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

Travelers looking for a laid-back yet enriching way to experience Salt Spring Island will find the “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour a superb choice. This 6-hour scenic loop offers a chance to explore some of the island’s best local producers at your own pace, combining beautiful vistas with delicious food and drink. With only 20 seats per shuttle, it’s an intimate experience that encourages a relaxed and personalized adventure.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its handpicked stops—from a renowned cheese farm to a lavender farm, and from award-winning wineries to a craft cider orchard. The flexibility to hop on and off means you can linger at the spots that catch your interest most, whether that’s sampling cheese, tasting wine, or simply soaking up the views.

That said, a brief consideration is that this experience is primarily designed as a transport-and-experience combo rather than a deep-dive into each location. If you’re expecting guided tours of the production processes or in-depth explanations, this might not fully meet those expectations.

This tour suits visitors who enjoy a relaxed pace, local artisan food and drinks, and scenic drives. It’s perfect for those who want to see a lot without rushing, and for anyone eager to support local businesses while soaking in the island’s charm.

Good To Know

• Flexible Schedule: You choose which stops to visit, making it customizable.
• Intimate Experience: Small group size with only 20 seats per shuttle ensures personalized attention.
• Diverse Stops: From cheese and lavender farms to wineries and cideries, there’s a variety of tastes and sights.
• Scenic Journey: The loop covers 28km of lush island scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Food & Drink: Expect tasty locally made food offerings like wood-fired pizza, pastries, and ice cream.
• Value for Money: At $47.88 per person, it offers a well-rounded day of experiences and tastings.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Salt Spring Island Cheese & Goat Farm

The tour kicks off at Salt Spring Island Cheese, a must-see for cheese lovers. You’ll get to explore their tasting room, where over a dozen artisan cheeses are available for sampling. The farm tour includes a self-guided stroll around the goats’ barn, watching the goats and learning about cheese-making through viewing windows. Reviewers mention the cheese cake made with their own cheese and gelato made from goat milk as highlights.

This stop blends a working farm with a casual tasting experience, making it ideal for those who love fresh, local flavors. As one reviewer noted, “the cheese farm is adorable, and the cheese cake was incredible,” indicating the quality and freshness of their products.

Sacred Mountain Lavender

Next, you’ll visit this boutique lavender farm on Mount Tuam, just near Fulford Harbour. The farm boasts around 60 varieties of organically-grown lavender, which bloom between June and September—perfect timing for a summer visit.

Here, you can wander through demonstration beds, learn about lavender processing, and enjoy the sight of fields bursting with purple. The farm shop offers lavender-based products and you can indulge in a lavender-infused treat or tea. Reviewers appreciated the self-guided tour and the opportunity to see the entire process, including distillation and propagation. However, one person suggested skipping this stop unless lavender is a particular interest, as it’s somewhat small and simple.

Salt Spring Brewing Co.

For beer enthusiasts, Salt Spring Brewing Co. offers a laid-back spot for tastings. With a history dating back to 1998, they craft small batch beers using mountain spring water and local ingredients like island-grown hops and honey. Expect a selection of unpasteurized, fresh beers such as their raspberry mango sour ale and a creamy vanilla stout.

Guests love the rustic setting—”drink beer with nature” is how one reviewer described it—and the chance to sample beers like the tropical hazy IPA. The brewery’s focus on minimal intervention and local sourcing makes their beers stand out from mass-produced brews.

Garry Oaks Estate Winery

The highlight for wine lovers is Garry Oaks Estate Winery, perched on a historic farm with sweeping views of the Burgoyne Valley. This vineyard produces estate-grown wines, including varieties like Gewürztraminer. The tasting room boasts awards and a charming ambiance, with comfy Adirondack chairs to relax and soak in the scenery.

Visitors often mention the beauty of the estate and the chance to walk around the property, which includes a mini-labyrinth and a pond. One reviewer called it “the perfect spot to unwind with a bottle of wine and enjoy the views.” The focus on sustainable grape-growing adds to its appeal.

