Salt Spring Island “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour!

The Salt Spring Island “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour offers a lively and flexible way to explore the island’s best artisan experiences. Priced at $47.88 per person, this 6-hour scenic loop covers award-winning cheese farms, lavender fields, craft breweries, wineries, and cideries, all in one comfortable vehicle. With a suggested booking window of approximately 47 days in advance, this tour suits those who love to explore at their own pace and enjoy a curated, locally-focused journey.

One of the key strengths of this experience is its customizable nature. The small 20-seat shuttles ensure a relaxed atmosphere, with ample time at each stop. Although reviews point out that it’s primarily a transportation service with a focus on local food and drink, the opportunity to choose which artisans to visit makes it a flexible choice for those interested in tasting and learning about Salt Spring’s craft scene.

While the tour doesn’t include guided explanations at every stop, it offers a well-balanced mix of food, drink, and scenic beauty. It’s ideal for visitors who want to experience Salt Spring’s artisanal diversity without feeling rushed, and are happy to explore on their own or with minimal guidance.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on-hop-off format allows you to customize your experience at each artisan stop.
• Includes visits to five main stops: salt spring cheese, sacred mountain lavender, salt spring brewing co., garry oaks estate winery, and ciderworks.
• Price of $47.88 per person offers access to a 6-hour loop with ample time at each location.
• Small group size of 20 seats ensures a cozy, unhurried touring experience.
• Ideal for food and drink lovers interested in local cheese, lavender, beer, wine, and cider.

Salt Spring Island’s Artisan Loop: A Scenic 28km Journey

This tour takes place on Salt Spring Island, located in British Columbia, Canada. The 28km loop showcases the island’s top artisan spots, with scenic views along the way. Starting from the Salt Spring Visitor Information Center, the shuttle departs regularly, giving you freedom to hop on or off at your preferred stops.

The route creates a relaxed, scenic drive through lush landscapes, with small group sizes enhancing the experience. The mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals.

Visiting Salt Spring Island Cheese and Goat Farm

The Salt Spring Island Cheese farm is a highlight, offering a self-guided tour where visitors can see cheese-making through viewing windows. Sampling over a dozen artisan cheeses paired with jams, chutneys, and crackers is a key feature. The farm’s courtyard café serves house-made pizzas, salads, and a cheese cake featuring their own cheese, along with goat milk gelato. Guests also enjoy walking around the goats barn and making the most of the self-guided farm experience.

Sacred Mountain Lavender: A Blooming Showcase

The Sacred Mountain Lavender farm presents a peaceful scene of organically-grown lavender—up to 60 varieties—across 2.5 acres. Visitors can explore the demonstration beds, learn about lavender processing, and indulge in lavender-infused treats such as fruitsicles and tea. The farm operates a steam distillation process for essential oils, offering insight into the full cycle of lavender production. The self-guided tour is enhanced by the stunning purple fields in full bloom between June and September.

Salt Spring Brewing Co.: Craft Beer in Nature

Salt Spring Brewing Co. offers a rustic experience with small-batch beers crafted using mountain spring water since 1998. Beers like their raspberry mango sour ale and creme brulee vanilla stout reflect their mix of traditional and contemporary brewing styles. The location, set against a forested mountain, contributes to the relaxed atmosphere, and the brewery emphasizes local ingredients like island-grown hops, honey, and heather. Tasting their fresh, unpasteurized beers provides a true taste of Salt Spring’s craft scene.

Garry Oaks Estate Winery: Award-Winning Wines

Overlooking the Burgoyne Valley, the Garry Oaks Estate Winery is situated on a hundred-year-old farm with a mini-labyrinth, pond, and gorgeous Garry Oaks. All wines are estate-grown and bottled on the 7-acre farm, ensuring sustainability and quality. The tasting room displays many awards, and visitors can enjoy a scenic walk around the property or relax in yellow Adirondack chairs while sampling a decadent bottle of Gewürztraminer.

Ciderworks: Heritage Apples and Organic Cider

Ciderworks stands out with its focus on heritage apple varieties, grown on over 425 types of apples right on the organic orchard. The Ciderworks building overlooks the sloping orchard, where minimal intervention cider is made without added sugar. The ciders showcase the unique character of rare apples, offering a distinctive tasting experience. The organic farm also produces apple fritters and artisan pizza, making it a fun stop for a full sensory experience.

Post-Tour Leisure in Ganges Village

After completing the artisans’ stops, the tour concludes in Ganges Village. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Ganges Harbour, especially during the Saturday Market from April through October. The market features local crafts, produce, and food—a perfect way to wrap up the day. The harbor and marina create a lively yet scenic setting, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing before heading back.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour includes private transportation in a small shuttle for a more intimate experience. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is at the Salt Spring Visitor Information Center, where a large white shuttle waits. Bookings are recommended around 47 days in advance, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews note that the tour is primarily a transport service, with limited guided explanations at each stop. The focus is on self-guided exploration and tasting, making it ideal for independent visitors who enjoy food and drink experiences. Not every stop may appeal to everyone; for example, some may choose to skip the lavender farm based on personal preferences.

Salt Spring Island Artisan Trail: A Flexible, Food-Focused Experience

This 28km loop provides a delightful introduction to Salt Spring Island’s artisanal products, combining scenic drives, local food, and crafted beverages. The small group size and self-guided style give visitors freedom to explore at their own pace, making it suitable for those who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences.

While not heavily guided, the stops at cheesy farms, lavender fields, breweries, wineries, and cideries ensure a variety of tastes and sights. The price point, combined with the included stops, offers good value for foodies and drink enthusiasts. Ideal for independent-minded visitors, this tour balances scenic beauty with culinary discovery, making it a fun and relaxed way to spend a day on Salt Spring Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Salt Spring Island “Artisan Trail” tour include?
It includes visits to five main artisan sites—cheese farm, lavender farm, brewery, winery, and ciderworks—along with private transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for approximately 6 hours, with flexible time at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is accessible to those comfortable with short stops and walking around the sites.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking around 47 days prior is recommended, as the tour is popular. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What kind of food and drink can I expect?
You’ll find cheese samples, lavender-infused treats, craft beers, estate wines, and heritage apple ciders—perfect for tasting local flavors.

Can I skip some stops?
Yes, the hop-on-hop-off format allows you to choose which artisans to visit, or to stay longer at the ones you prefer.

Is the tour only about food and drink?
Primarily, yes. It focuses on local artisanal products and scenic drives, with minimal guided explanations, offering a relaxed and independent exploration.

What sets this tour apart from others?
Its flexible, small-group style and focus on Salt Spring island’s artisanal scene make it a unique way to experience local food, drinks, and scenery at your own pace.