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

If you’re planning a visit to Salt Spring Island, chances are you’ll hear about its vibrant artisan scene, farm-fresh food, and stunning landscapes. The Salt Spring Island “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour is a popular way to soak in these sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve read through plenty of reviews and info to give you a clear picture of what to expect—so you can decide if it fits your style.

What really caught my eye are how flexible and scenic the experience is. The chance to explore at your own pace, with stops at a cheese farm, lavender farm, brewery, winery, and cider orchard, sounds like a well-rounded way to experience Salt Spring’s local flavors and scenery. Plus, the small-group vibe with only 20 seats per shuttle makes it feel intimate and unhurried.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t an in-depth educational experience—it’s more about the journey and tasting what’s local. Some travelers who expected detailed tours of each artisan’s process might find it a bit light on explanations. That said, if you’re after a relaxed, tasting-focused day with beautiful views, this could be just right.

This tour works best for those who love the idea of discovering Salt Spring’s local artisans at their own pace, enjoying good food and drinks, and taking in the island’s scenery without feeling rushed. It’s especially good if you’re looking for a flexible, laid-back adventure rather than a structured tour with a lot of talking.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary: You choose which artisan stops to visit and how long to stay.
• Small group experience: Only 20 seats per shuttle, so it’s cozy and unrushed.
• Diverse stops: Cheese farm, lavender farm, brewery, winery, cider orchard, and more.
• Scenic views: The 28km loop offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photo moments.
• Focus on local flavors: Food, wine, cider, and cheese that highlight Salt Spring’s produce.
• Relaxed pace: Ample time at each spot means you’re not rushed—perfect for enjoying the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Artisan Trail Tour

Starting Point and General Setup

The tour begins at the Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre in Ganges, a convenient spot to meet the small shuttle. The experience is designed as a hop-on hop-off—meaning you can hop off at any stop that catches your eye and hop back on when ready. The shuttle runs every hour from 10 a.m., giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your day.

The small size of the group (just 20 seats per shuttle) makes for a relaxed, personal atmosphere. It’s ideal if you prefer a more intimate experience, where you’re not just another face in a large tour bus. The driver, often someone like Elliot (who receives praise for being punctual and friendly), acts as your guide, helping you navigate from one artisan gem to the next.

The Stops in Detail

Salt Spring Island Cheese

This stop is a true highlight. Known for their delicious artisan cheeses, the farm offers a tasting room where you can sample over a dozen varieties. Imagine trying beautifully presented cheeses paired with jams, chutneys, and crackers—it’s a true cheese lover’s dream. The self-guided tour around the goats barn and cheese-making area adds a lovely touch, providing insight into local cheese craft.

Visitors rave about the cheesecake made with their own cheese, paired with seasonal fruit, as well as the goat milk gelato. One reviewer pointed out that this stop is a must-do, especially for those interested in local food production.

Sacred Mountain Lavender

If lavender fields are your thing, this tiny farm is a treat. With about 2.5 acres of lavender, they grow up to 60 varieties for culinary, floral, or spa uses. The self-guided tour includes a look at the drying room, propagation, and distillation of essential oils—fascinating for those curious about how lavender products are made.

Enjoy a lavender-infused treat or tea while soaking in the colorful, fragrant fields. Note that lavender blooms best from June to September, so timing matters if you want the full visual impact. Some reviews suggest this stop might be skippable if lavender isn’t a priority, but overall it adds a peaceful, aromatic dimension to the day.

Salt Spring Brewing Co.

Beer fans will appreciate this stop. The brewery’s mountain spring water and commitment to local ingredients make their beers stand out. Sampling their raspberry mango sour ale or vanilla stout, you’ll get a taste of craft brewing with a natural twist.

The rustic atmosphere, combined with the chance to learn about their brewing process, makes it a fun and refreshing break. Many travelers mention how easy and enjoyable the experience with the driver, like Elliot, makes this stop.

Garry Oaks Estate Winery

A highlight for wine enthusiasts: this hillside winery offers beautiful views over the Burgoyne Valley. The estate-grown wines, especially the Gewürztraminer, are well worth tasting. The setting, complete with a pond and miniature labyrinth, makes it a scenic spot to relax and savor some award-winning vintages.

Reviewers mention the cozy tasting room and the chance to walk around the property—perfect for those who enjoy combining wine tasting with a bit of scenery.

Ciderworks

This organic orchard is a true standout. The Salt Spring Apple Co. grows over 425 heritage apple varieties, aiming for minimal intervention in their cider-making process. The ciders are made from the apples grown right on the property, offering an authentic taste of Salt Spring’s apple heritage.

While sampling cider, you might also enjoy artisan pizza or apple fritters, making this a lively and delicious stop. The views over the orchard add to the relaxed vibe.

After the Stops: Ganges Harbour

Once your loop wraps up, there’s time to stroll along Ganges Harbour, especially during Saturday markets (April through October). You can browse local crafts, pick up fresh produce, and enjoy the laid-back island community. Many reviews highlight this as a lovely way to wind down after a day of tasting and exploring.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $47.88 per person, the tour is a reasonable investment considering the number of stops and the small-group experience. Instead of paying for separate tours or transportation, this package bundles it all, with the flexibility to choose what interests you most. While it doesn’t include in-depth tours or explanations, the value lies in the relaxed pace, scenic drives, and local tastings.

Some reviews mention that it’s a good way to experience Salt Spring if you’re not interested in a structured, educational tour but want a taste of local food, drink, and scenery.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Book in advance, as it’s popular—and for good reason.
• Arrive early at the start point for a smooth check-in.
• Be ready to hop on and off as you please; bring comfortable shoes and sun protection.
• Check the timing of your stops—some are longer than others—so you can plan your visits accordingly.
• If lavender is a priority, visit between June and September.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for travelers who love tasting local food and drinks at a relaxed pace and don’t need a highly structured, educational experience. It’s perfect if you value small groups, scenic drives, and the freedom to choose your stops. It’s also suitable for those wanting a day out that balances scenery, food, and drink, without rushing from place to place.

If your focus is more on in-depth understanding of each artisan’s process, or if you’re traveling with kids who need more activity, you might find this tour a little light on those fronts.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy tasting and exploring farms and orchards will likely find it enjoyable. Keep in mind the stops involve some walking around farms and tasting, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The entire loop takes about 6 hours, including time at each stop and travel between them.

Can I customize my stops?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off style means you can choose which artisans to visit and how long to stay at each.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a water bottle, and maybe a small backpack for snacks or purchases.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The info doesn’t specify, so it’s best to contact the provider for details if accessibility is a concern.

Are the tastings included?
While tastings at each stop are part of the experience, they are not explicitly included in the price—most stops offer samples as part of their regular operation.

What makes this tour unique?
Its focus on local artisan food, wine, and drinks, combined with scenic views and the ability to explore at your own pace, sets it apart from more rigid tours.

Is the transportation comfortable?
With a small shuttle and friendly driver, the ride is cozy and personal, making for a relaxed experience.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Lavender blooms from June to September, but the other stops are generally available year-round.

How early should I book?
Most travelers book about 47 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.

If you enjoy discovering local flavors at a leisurely pace, this Salt Spring Artisan Trail tour offers a charming way to connect with the island’s craftsmanship and scenery without the hassle. It’s a flexible, intimate experience that showcases Salt Spring’s best culinary and scenic highlights—perfect for those who want to savor the journey as much as the destinations.