Nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland, Salt Spring Island is one of the most popular Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia, and for good reason. The island is known for its vibrant arts community, and no trip here is complete without spending some time browsing the local artists' galleries and studios. A particularly good time to visit is on summer Saturdays, when the island hosts a large market full of local vendors selling everything from wool products to artisan jams and jellies, but there are plenty of beaches, hiking trails, and boutique shops to explore even when the market isn't on.