The largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island is a scenic locale known for its artistic and agricultural environment. With several Salt Spring Island guesthouses to choose from, it's easy to get away from it all in this relaxing destination.

With mild weather just about every month of the year, it's no surprise that Salt Spring Island is a year-round destination. In July and August, temperatures usually reach the low 70s, and the skies tend to stay dry. Spring and fall bring temperatures in the 40s and 50s, along with more rainy days. Winter is the rainiest season, and temperatures usually hover in the 30s and low 40s in December and January.

To reach Salt Spring Island from afar, your best bet is to fly into Victoria International Airport, which is just south of the island, or Vancouver International Airport, which is across the Salish Sea from the island. No matter where you land, however, you'll need to take a ferry to the island. Just north of Victoria, a ferry from Swartz Bay sails approximately every two hours. Near Vancouver, a ferry from Tsawwassen sails about twice a day. Salt Spring Island might look small, but at 17 miles long and nine miles wide, it's best to have a car so you can explore the island to its fullest. If you plan to take it easy and not venture far, you'll find that cycling is the easiest way to get from most Salt Spring Island guesthouses to nearby attractions.

Salt Spring Island is known for its majestic scenery, and the island's provincial parks are some of its top draws. Don't miss Ruckle Provincial Park, a popular place to hike, kayak, fish, and even scuba dive. You'll see everything from sea lions to killer whales to river otters and crabs. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park is home to Baynes Peak, one of Salt Spring Island's highest points and a great place to take in the views of the surrounding area. This is also an ideal place for hiking, wildlife spotting, and cycling. Get to know the island's unique culture with a trip to Salt Spring Island's Saturday Market, where you'll find local food, baked goods, and handmade wares. Salt Spring Vineyards and Mistaken Identity Vineyards are also fun places to spend an hour or two, as both offer tastings in beautiful rural settings.

Start your day on Salt Spring Island with a hot cup of coffee at the Fernwood Road Café. For lunch, make your way to the highly reviewed Morningside Organic Bakery Café & Bookstore, which specializes in organic baked goods and healthy vegetarian burgers. In the evening, go to the Seaside Kitchen, which serves up classics like fish and chips, mussels, and other fresh catches right on the waterfront.