Salt Spring Island Getaway
Wooly friends at Sunset Farm
We recently took a family trip to Salt Spring Island, one of the Gulf Islands off Vancouver Island. I had been once, years ago, when I was a nanny, but this was my first time truly exploring the island—and Ben’s first time too. And wow, I was completely blown away. From the farm stands and locally made treats to handmade treasures and woolly creatures roaming about, I felt like I had stepped into some kind of dreamland.
I (semi) joked that I wanted to move to the island and open my own farm stand—Gilly’s Jams, perhaps? I just couldn’t get over how many high-quality products are produced on this tiny island. I was genuinely so impressed.
We took the ferry over on a Friday morning and returned Tuesday afternoon for a total of four nights. The ferry stops at several Gulf Islands, so the trip takes about three hours, but honestly, it was relaxing and easy—even with a baby and a dog in tow. After unsuccessfully searching for a dog-friendly Airbnb, one of Ben’s coworkers recommended Green Acres Resort, and it was absolutely perfect. A collection of cabins set on St. Mary’s Lake, we stayed in one of the log chalets nestled further back among the trees. The resort allows dogs in certain cabins during shoulder season, so we lucked out. Sven, one half of the couple who runs Green Acres, was a welcoming and gracious host who made sure we (especially Emma and Penny) had everything we needed.
Our five days on the island left me feeling nourished, recharged, and inspired. Here’s a little recap of what we did:
Day 1
After arriving on the island, we stopped by Switchboard Café for some caffeinated fuel and to wait for our check-in time. After a grocery run at the local Thrifty’s, we headed to Green Acres Resort to settle in. The resort has a lovely beachfront and dock, where we spent the evening before tucking in for the night.
Brigitte’s Pastries
Ruckle Heritage Farm
Stowel Lake Farm
Day 2
Lucky for us, just down the road from our cabin was Brigitte’s Pastries, one of the many honor-system stands scattered throughout the island. Every Friday and Saturday, Brigitte bakes mouthwatering French pastries like tartes aux framboises, macarons, tartelettes au citron, and flan pâtissier. They were all delicious (and yes, we tried them all), but my favorite had to be the tarte au chocolat.
After filling up on pastries, we took a drive down the island, first stopping at Francis Bread to pick up the most amazing focaccia sandwiches for a picnic at Ruckle Provincial Park at the southern tip of the island. With a baby and stroller in tow, we didn’t make it far into the park, but we had a lovely little picnic and stroll.
On the way home, we stopped at Ruckle Heritage Farm, a quaint historical farm with goats, sheep, and chickens. We picked up some of their (apparently famous) eggs and ginger snap cookies. Not far from there is Salt Spring Island Cheese Co., where you can sample cheese, visit goats, and even watch cheese being made. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a cheese board or a scoop of goat’s milk gelato. We brought home their Saint Jo feta, which we used in salads all weekend.
Just down the road is Stowel Lake Farm, which has an incredible farm stand stocked with fresh vegetables, homemade pantry staples, and baked goods. They also host retreats in yurts—it sounds magical. For dinner, we had pizza from True Love Pizzeria, probably some of the best I’ve ever had. Washed down with beer from Salt Spring Island Brewing Co., it was the perfect end to the day.
Francis Bread
Woodshed Provisions
Day 3
Saturday began like Friday—with more of Brigitte’s pastries, of course. Then we headed to the Saturday Market in Ganges, where local artisans set up booths with their handmade creations. I picked up some peach and elderflower vinegar from Salt Spring Island Artisan Vinegar, and I’m still kicking myself for not buying larger bottles. So good with sparkling water—tastes like a shrub!
We grabbed sandwiches at Buzzy’s Luncheonette, a smoked meat deli, and perused some local shops. Favorites included Rhubarb Designs, Waterfront Gallery, Folk Stock and Trade, Salt Spring Books, Black Sheep Books, and Twang and Pearl.
Later in the afternoon, while Emma napped, I took a solo drive and visited Salt Spring Wool Arts and Roly Poly Rice Balls—a 2-in-1 studio located in the home of the loveliest Japanese artisan and his family. They have two sheep on site to say hello to as well.
Duck Creek Park
Kutatás Wines
Day 4
I was lucky enough to spend my first Mother’s Day on Salt Spring Island, and it’ll be hard to top. The day began with pastries in bed (duh) from Francis Bread, followed by a family walk through Duck Creek Park, a great off-leash spot for dogs.
We returned to Merchant Mews, where Francis Bread is located, to pick up supplies for a happy hour later that day. This industrial-turned-trendy spot is a foodie’s dream. We picked up jams and crackers from Salt Spring Island Kitchen Co., charcuterie from Southend Sausage, and ice cream from Mavericks. There’s also Woodshed Provisions—possibly the most beautiful gourmet grocer I’ve ever stepped into.
That afternoon, we visited Kutatás Wines, one of three wineries on the island. I loved that the winery has Hungarian roots and I was pleasantly surprised by their offerings. We sipped wine on the patio overlooking the vineyard. I enojyed their Kilibri Viz (Hungarian for “hummingbird water”—yes, it’s a sweet wine) and their Rosé blend. We brought bottles of both back to the cabin, where we enjoyed them with a cheese and charcuterie board.
Sunset Farm
Salt Spring Wild Cider
Family photo :)
Days 5 & 6
Our final day and a half were slow and peaceful—reading on the dock, taking stroller walks from the cabin. We drove along the north end of the island, exploring coastal beaches and rolling pastures. Along Sunset Drive, we pulled over at Quarry House Bed and Breakfast to coo at sweet baby goats and their mamas.
Just down the road is Sunset Farm, where you can meet more goats, sheep and lambs, donkeys, chickens, and a very proud turkey. There's even a little shop filled with woolly goods made from their sheep’s wool.
Further along is Lavender and Black, a lavender farm and shop we, unfortunately, missed—but it’s now high on my list for next time. Their skincare products sound divine.
For our last meal, we headed to Salt Spring Wild Cider for lunch. Their outdoor seating, overlooking the orchard, is dog-friendly and a beautiful spot to enjoy a cider flight and their (really good) burgers. My favorite was the Bitter Orange Rosemary.
Salt Spring Island completely stole my heart, and I can’t wait to return someday. Perhaps you’ll find me there in the future, shacked up with a hobby farm and a roadside jam stand (I kid... but you never know).
On the dock at Green Acres Resort
