western Living, drop her a line at [email protected]