Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The Salt Spring Visitor Centre is located in the heart of downtown Ganges at 121 Lower Ganges Rd. Our knowledgeable volunteer counsellors offer a wealth of information and want to ensure you experience an unforgettable visit. Free local maps, ferry and bus schedules, and our brochure can be picked up at any time. We have free wifi and a payphone is conveniently located outside our door. Tour and local buses stop right outside our front door. There is a bicycle rack available and parking is located behind the Visitor Centre.Unfortunately our building is too old to be handicap accessible but if you visit the Chamber of Commerce office at parking lot level, a counsellor will be happy to bring information to you! Shops, galleries, restaurants, parks and more are a short stroll from the Visitor Centre. See you on Salt Spring Island!
Duration: < 1 hour
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Restaurants
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Attractions
50 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
93 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
13
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Resort58701723894
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
If you want to have the experience of the Vancouver Downtown East Side or Skid Row in a Gulf Islands setting then this is your place. We have found needles (not the knitting type) at both Grace Point and Centennial Park. Garbage and graffiti enhance the urban vibe. No decent restaurants but a few ok coffee shops. Best recommendation is to go to Sidney. More dope shops than most major cities if that's your thing.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abbotsfordrocks
Cole Bay, St Martin / St Maarten168 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
In the day and age of no one giving assistance, this was a breath of fresh air. There were plenty of staff to offer assistance and have a chuckle with.
Written August 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad we were able to be of assistance!
Written September 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
divastarzz
Auckland, New Zealand765 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Great customer service! Very helpful.
Take note that not too many stores are open on Sundays.
But, the Lady at the Customer service showed us the map were we can spend our time around the Island.
Take note that not too many stores are open on Sundays.
But, the Lady at the Customer service showed us the map were we can spend our time around the Island.
Written December 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking time to leave us a review! Yes, winter Sundays can be quiet in Ganges! Our Visitor Centre is open everyday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers!
Written April 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
artist_at_heart
Fraser Valley, BC51 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Pleasant but cynical host is probably not your best first impression. Also, be aware that there are no washrooms at the visitor information. They will direct you to Thrifty's.
Written July 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenny P
Sidney, Canada27 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
My visit to the info center was perfect. The volunteers were full of knowledge and very friendly, just what you need when looking for local help.
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coast_to_coast_250
Victoria, Canada345 contributions
Aug 2021
Although we had been to SSI before and had researched before our trip, we were glad we stopped and spoke to the pleasant woman and man who gave us updated information. They were both informative and helpful.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hkgilchrist
New Westminster, Canada42 contributions
Oct 2019
I didn't ask if the two lovely ladies were volunteers or paid employees because it really doesn't matter. Either way the management at the Visitor Information Centre is lucky to have them be among the first people in Salt Spring that we, at least, spoke to.
I kick myself for not getting their names to include them here in this review. (And I just noticed Tripadviser has spelled the name of the island wrong. It's Salt Spring TWO words. And while I'm at it the word centre is spelled "re" in Canada).
But I digress. The informative staff in the office was extremely helpful, offering their own favourites and recommendations which we took seriously and found to be completely accurate.
We didn't get to try all their recommendations, but the ones we followed up on proved to be just as advertised.
I kick myself for not getting their names to include them here in this review. (And I just noticed Tripadviser has spelled the name of the island wrong. It's Salt Spring TWO words. And while I'm at it the word centre is spelled "re" in Canada).
But I digress. The informative staff in the office was extremely helpful, offering their own favourites and recommendations which we took seriously and found to be completely accurate.
We didn't get to try all their recommendations, but the ones we followed up on proved to be just as advertised.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad we were able to be of help. At this time of year our staff is 100% volunteer!!
Written September 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona T
Toronto, Canada47 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Richard was wonderful - gave us lots of tips and suggestions for a lovely sunset evening ( Vesuvius)
Written May 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Fiona for your positive review!! Richard is one of our great team of Visitor Centre Volunteers who love what they do and are happy to help and to share the things that make our island so special!!
Written July 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicole G
Seattle, WA67 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
There is no posting for this marina so not sure where to add this review other than here.
We wanted to visit Ganges and based on marine write ups chose the Salt Spring Marina to tie up our boat for an overnight visit.
On our approach they were not that responsive when we raided to ask what slip we should tie up to. Short staffed? uninterested? not sure. Compared to the other Marinas which we could hear attentively addressing guests radio calls we were unimpressed - had to radio several times to get a response.
Then they nickel and dime you: want electricity? more $ Want a shower? you can have a code to the bathroom but you need to pump Canadian Loonies (dollars) into the slot. Need Loonies? Sure they will exchange but 4 US quarters = 1 loonie in spite of the exchange rate.
Need to discard garbage? 4$ per bag. Even for recycling!
And the piers are in terrible shape - splinters galore. not updated in 10-20 years I would wager.
Never the less Ganges is a fabulous town with great shops and food: highly recommend but anchoring in the harbor is more pleasant!
We wanted to visit Ganges and based on marine write ups chose the Salt Spring Marina to tie up our boat for an overnight visit.
On our approach they were not that responsive when we raided to ask what slip we should tie up to. Short staffed? uninterested? not sure. Compared to the other Marinas which we could hear attentively addressing guests radio calls we were unimpressed - had to radio several times to get a response.
Then they nickel and dime you: want electricity? more $ Want a shower? you can have a code to the bathroom but you need to pump Canadian Loonies (dollars) into the slot. Need Loonies? Sure they will exchange but 4 US quarters = 1 loonie in spite of the exchange rate.
Need to discard garbage? 4$ per bag. Even for recycling!
And the piers are in terrible shape - splinters galore. not updated in 10-20 years I would wager.
Never the less Ganges is a fabulous town with great shops and food: highly recommend but anchoring in the harbor is more pleasant!
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NVLisa
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada71 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
I've popped into the visitor center a few times on my numerous visits to Salt Spring Island - most recently July 2018. You will find many a brochure or flyer for the varied accommodations, restaurants or things to do on the island. Maps for the studio tour, hiking, etc. They will even help you find a place to stay if you haven't already booked - in fact they were able to help me find a place to stay for one night last summer - which was amazing as I didn't want to go home yet! The folks who work there are always friendly and helpful, and the location is perfect, right in Ganges.
Written July 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words! We have know,edgeable volunteers and staff who are happy to help!
Written July 31, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer M
Wilsonville, Oregon
How much time do you need to plan for the ferry to and from Fulford Harbour if you are planning a day trip to Saltspring Island from Victoria?
Written July 1, 2017
Hi there, Gail from the Salt Spring Island Visitor Centre here. Sorry we missed answering your question sooner. The ferry ride is 35 minutes and the ferries run every two hours. On the weekends you should probably get to the ferry at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. When returning to Victoria, you could arrive any time after the previous ferry departs, park in the parking lot and have an hour and a half to explore the restaurants and shops in Fulford Village!
Written July 15, 2017
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