Ciderworks & Apple Orchard

A true highlight is the cider stop at Ciderworks, where they grow over 425 heritage and connoisseur apple varieties on organic orchards. The cider is made with minimal intervention—no added sugar—and showcases the unique flavors of their rare apples. Guests rave about the extensive cider selection and the organic orchard views.

Expect to see apple fritters, artisan pizza, and perhaps sample some of the best ciders on the island. Reviewers note that the cider’s fresh, unfiltered profile makes it stand out in a market dominated by mass-produced options.

Ganges Harbour & Saturday Market

As the tour wraps up, you return to Ganges Village, where you can explore the Saturday Market (April-October). The market is a lively showcase of local artisans, craftspeople, and farmers. It’s a wonderful place to pick up handcrafted souvenirs, fresh produce, and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere.

Many reviews mention the market as a must-visit, with a chance to mingle with locals and buy unique island-made products. The harbor itself offers beautiful views, making the stroll along the waterfront a peaceful end to the day.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

While the $47.88 price tag might seem modest, it covers much more than transportation. The small group size ensures a relaxed experience, and each stop is designed to give you a taste of the island’s craftsmanship and natural beauty. The variety—from cheese to lavender, wine, cider, and beer—means you’ll sample some of Salt Spring’s best local offerings.

The flexible hop-on-hop-off format is ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Instead of rushing from one spot to another, you can spend more time at your favorites, whether that’s lingering at the winery or browsing the market.

Notes from Reviewers

One guest highlighted the ease of the experience: “Our driver Elliot was punctual and friendly, making the day flow seamlessly.” The intimate group size was also appreciated, as it meant less crowded stops and more personalized attention.

However, a few found the experience a bit light on depth—some expected more guided explanations at the farms. If educational tours are your priority, this might be more of a tasting and sightseeing trip than a detailed farm tour.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, local tastings, and relaxed exploration. It’s perfect if you’re visiting Salt Spring Island for the first time and want a curated, easy way to see some of its best artisan spots without the hassle of planning.

It also suits those who love supporting local producers and want to indulge in fresh cheese, craft beverages, and handcrafted goods. Coffee aficionados, wine lovers, and foodies alike will find something to enjoy here.

For visitors with limited time or those who prefer a flexible, intimate experience over large tours, this is a wonderful option.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private transportation is provided, with a shuttle that holds up to 20 guests, ensuring a comfortable, intimate journey.

Can I hop off at all stops, or just some?
You can choose to hop off at any of the stops along the route based on your interests. The tour is designed for you to create your own artisan adventure.

How long does the full loop take?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, giving ample time to visit each stop without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is family-friendly, especially with the focus on local food and scenic views.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour runs from spring through fall, aligning with the lavender bloom and harvest seasons. It’s ideal from June to September for full floral displays and farm activities.

How much should I budget for food and drink?
Many stops feature delicious local food offerings like charcuterie, wood-fired pizza, pastries, and ice cream, often included with tastings. Additional purchases are at your discretion.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Considering the small group size, flexible stops, and access to top local producers, it offers excellent value for a leisurely, local-focused experience.

What makes this tour unique compared to other island excursions?
It’s all about personalized artisan experiences without the rush—giving you time to enjoy the scenery, taste local products, and support genuine Salt Spring businesses.

Can I visit the same stops outside of the tour?
Yes, most of these locations are open to walk-in visits, but the tour provides the convenience of transportation and a curated route, saving you planning time.

Final Thoughts

The Salt Spring Island “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour is a charming way to experience the island’s craftsmanship and natural beauty without feeling hurried. Its small-group approach and flexible stops make it ideal for relaxed travelers, foodies, and wine enthusiasts who want to savor local flavors and scenic views at their own pace.

You’ll enjoy a well-balanced mix of tasting, sightseeing, and support for local artisans—creating a rich, authentic snapshot of Salt Spring Island’s vibrant artisan community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, this tour offers a delightful, manageable way to learn about everything Salt Spring has to offer.

For those who value quality over quantity, and authentic, locally-made experiences over scripted tours, this is a memorable choice. Just be prepared to take your time, taste plenty, and soak up the stunning surroundings.