Plan Your Visit: Your Salt Spring Island Spa Retreat, Sorted
Everything you need to turn a spa booking into a proper day trip or getaway. How to get here, where to stay, and what to do with the rest of your time.
Book Your TreatmentGetting to Solace Organic Spa
Solace is on Salt Spring Island, reached by BC Ferries, Harbour Air flights as well as taxi services. Pick the route that fits where you are coming from, and book your treatment time with the sailing schedule in hand.
From Vancouver Island
Sail from Crofton to Vesuvius Bay, or from Swartz Bay near Victoria to Fulford Harbour. Both are short crossings.
From the Mainland
From Tsawwassen, sail direct to Long Harbour on select departures, or connect through Swartz Bay.
Getting Around
Bring a car. The island is spread out, and the spa, the shops in Ganges, and the trails are a short drive apart.
Plan by How Long You Are Staying
The right visit depends on the time you have. Here is how guests tend to shape it.
Day Trip
A morning sailing, a treatment or the thermal circuit, lunch in Ganges, and home on an evening ferry. Doable from Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.
Overnight
Stay a night nearby and explore the island a slower pace. Time for a treatment, a walk, and a proper dinner.
Week-long Retreat
Settle in and build the spa into a longer stay. A salt spring island spa retreat suits anyone who wants to truly unwind.
Where to Stay and Eat
A few independent island places, grouped by how long you are staying. These are neighbours we are glad to point you toward, listed so you can choose what fits.
Stay the Night
Salty Stay and the Harbour House Hotel both sit close to Ganges and the ferry, an easy base for an overnight visit.
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Stay the Week
Seido-En Guest Cottage is set up for a longer quieter stay, well suited to a week-long retreat on the island
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Where to Eat on the Island
A few lunch or dinner suggestions are Tree House Cafe, The Woodshed and Cassette and Aunti Pestos.
Check LocationMake a Day of the Island
Solace Organic Spa pairs well with the rest of Salt Spring. If you have a few hours on either side of your treatment, there is plenty to fill them with, and none of it is far.
- Wander the shops and galleries in Ganges, and the Saturday Market if you are here on a weekend.
- Walk one of the island trails, from an easy shoreline loop to the view from Mount Maxwell.
- Visit a local winery, cidery, or cheese maker for a slow afternoon.
- Bring a book and a swimsuit, and let the ferry set the pace both ways.
Plan at a Glance
Book treatments well in advance, especially on weekends and through the summer.
Solace Organic Spa is open year-round.
| Trip Length | What to Book | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip | One treatment and/or the Forest Hydrotherapy Circuit | No stay needed |
| Overnight | Spa Journey + Spa & Dine | Salty Stay or Harbour House Hotel |
| Weekend | A massage one day, a treatment or the circuit the next | Salty Stay or Harbour House Hotel |
| Week-long retreat | A journey to start, plus single treatments or circuit visits through the week | Seido-En |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Salt Spring Island?
By BC Ferries. From Vancouver Island, sail Crofton to Vesuvius or Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour. From the mainland, sail from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour or connect through Swartz Bay. Check the sailing schedule before you book your treatment time.
You can also travel by sea plane with Harbour Air – be sure to line up your taxi service with Silver Shadow taxi in advance as taxis are limited on the island.
Can I visit Solace as a day trip?
Yes. Plenty of guests come over for the day from Victoria, Nanaimo or Vancouver. Take a morning sailing, book a treatment for the thermal circuit, have lunch in Ganges, and catch an evening ferry home.
Do I need a car on the island?
It helps. Salt Spring is spread out, and a car makes it easy to move between the ferry, the spa, Ganges, and the trails. There is some transit and taxi service, but a car gives you the most freedom.
Where should I stay for a getaway?
For a night, Salty Stay Cabin and the Harbour House Hotel are both close to Ganges. For a longer, quieter week-long retreat, Seido-En is set up for a proper settle-in. All are independent island businesses, listed so you can pick what suits you.
How far ahead should I book?
Book treatments as early as you can, especially for weekends, summer, and holidays. Line up your ferry and your lodging once your treatment time is set.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit for the thermal circuit, layers for the ferry deck, and comfortable shoes if you plan to walk a trail. We provide robes, towels, and sandals on site.