Shopping on Salt Spring is an original experience -the antithesis of the predictable suburban outlet mall.  Most every shop is owned and operated by locals who travel down the street and across the world to procure unique and one-of-a-kind items.  Everything from beads to boat parts is on offer.

The buildings in picturesque Fulford Village, nestled beside the south end ferry terminal, have retained their bright colorful architectural exteriors.   The eclectic village shops are bursting with a quirky but stylish mix of unique items, such as hand woven textiles, beads, bags, garden wares, traditional wooden toys, fine table linens, clothing, jewelry and countless items that are impossible to classify.

Fifteen kilometers north of Fulford is the village of Ganges – the island’s retail centre which boasts a variety of shops that could occupy you for one day or one week.  You will find everything you are looking for from the practical to the whimsical.

The main village parking lot is surrounded by a well stocked hardware store, housewares store, quality clothing store and gift shop founded and still operated by one of the island’s oldest families.  The wooden stairs in the 100 year old hardware store squeak with age when you step on them.  Across the street is a picturesque toy store that will delight your children and cause you to reminisce about simpler times.

Travel out from there to Grace Point Square to browse high quality second hand books, fine art, hand crafted jewelry, souvenir ball caps and quality outdoor clothing.  Wander up to the main road, then weave through the side streets and find unique housewares, a well stocked kitchen shop, a local music shop, several bookstores, soap and body products, stylish clothing and a bright purple children’s craft store.  This retail extravaganza surrounds one of the loveliest natural harbours in British Columbia and is fringed by a seaside boardwalk.

There are also shops catering to your every practical requirement including a dry cleaners, sports equipment store, pharmacy, electronics store, video store and liquor store.  One kilometer up the hill from the village core, the Upper Ganges Center offers another pharmacy, liquor store and a ‘green’ products emporium.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find retail therapy abounds on Salt Spring Island.