Woodland trails, rugged coastlines and quiet little beaches make this bucolic little island a popular rustic day trip for visitors. It's a 20-minute ferry hop from Nanaimo.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Nanaimo Museum

4.34 MILES

This popular museum just off the Commercial St main drag showcases the region's heritage, from First Nations to colonial, maritime, sporting and beyond…

2. Old City Quarter

4.57 MILES

A steep hike uphill from the waterfront on Bastion and Fitzwilliam Sts delivers you to a strollable heritage 'hood of independent stores, galleries and…

3. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park

5.01 MILES

Nanaimo's rustic outdoor getaway (also known as Saysutshun in the indigenous language) offers 22km of hiking and biking trails, plus beaches and wildlife…

4. Wild Play Element Parks

6.67 MILES

The perfect spot to tire your kids out, this tree-lined adventure playground is packed with adrenaline-pumping fun, from bungee jumping to scream…

5. Blue Horse Folk Art Gallery

20.37 MILES

One of the most popular of Salt Spring's many galleries, you'll find contemporary reinventions of the quirky folk art movement here as well as eye…

6. Sa Boothroyd

22.24 MILES

Tucked toward the end of the wharf, this small private gallery showcases the work of local artist Boothroyd, who's known for her whimsical almost child…

7. Gibsons Public Art Gallery

22.3 MILES

A delightful little gallery with a firm focus on showcasing Sunshine Coast works, from painting to sculpture and fiber art. The diverse roster of shows…

8. Westholme Tea Farm

22.54 MILES

Thought tea was a tropical plant? Not always. Hidden in bucolic farmland 8km north of Duncan, the improbably located Westholme grows its own tea plants…