4 ways to experience Salt Spring Island, B.C.

Caffeine boost

If you’re drinking coffee on Salt Spring Island, there’s a good chance it’s from Mt. Maxwell Coffee Roasters. The family business specializes in organic, hand-roasted, small-batch coffee. In other words, this is quality stuff. Want to buy beans by the bagful? Check out the on-site farm stand or hit up the regular booth at the famous Saturday Market (below). 595 Cranberry Rd., Mt. Maxwell Coffee Roasters.

Made on Salt Spring

Running from April to October, the Saturday Market boasts 140 specialized vendors offering everything from homegrown sprouts to pretty bamboo dresses. The market’s number 1 rule is that vendors must “make it, bake it or grow it” themselves, so you know everything’s made with love. Insider tip: Come early to get some of Salt Spring Island Bread Co.’s in-demand loaves, baked in a wood-fired home oven. They sell out within hours. Centennial Park, Salt Spring Market.

Clean up your act

Billed as “the world’s smallest soap store,” Saltspring Soapworks is a hidden treasure trove full of body products, like lavender water and seaweed scrubs, handmade from natural local ingredients. 131 McPhillips Ave., Salt Spring Soapworks.

Catch of the day

You’ll feel like a real West Coaster sitting by the water while feasting on fresh, local seafood at the Oystercatcher Seafood Bar & Grill. Dine right on the harbour and watch as float planes land among the houseboats and yachts. Try the oyster po’ boys: Fanny Bay oysters, perfectly crispy onion and coleslaw — yum! Seafood’s not your thing? Go for the signature veggie burger with avocado and mozzarella. 100 Manson Rd., Oystercatcher.

(Pictured, as seen in our November issue) Gourmet treats

Indulge in all-natural goodies like handcrafted chocolate peanut butter cups or blood orange sorbetto at Harlans Chocolates and Gelato. Craving savoury? Stop by Salt Spring Island Cheese for delicious local offerings in flavours like white truffle, lemon or chili. 100 Lower Ganges Rd., Harlans Chocolate. 285 Reynolds Rd., Salt Spring Cheese.