Saltspring Island

Events & Attractions


Coming to Saltspring Island?

Check out the local events and attractions for some fun activities that may be happening during your visit.

We've listed the major events that occur throughout the year on the island with a few details on where and when.

Also see our page of indoor and outdoor activities and upcoming events not to be missed during a visit to Saltspring.


Weekly/Seasonal events | Fairs & Festivals | Holiday events | Sporting events

 

Weekly/Seasonal Events

SATURDAY MARKET

Held in Centennial Park in downtown Ganges on Saturdays from April through October. This farmer's market is a scintillating mixture of art, music, baking, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and an assortment of unique and useful items made by locals.

TUESDAY MARKET

Get organic produce from local growers - Tuesday mornings in the meadow space between Hereford and McPhillips Avenues in Ganges. (FYI, the garlic is our absolute fave! If you are a fan of garlic, you MUST try the Portuguese or Red Italian varieties, available starting in July. Yummm!)

There's also a kids' market across the road at Fable's Cottage where local children set up tables and sell their hand-made wares.

WINERIES/VINEYARDS (wine-tasting/tours)

There are three vineyards on Saltspring, and a wine-tasting tour is a great way to pass an afternoon on the island.

  • Mistaken Identity Vineyards (164 Norton Road) 250-538-9463
  • Salt Spring Vineyards (1700 Block Fulford-Ganges Rd) 250-653-9463
  • Garry Oaks Winery (1880 Fulford-Ganges Rd) 250-653-4687
 

Fairs & Festivals

FALL FAIR

In late September, the annual Fall Fair takes place at the Farmer's Institute Grounds (351 Rainbow Rd).

Boy holding bunny at the Saltspring Island Fall Fair. Kids enjoying a carnival ride at the Fall Fair. Airbrush tattoo at the Fall Fair.

The fair has been happening yearly since 1896 and being there in the present, there's a certain historic charm that takes you back in time. Kids' rides and games, stilt-walkers, zucchini races, blacksmithing demonstrations, face painting, live music, 4H competitions, etc.

APPLE FESTIVAL

Gathering at Fulford Hall to begin Apple Festival tour.

A popular annual event which attracts apple lovers from near and far.

Beginning at Fulford Hall (2591 Fulford-Ganges Rd.), folks are provided with a map detailing the orchards that make up the tour and the types of apples available at each.

Over 300 varieties of apples grow on Saltspring, including special heritage strains like the stunning 'red flesh' varieties.

During this one-day event, people can purchase apples from island growers (many of whom are not normally open to the public). More than just buying apples though, festival-goers can learn about baking with apples, have apple varieties identified, and delve into the history of this delicious fruit!

FULFORD DAY

A mid-August day of fun at Drummond Park in Fulford. Kids' games, live music, homemade pies, famous Salt Spring lamb and salmon burgers, and other yummy treats.

 

Holiday Events

SALT SPRING CHEESE FARM (Reynolds Rd.)

Mama sheep and lambs at rest at the Saltspring Cheese Farm.

Luxury goat cheeses are made and sold here, making it an excellent addition to a wine tasting day.

Easter at the Cheese Farm is great fun for kids! The Easter Bunny makes an appearance and there is an outdoor egg hunt in the garden area.

Baby chicks, bunnies and lambs are plentiful and the miniature horses (or are they Shetland Ponies?) in the fields lining the driveway.

There is a parking lot near the store/production area, but on busy days (like Easter), we always park along the road and walk up. It is a long walk though, so if you have someone in your party with limited mobility, you may wish to drive them up... who knows? maybe you'll get lucky and find an open space in the parking lot!

SANTA SHIP

Every year in the second weekend of December, the 'Santa Ship' sails through the Gulf Islands. Santa and his crew start off in the morning from Bellingham, Washington and head to Saturna Island, then Pender, Mayne, Galiano, and finally, by nightfall, Saltspring.

The ship (a 110 foot whale watching vessel) sails into the Ganges Harbour all a-twinkle with colorful lights and glittering garland, a chorus of Christmas carols streaming from the intercom.

Santa and his entourage of clowns and elves... oh, and a few pirates (to protect the treasure, of course) make their way up to the elementary school for the children to have a brief visit with (and a small gift from) the man in red. After dazzling the children, Santa swings over to the hospital to spread some Christmas spirit around there.

This festive event, sponsored by the Lion's Club, is a must if you're on Saltspring with children during the second week of December!

 

Sporting Events

LONGBOARD RACING

April 2009 marked the first ever 'Slasher' Longboard race on one of Saltspring's steep, winding mountain roads. Racers reached speeds in excess of 80km/hr as they rocketed down the Juniper Place course. Organizers are hopeful that this will become an annual event on Saltspring Island.

Update: 2nd annual Slasher Longboard race to be held April 24, 2010. More details here.

ROUND SALT SPRING SAILING RACE

For the salty sorty, this annual event offers a day of challenge on the water, and a weekend of fun, competition and camaraderie with other sailing enthusiasts.

Check the www.saltspringsailing.ca website for details on this event.

Saltspring Events & Attractions -TOP