Your Guide to Shopping on Salt Spring Island

Shopping on Salt Spring Island is a one-of-a-kind experience. Charming boutiques line the streets, while wineries dot the scenic countryside. There are a host of artisan studios, tasting rooms, farm stands, and galleries to explore, filled with gourmet delicacies and local handicrafts. 

Every shop is unique, and whether you’re interested in sampling craft cider at an orchard or perusing handmade pottery at a bustling flea market, there’s something on Salt Spring for everyone.

Shopping on Salt Spring Island

Choosing exactly where to stop and what to buy on Salt Spring Island can be overwhelming. Here are some of Salt Spring’s must-see shopping destinations to help you plan your next island visit.

Local Arts and Crafts

Salt Spring Island is a thriving hub for artists of all kinds. Their work is represented in various studios, boutiques, and art collectives throughout the island.

• Artcraft features the best artists and craftspeople the Southern Gulf Islands has to offer. This long running Salt Spring Art program functions as both an exhibition space and a retail shop, featuring paintings, pottery, prints, and culinary art, to name a few. It’s the perfect stop for visitors eager to peruse the best of local art. Located in historic Mahon Hall, Art Craft is open during the summer months and in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

• The Glass Foundry is a charming artist’s workshop nestled amongst beautiful acreage. The studio features a collection of functional glassware and decorative glass souvenirs, all made from recycled glass. If you’re fortunate, you may even catch the artist at work. The Glass Foundry Studio is open daily and welcomes visitors to observe the glassmaking process whenever the furnace is firing.

• Mondo & Company features carefully curated handcrafted products from around the world, such as handwoven baskets from Africa and tablescapes from Indonesia. Everything at Mondo & Company is fairly traded, ethically sourced, and handcrafted.

• Old Salty is a great spot to snag a local souvenir. Located in the centre of town, the Old Salty sells various handmade products, including coastal-inspired decor, hand-poured candles, accessories, soap, tea, and postcards.

• The Pottery Shop and Studio is a charming roadside store in picturesque Fulford Village. The Shop is known for its premium ceramics but also carries a curated collection of handmade candles, textiles, jewellery, and woodwork.

• Salt Spring Saturday Market is a bustling outdoor market showcasing local arts, crafts, food, and more. Located in the heart of downtown Ganges, the Saturday Market fills the town with a fun and festive atmosphere. Shoppers can mingle with the island’s creative community while sampling some of the region’s finest delicacies. The market runs from April to October yearly and is a must-see destination.

• Salt Spring Soapworks is a pioneer in the BC natural skincare movement. For over 45 years, Salt Spring Soapworks has been handcrafting soap on Salt Spring Island. They carry a range of popular bath products, from all-natural soap bars to luxurious lotions.

• Waterfront Gallery offers local, handcrafted pieces at affordable prices. The quaint artist-run collective showcases the works of over 100 local artisans, including mugs, scarves, candles, cutting boards, tea, bags, and fairy doors. The Gallery is in the centre of downtown Ganges and is open from Monday through Saturday.

Clothing and Accessories

From handwoven textiles to thrifted treasures, Salt Spring Island offers plenty of options for the sartorially inclined.

• Bohemia Consignment is a treasure trove of high-quality, pre-loved women’s clothing. The Consignment Store abides by the local ethos of sustainability. Who says you can’t be both fashionable and environmentally savvy?

• Mouat’s Clothing is a Salt Spring Island institution that has operated in various forms for over 100 years. Today, Mouat’s Clothing Store curates high-quality essentials and a handful of locally made brands, including SeaDog Designs.

• Raven & Gold is a jewellery gallery and retail shop in downtown Ganges. The store features the creations of local artist Lara Gordon alongside a curated selection of stunning foreign jewellery. If you’re looking for a beautiful gift for a special person, Raven & Gold is a must-stop.

• Sunset Farm has been raising sheep for almost half a century. At the end of their picturesque driveway, they’ve built a Farm Shop and Studio featuring an array of beautiful, handcrafted wool products. Visit their idyllic farm shop to peruse their woven socks, clothing, blankets, and more. Don’t forget to say hello to the sheep before leaving!

• Artisan Studios are a cornerstone of Salt Spring Island’s creative community. Several studios feature handcrafted textiles, accessories, and clothing. The Ulrieke Benner Studio creates wearable art from the finest wool and silk. Meanwhile, Seaside Gallery, overlooking picturesque Fulford Harbour, offers a variety of wearable goods, from fine linen clothing to handmade statement jewellery.

• Twang and Pearl is a curated clothing and lifestyle boutique in a charming heritage cottage. Entering Twang and Pearl feels like stepping inside a page of Alice in Wonderland, albeit significantly trendier. The boutique carries a selection of foreign-sourced treasures and locally designed curiosities.

