Tucked into the heart of Ganges, the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market is more than a weekly gathering — it’s a longstanding expression of craftsmanship, community, and coastal life.
Established in the 1970s, our market has grown into one of the most celebrated outdoor markets in Canada, drawing visitors from across British Columbia and beyond. What began as a small collection of local makers and farmers has evolved into a vibrant showcase of the island’s creative and agricultural talent.
A Market Rooted in Craft & Community
Held each Saturday in Centennial Park, our market is uniquely dedicated to local production. Vendors must make, bake, or grow what they sell — a philosophy that has shaped its reputation for authenticity.
Here, you’ll find:
- Fresh, seasonal produce grown on Salt Spring Island
- Small-batch baked goods and prepared foods (including gluten free)
- Internationally recognized arts and crafts
- Handmade body care, clothing, and textiles
- Fine art, photography, and woodworking
From world-class potters and jewellers to fibre artists and herbalists, the market reflects the depth of talent that defines the island.
A Longstanding Tradition for Saltspring Soapworks
For us, the Saturday Market is part of our origin story.
Saltspring Soapworks has been a vendor since the early 1980s, making us one of the longest-standing participants. Long before our products reached store shelves, they were shared here — across wooden tables, in conversation, and in the open air of a Saturday morning.
That connection to place continues to shape everything we make.
2026 Market Dates & Hours
If you’re planning a visit, the market runs:
- Start Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
- End Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Location: Centennial Park, Ganges
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Hours:
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (spring & fall)
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (summer months)
Arriving earlier in the day offers the best selection — especially for baked goods and seasonal produce.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
The Salt Spring Island Saturday Market offers something increasingly rare: a direct connection between maker and visitor.
There are no resellers, no mass production — only goods shaped by hand, by season, and by skill. It’s this commitment that has earned the market its reputation as one of the finest artisan markets in the country.
For visitors, it’s a place to slow down, discover something unexpected, and experience Salt Spring Island at its most authentic.
Planning Your Visit
- Parking in Ganges fills quickly on summer weekends — consider arriving early
- Bring cash, though many vendors now accept cards
- Take time to explore beyond the market — Ganges offers shops, cafés, and coastal views within walking distance
- When shopping providing your own reusable bag is greatly appreciated
- BCSPCA provides doggie daycare service for people attending the Saturday Market, cost is $20/hour for one on one care and is a direct donation to the BCSPCA
Visit Us at the Market
If you’re visiting this season, we invite you to stop by our booth.
It’s where our story began — and where it continues, every Saturday. You can also visit our Ganges retail store, #102-149 Fulford-Ganges Road, right next to the Saturday Market.
