
Salt Spring Island vacation rentals
Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Salt Spring Island
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Salt Spring Island vacation rentals
Salt Spring Island house rentals

Galiano Harbour View House

Cliff Top Family Home Over Looking the Ocean

Castle in the Sky

Lovely 2 Bedroom Guest House By The Lake

Family Friendly City Center House Near YYJ & Ferry

Country Classic

Johl Estates & Cottage Shawnigan Lake

A Relaxed West Coast View Retreat
Other great vacation rentals in Salt Spring Island

Waterfront Family Getaway on Mayne Island

The Sea House

Oceanfront low bank home viewing Mt. Baker.

Westcott Bay View, San Juan Isl.

Sweet Westcoast Suite with Amazing Ocean Views

New Bright Modern Farm Oasis

Stylish Modern Country Retreat

Glamping, Forest, HotTub, Firepit, Fast wifi, TVs
Your guide to Salt Spring Island
All About Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea — just an hour from the British Columbia capital, Victoria — known for its freshwater lakes and pristine beaches, gorgeous national parks, and picturesque seaside villages. The island’s Vesuvius Beach has fascinating rock formations perfect for watching the set set over, while Beddis Beach offers safe swimming and tidal pools to explore. Jack Foster Beach is accessed by a 45-minute hike through the forest that leads to incredible views of the Trincomali Channel and Wallace Island, and from here, you may be able to spot whales, seals, and seabirds. The beautiful Mount Maxwell and Ruckle Provincial Parks offer scenic hiking trails and spectacular views.
The island has lovely villages to visit, the largest being Ganges, home to many restaurants and pubs, specialty shops, and a thriving arts community. Vesuvius is the island’s sunniest location and attracts visitors to its beautiful sandy beach, while Fulford has unique gift shops and a picturesque harbor.
Art lovers are drawn to the many galleries and artists’ studios scattered around Salt Spring Island, and you can take a studio tour, where you can view and purchase the artists’ works. Each Saturday from March through October, vendors showcase their food and produce at a market in Ganges.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Salt Spring Island
Summer is a great time to visit Salt Spring Island and stay in one of many vacation rentals available. You can expect warm days and mild evenings for spending time at the beach, but it never gets too hot, so you’ll be able to enjoy a hike in the national parks or a visit to the lavender blooms at a local farm. In fall, the temperatures drop but are still mild enough to enjoy the changing colors in Ruckle Provincial Park. In September, the popular Apple Festival takes place when local farmers and growers put on festivities to celebrate the island’s amazing crop. Salt Spring Island winters are milder than other parts of Canada, but you can still expect cold and rainy conditions, so come prepared with layers. Spring brings a mix of pleasant days with some rain.
Top things to do in Salt Spring Island
Ganges
Ganges, the island’s largest village, is home to a variety of gift shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and pubs. Explore the many art galleries, run mainly by artists who live on the island, and pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Down by the harbor, you can watch the impressive sight of seaplanes landing and taking off from the water, and there’s also a lovely public park where you can enjoy a stroll.
Ruckle Provincial Park
Enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular views along more than nine miles of hiking trails in this popular park. The Yeo Point hike is an easy 2.5-mile trail one way and guides you along the coast through hemlock and cedar forests and past a secluded pebble beach. There’s an array of wildlife to see, such as grouse and deer, and if you’re lucky, you might spot orcas in the sea. Look up to try and spot bald eagles flying overhead.
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park
Head up nearly 2,000 feet to one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. A trail will guide you along the cliff’s edge (protected by a perimeter fence) up to the Mount Maxwell Baynes Peak lookout, where your reward will be unparalleled vistas of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and even as far as the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 74°F (23°C) and winters are mild, with temperatures usually staying above 32°F (0°C). The island gets a fair amount of rainfall, particularly between November and February, so be sure to pack some rain gear if visiting in these months. Regardless of the season, the island's natural beauty is always inviting for outdoor exploration.
What are some of the best things to do in Salt Spring Island?
Visitors often enjoy hiking, exploring the local artisan studios, and visiting the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company for a unique farm experience. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular activities on the island.
What is the best time of year to visit Salt Spring Island?
Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit Salt Spring Island due to favourable weather conditions. Notable events during this period include the Salt Spring Island Tuesday Farmers Market and the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival.
What are the best places to stay in Salt Spring Island?
Ganges Village is frequently recommended due to its proximity to shops, restaurants, and the renowned Saturday Market. For those seeking serenity, the northern part of the island, near Vesuvius, is a popular choice. Fulford Harbour provides easy access to the BC Ferries terminal.
What are the best places to visit in Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island boasts several popular places including Ruckle Provincial Park, Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, and the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. Ganges Village, known for its vibrant Saturday Market, is also a frequented location.
What are some hiking trails in Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island has numerous hiking trails including the tranquil pathways of Ruckle Provincial Park, the challenging Mount Maxwell, and the scenic Burgoyne Bay. The Channel Ridge trails also provide enchanting views of the surrounding islands.
What are some family activities to do in Salt Spring Island?
Families often enjoy visiting the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, exploring the local artisan studios, or hiking in the many parks on the island. A day trip to Saturday Market in Ganges Village is also a popular family outing.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Salt Spring Island?
Consider day trips such as exploring the local artisan studios, venturing into the Ruckle Provincial Park, or visiting historic sites like the Fulford Village. A trip to Saturday Market in Ganges is also often suggested for its locally produced goods.
Destinations to explore
- Greater Vancouver A Vacation rentals
- Victoria Vacation rentals
- Richmond Vacation rentals
- Surrey Vacation rentals
- Burnaby Vacation rentals
- Vancouver Island Vacation rentals
- Portland Vacation rentals
- Vancouver Vacation rentals
- Whistler Vacation rentals
- Puget Sound Vacation rentals
- Seattle Vacation rentals
- Fraser River Vacation rentals
- Rentals with a sauna Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with beach access Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with outdoor seating Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a fireplace Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a hot tub Salt Spring Island
- Family-friendly rentals Salt Spring Island
- Farmstay rentals Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with breakfast Salt Spring Island
- Apartment rentals Salt Spring Island
- Guesthouse rentals Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with lake access Salt Spring Island
- Private suite rentals Salt Spring Island
- Kid-friendly rentals Salt Spring Island
- Cabin rentals Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a kayak Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a patio Salt Spring Island
- Beachfront rentals Salt Spring Island
- House rentals Salt Spring Island
- Pet-friendly rentals Salt Spring Island
- Cottage rentals Salt Spring Island
- Waterfront rentals Salt Spring Island
- Condo rentals Salt Spring Island
- Rentals with a fire pit Salt Spring Island
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- BC Place
- University of British Columbia
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Cypress Mountain
- Whatcom Falls Park
- English Bay Beach
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Point Grey Golf & Country Club
- Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
- China Beach (Canada)
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
- W.C. Blair Recreation Centre
- West Beach
- Playland at the PNE
- Capilano Golf and Country Club
- Jericho Beach
- Willows Beach
- Craigdarroch Castle
- Victoria Golf Club
- Minoru Park
- Bear Mountain Golf Club
- Crescent Beach
- Kensington Pitch & Putt
- Sombrio Beach
- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
- Family budget travel Get there for less
- Vacation ideas for any budget Make it special without making it spendy
- Travel Europe on a budget How to take the kids to Europe for less
- Outdoor adventure Explore nature with the family
- Bucket list national parks Must-see parks for family travel
- Kid-friendly state parks Check out these family-friendly hikes