This enchanting little island near Vancouver with cozy vibes is my favourite fall escape
In honour of Gilmore Girls season being upon us, I figured it was time to talk about Fall. Moreover, the ultimate fall escape. A cozy, slightly whimsical getaway where you can romanticize the crunch of leaves, chunky cable-knit sweaters, nut-sweetened lattes, and the idea of back-to-school season that somehow, no matter our age, always makes us feel like we can start over again.
And what better way to do all these things than on a stunning Gulf Island that's only an hour and a half BC Ferries ride away?
Salt Spring Island is cinematic, quiet, and the perfect place to escape the city while embracing all the pumpkin-spiced charm autumn insists on offering. It's where time politely slows down, everyone greets you like a neighbour (because, realistically, they all are), and the whole island makes you feel like you've stumbled upon hidden gem after hidden gem.
Consider this your ultimate fall guide to the island's cozy little paradise.
How to get there
Yes, the journey is part of the charm. Hop on a BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour and enjoy an hour and a half of peaceful ocean views. Aim for a mid-morning departure — early enough for dreamy scenery, late enough that you won't need a triple espresso to keep your eyes open.
Bonus: off-season sailings mean fewer people to politely elbow out of the way for a window seat.
Wander around Ganges
The heart of the island is Ganges, and it's basically your fall-girl fantasy come to life. Picture: colourful boutiques, cozy cafés with foggy windows, and quirky art galleries where the only employee is both the artist and shop owner. The farmers' markets are a must-do event: Saturdays (April–October) turn Centennial Park into an eclectic mix of produce, crafts, food, and art, while Tuesdays (late May–October) keep things more simple with farm-fresh goods and baked treats.
Grab a coffee from Salt Spring Coffee and stroll around town. It's the perfect backdrop to people-watch, window shop, and collect a suspiciously large number of souvenirs that someone at home will inevitably ask where (why) you own goat-shaped salt shakers.
Explore the hiking trails
If I'm going to hike at all, it better be in cool weather, with minimal crowds, and during the narrow time period where trees put on a colourful autumn show. For better or worse, that's exactly what Salt Spring offers in the fall. Here are a few of my favourites (depending on your vibe):
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park: A short hike (or drive, if you're feeling lazy-girl chic or have too cute an outfit to work up a sweat in) will take you up to Baynes Peak, where you'll get sweeping views of the Gulf Islands. Bring a thermos of tea, listen to the sounds of nature, and prepare to feel the emotional weight of recognizing how small we truly are in such a big world.
Ruckle Provincial Park: For the moody among us, the short half-hour Ruckle Loop is a flat, winding path that takes you in and out of mossy woods, making its way around the coastline until reaching a gorgeous oceanfront clearing. Bring a book, sit by the water, and romanticize your solitude.
Visit the wineries and breweries
Fall is certified sipping season, and Salt Spring delivers. Whether you're a wine girlie, craft beer enthusiast, or someone who just wants a scenic place to drink, there's something here for everyone.
Salt Spring Vineyard: Known for its crisp whites and pinot noirs, this winery is as charming as it gets. The outdoor tasting area feels like you've stumbled into a little European countryside postcard.
Salt Spring Wild Cider: If you like cider that tastes like actual apples (not just sugar water), this is your spot. Their orchard is gorgeous in the fall, and the tasting flights are dangerously fun.
Salt Spring Brewing Co.: Beer fans, this one's for you. Their cozy tasting room is perfect for rainy afternoons. Try their Heather Pale Ale — it tastes like autumn in a glass.
Go thrifting and antiquing
If fall isn't the season for aimlessly wandering through antique shops and buying things you probably don't need, I don't know what is. Salt Spring is full of quirky little spots where you'll find everything from vintage books to that one teacup you didn't know your kitchen needed. Places like Bohemia Consignment, Salt Spring Goods, and The Shop on Jackson are goldmines for unique little finds.
And honestly? Even if you don't buy anything, wasting away an afternoon browsing old treasures while sipping a latte just feels like you live in a Nora Ephron movie.
Indulge in local eats
The food scene here is, as they say, chef's kiss. From farm-to-table restaurants to cute cafés, you'll never be hungry (or underwhelmed).
Tree-House Café: Aptly named for the tree at its center, this charming spot hosts Music Under the Stars nightly at 6 p.m. — sit outside if you can and prepare to feel like you've wandered straight into an actual fairytale.
Barb's Bakery & Bistro: A Salt Spring staple for over a decade, cranking out fresh-baked everything daily — pastries, breads, muffins, savoury twists, you name it. Translation: Resistance is futile.
Francis Bread: If bread is your love language, this place is your soulmate.
Relax and unplug
One of the best things about Salt Spring in the fall? The quiet. Tourist season slows down, so you can actually hear the wind through the trees and the waves against the rocks. Book a cozy cabin or Airbnb, light a fire, and pretend you're a writer working on your novel. (And yes, your string of half-finished thoughts on your notes app does count!).
For an extra dose of relaxation bliss, try the Arbutus View Thermal Spa or Solace Organic Spa — Nordic-style hydrotherapy circuits tucked among the trees and along the water.
Why fall is the best time to visit
Of course, Salt Spring is gorgeous year-round, but during the months that end with 'R'... it hits different. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is still mild enough to enjoy the outdoors, and the whole island feels like it's wrapped in a cozy blanket. Plus, ferry rides through misty mornings? Yes please.
If you're looking to swap city chaos for autumnal peace this season, this little island is calling your name. Pack your comfiest sweaters, your favourite book, and an extra tote bag. And while I can't promise you'll run into a Luke Danes lookalike pouring your coffee, I can promise you'll leave with your soul feeling at least 10% more whimsical.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
