Salt Spring Island Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Touring Salt Spring Island Fancy-Free (and Car-Free)

If you're familiar with traversing these islands in the Salish Sea, you know that the line up for the ferry to and from Salt Spring Island can be full of waiting and missing of boats because of the many vehicles that want to make the journey. Seeing the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off bus start up in providing an alternative for those who would rather travel car-free has been something I've been thrilled with.

So many reasons. Beyond reducing the lineups during busy times that lead to people missing important ferries to get where they need to go on time, there's also the environmental benefits, road noise reductions, lessened traffic, and safer options for those who want to taste the spirited offerings at the various artisans along the way.

**Please note, I'm only included a very limited write-up about each of these awesome places as this post is more about the photos I've taken than giving a deep dive into each business. You can click the links for any of the different spots to go to their websites and learn more details about each one.**

Touring Salt Spring Island's "Artisan Trail"

Having the opportunity to hop-on the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off bus as part of a photography and videography work project was a welcome introduction for me to this fantastic local Salt Spring Island business. Elton and Rachel (the owners and operators) were absolutely delightful, and created a welcoming and safe atmosphere all along the way.

Ganges Village & Salt Spring Island Market

Our group first boarded the bus at an important stop along the Hop On tour: the Visitor Information Centre in Ganges. This is near to the Salt Spring Saturday Market, which happens on Saturdays in Centennial Park. Well worth a wander through to visit the many varied artists and artisans who sell their made-on-Salt-Spring goods there. There is a playground in the park for the youngsters to slide, climb, bounce, swing, and run around in when they need a break from the browsing, and many other local shops woven through the village that can keep curious shoppers busy for hours.

Salt Spring Island Cheese & Goat Farm

The Cheese Farm is a go-to for bringing visitors to experience local culture and nibbles. You can walk around the building to look in the viewing windows and see cheese being made in different stages, watch the goats, taste different cheeses and spreads, dine on delicious local food, and sit in the gardens to enjoy a goats milk ice cream.

Salt Spring Brewing Co.

Not only does the local brewery have a variety of delicious beers, the location makes for a fantastic spot to hang out and enjoy time with others. There is seating inside, and three different areas (covered and open) outside in the beautiful West Coast forest. There is a fridge with Kombucha and other non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't fancy beer, some locally-made items available to purchase, and a selection of games to play at your table.

Sacred Mountain Lavender

This is a seasonal stop along the Hop On Hop Off Bus to take in the Sacred Mountain Lavender fields when they are in their blooming season. Absolutely breathtaking, those purple fields. In the shop you can find all kinds of different lavender items to take home with you, and grab a cup of lavender ice cream or Fruitcicles to enjoy while you wander through the plants.

Garry Oaks Estate Winery

Taste a variety of wines made locally at Garry Oaks winery. If you choose to buy a bottle while you're visiting, you can enjoy it while sitting and taking in the view of the vineyard, mountains and the picturesque Burgoyne Valley.

Salt Spring Vineyards

Salt Spring Vineyards has a charming feel, with picnic tables to enjoy your wines and nibbles in the garden surrounding a little pond. It has a beautiful feel to this space, and makes for a great picnic spot.

(Unfortunately, I haven't brought my camera to this vineyard yet, so I have no image of this stop - I'm going to have to make a special trip soon!)

Island Bees Honey Apiary

Another seasonal stop along the route, Island Bees has a focus of producing healthy honey bees and queens. I'm a big fan of the wildflower honey, which can be found at the Saturday Market as well as other locations listed on their website. Their affiliate partner, The Bee Wrangler, can provide tours with bookings, which I have heard are a worthwhile adventure in beekeeping.

Ciderworks & Salt Spring Apple Co.

The view from Ciderworks, overlooking the ocean and little islands (and Mt Baker on a clear day!) is just beautiful. This cidery produces it's cider and juices from 100% local Salt Spring Island grown and certified organic apples. The fritters are scrumptious, and there are some other tasty bites to enjoy while sitting inside, on the deck, or down on the lawn near the orchard.

Looking for more?

Check out my previous blog post on some of the many other amazing Salt Spring Island businesses I love to support locally. If you have an interest in booking a session with me to capture the people, products, and story of what it is you love to offer the world, you can find details on working with me here.