Saltspring Island was definitely a highlight of the trip to Vancouver Island. It's a gorgeous 30-minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay, and the ferry allows cars which is a good thing, as a car is definitely useful on Saltspring Island. Although we did see a few people hop off the ferry and immediately stick their thumb right out to catch a ride, presumably to Ganges, the main town.
For info on the ferries including schedules and maps, check out the BC Ferries Official Web Site
On the ferry ride over you're surrounded on all sides by lush green islands, and the sparkling clear water is filled with seals popping their heads up to say hello. Upon arrival, the slow pace of the island is immediately apparent; it's kind of one of those "land that time forgot" throwback sorts of places, with a hippie-ish community feeling.
Highlights include Ganges, which I've written about elsewhere in this journal, and Mt. Maxwell lookout point, a long and winding drive up to the highest peak on the isalnd which affords some amazing views of Vancouver Island and the mainland in the distance.
Saltspring boasts what seems like hundereds of artist and artisan galleries and studios, many of which are in Ganges and the other small towns, but some of which you have to drive to. We didn't, but if you want to do a driving tour of local artists' studios, there's a great map which you can pick up at the Information Center in Ganges.