• The Village Hive is a whimsical store featuring handmade gifts, ethically produced toys, and natural fibre clothing for kids and adults. All the clothes at The Village Hive are designed on Salt Spring Island and made in British Columbia.

• The Wardrobe is an emporium of dazzling, offbeat curiosities in Fulford Harbour. Those who enter its doors will feel instantly transported. Featuring a collection of trinkets, decor, and clothing from around the world, the boutique reflects the island’s quirky personality.

Artisan Treats and Handmade Edibles

Salt Spring Island is a foodie’s dream destination. With deep roots in agriculture, the island now produces a diverse range of delectable delicacies, from craft cider to handcrafted chocolate.

• Francis Bread is a French-style bakery offering organic bread, pastries, and gourmet sandwiches. Try their almond croissant once, and you’re bound to keep returning.

• Garry Oaks Vineyard produces estate wines on one of the oldest farms on Salt Spring Island. Their tasting room offers iconic views of the Fulford Valley and is open during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

• Harlan’s Salt Spring Chocolate is a chocolate lover’s paradise. Handcrafted on Salt Spring Island, their artisan chocolates showcase true culinary artistry. Whether you’re craving decadent truffles or classic caramels, Harlan’s Salt Spring Chocolates has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. You can find their shop in the heart of downtown Ganges.

• Salt Spring Island Cheese is an idyllic cheese factory located on the south end of Salt Spring Island. The farm uses traditional cheesemaking methods to produce handcrafted goat cheese from all-natural ingredients. Visitors are welcome to wander the farm, say hello to the animals, and watch the production process. The Farm Shop is open year-round, while the cafe serves handcrafted pizza during the summer season.

• Salt Spring Wild Cider crafts artisan ciders from local heritage apples. If you’d like to sample some of their award-winning cider, stop at the picturesque Salt Spring Cider House. The tasting room overlooks a scenic orchard and combines top-notch cider with thoughtfully prepared dishes. Salt Spring Wild Cider House is easily one of the top tourist destinations on the island.

• Salt Spring Kitchen Co. produces gourmet condiments of all kinds, from savoury jams to delightful hot sauces. Their tasting room allows shoppers to sample their original creations and learn the myriad ways jams can be utilized. Need a new glaze for your pork roast? Try their apple rhubarb chutney. Looking to spice up a cocktail? Experiment with a tablespoon of blueberry and basil spread. The Salt Spring Kitchen Co. elevates the average meal into a gourmet experience.

• Stowel Lake Farm is an organic farm on two acres of beautiful farmland. In addition to their garden and retreat centre, they run a charming farm stand that operates on an honesty system. The stand sells garden starts, organic vegetables, baked goods, salad dressing, and delectable spreads.

• Salt Spring’s Tuesday Farmers Market is a weekly outdoor food market in the heart of downtown Ganges. Farmers and food producers convene to showcase a range of Salt Spring Island’s delicacies, from seasonal produce and delectable baked goods to locally milled flour. The Tuesday Farmers Market runs from June to October at Centennial Park. .

• Salt Spring Vineyards is the oldest vineyard on the island. They produce a variety of wines that satisfy every palette. Visitors can sample their wines in their tasting room and stay for a picnic in their heavenly garden.

• Woodshed Provisions, run by celebrated chef Haidee Hart, now operates two locations on Salt Spring Island. Their whimsical farm stand is tucked away in the island’s south end, while their gourmet deli is north of downtown Ganges. Both locations offer seasonally inspired takeaway meals, baked goods, and gourmet picnic dishes.

And Let’s Not Forget The Essentials

If you’re a visitor to Salt Spring Island, everything you might need is available right here on the island. No ferries required!

There are several grocery stores to choose from, depending on your location. Country Grocer is a few minutes north of town and is the largest grocery on the island. Thrift Foods smaller but conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Ganges. The Mercantile is a quaint general store in Fulford Harbour and is a good spot to grab last-minute essentials on the south end of Salt Spring.

Looking for essential tools or last-minute camping gear? Mouat’s Home Hardware provides visitors and shoppers with all their hardware needs.

For all your first aid and medical needs, head over to Pharmasave in downtown Ganges, Salt Spring Pharmacy in Grace Point Square or Country Grocer Pharmacy.

You can purchase liquor downtown at BC Liquor Ganges, uptown at Country Grocer, or the Mercantile in Fulford Harbour.

Shopping on Salt Spring Island is unlike any urban retail experience. The shops are whimsical, unique, and often a little offbeat. The products are often handcrafted and always carefully curated. The experience provides a glimpse into the island’s vibrant creative community and is a must-do for anyone visiting.