Discover Salt Spring’s Locally Made Marketplace

Salt Spring Island may be small, but in terms of locally made options — we are mighty. With a summer microclimate more akin to the Mediterranean than the Pacific Northwest, our little island has created a fertile environment to foster some of the world's best makers, bakers, crafters, artists, and growers.

This is a locally made marketplace unlike any other. Handmade and locally sourced is what we do best here. From a Saturday Market bursting at the seams with bounty to our seasonal celebration of fine arts and crafts at Art Craft, there is more to this island than windy roads and quiet, rocky shores.

Where can you find all these local goods? Almost every business on the island highlights local, but here are a couple more concentrated places to really get into that locally made spirit.

Salt Spring Saturday Market

Where to find it: Centennial Park, Ganges

If we are known for anything, it's for the world-famous Salt Spring Saturday Market. Running throughout the warmer season, starting the first Saturday in April to the end of October, this is the number one destination for flavour, produce, art, and an undeniable island-made attitude. 

This market is 100% local producers. That means all vendors have to follow the market philosophy of  "Make it, Bake it, Grow it" and "Vendor Produced and Sold."

Every Saturday during its seasonal run, head down to Centennial Park in Ganges from 9am to 3pm (ish) to discover Salt Spring's culture in all its glory. Start with organically grown produce from the likes of Heyday and Foxglove Farm. Grab a bouquet from Summer Love and a freshly baked snack from Brigitte's Pastries as you browse. Bring your market basket! You will definitely need it.

Artcraft by Salt Spring Arts

Where to find it: Mahon Hall, Salt Spring Arts

Every summer (and again for the holiday season), Salt Spring Arts opens up an expansive exhibition showcasing over 100 artists. Displayed in Mahon Hall, just a few minutes walk from the centre of the Ganges, Artcraft is the longest-running exhibition of its kind in British Columbia.

From June  to September and then again before the December holidays, take time to explore the fine arts and crafts made here by Salt Spring creators. Wander through the hall to check out 

handmade ceramics, woodcarvings, wall art, jewelry, textiles, and more.

All sales support the artist behind it, as well as Salt Spring Arts programs around our community. With many artists quietly creating in their home studios, this is one of the best ways to discover their work. Check the schedule for the seasonal run dates. 

A Farm Stand Driving Tour

Where to find it: Island-wide (map available here)

Finally, you can create your own locally made adventure with a DIY farm stand tour around the island. While you may be familiar with grabbing eggs from a neighbour's stand, Salt Spring takes the farm stand hobby to a whole new level.

As you drive (or bike!) around Salt Spring, each twist and turn in the road reveals new treasures. You'll find farm stands filled with wild foraged teas, homemade soaps made from locally grown lavender, baked goods, fresh veggies, and, yes, also eggs by the dozen.

Of course, it may be a little more challenging to discover what farm stands are open and what's on offer ahead of time — but this is all part of the fun. But, come November, we get a bit more organized, thanks to the Holiday Farm Stand Light Up Tour. Every year, folks go all out decorating their roadside stands, filling them to the brim with goodies, and it even comes with an interactive map!

Experience Salt Spring's Locally Made Marketplace 

From the Saturday Market to hidden farm stand surprises, Salt Spring Island is a locally made marketplace through and through. Whether it's fresh veggies picked that day or a special one-of-a-kind piece from a local silversmith, if you can dream it up — chances are you can find it here. Take your time, explore, and immerse yourself in the creative culture that makes Salt Spring so special.