Can't trust them- false advertising - posts sale prices in store, but you pay regular prices unless…read moreyou happen to watch the numbers coming up, ask, go back and retrieve the sign YOURSELF, not only do they not care, but you get all kinds of grief at the till. Pretty sure that's the definition of false advertising?

We actually drove here twice during our little vacation to buy sandwiches for picnics and food for…read morethe ferry ride. The market is awesome! Their sandwich/salad bar can't be beat. Fresh bread, fresh produce, fresh everything! Great customer service. If you don't want to be dining out your whole vacation you must stop here.

We couldn't get enough of this place during our brief time on Saltspring Island. We stayed at the…read morehotel directly across from Thrifty Foods, and though most things were closed for the holidays- Thrifty was an open shining healthy beacon. I stocked up on organic trail mixes, kombucha, blueberries, stevia, matcha, and much more during my excited visits here. This place has everything that you could dream of - when it comes to health related goods and products. Their staff are laid back and they let you peruse everything without bothering you - so definitely feel free to take your time in here. I'm a firm believer that a quality grocery store can truly help shape the culture of a small town. Saltspring is blessed to have such a phenomenal resource like Thrifty Foods. Though there are plenty of lovely local farms on this magical island - it's nice to have a haven where you stock up on produce, essential oils, and other bulk items. Trust.

When I imagine the lady or gentleman who dictates the prices of groceries at this SSI stop, I…read morepicture an evil genius in a dark and shadowed room cackling "THE POWER!". ... there are only a few spots to snag groceries on the island and mmmaaannn can you tell. If you're spending a few nights or over from the mainland - expect sticker shock to hit you like a freight train. And our American friends? Bring someone with you to speak soothingly while you shop... It's expensive. Ridiculously expensive. But beyond that, it's your pretty standard grocery store. The pros: 1. To balance the exorbitant grocery costs, they have some seriously stunning deals on produce. $1 for a quart of strawberries?! 0.98/lb for oranges?! Hot damn. The money you save will buy your $2.99 SINGLE AVOCADO. 2. They have really good, fresh baked gluten free bread. 3. They carry Krema Honeylicious. Bonus points every time. And goat's milk yogurt which can be tricky to track. 4. Everyone who works there is SUPER cheerful. Actually most people on SSI are super cheerful. Must be something in the air... It's one of two. So you're just going to have to deal with it. But hey, look at the positives and stuff your gullet with strawberries.

A grocery store that is serving locals. It's located in an outdoor mall. Parking is available in…read morefront and they even have an overflow parking spot. This grocery store is a bit pricier than other grocery stores. It is quite big inside. Isles are wide and clean. Staff are friendly. They have some pretty good bakery in store items that they bake daily like the hotdog buns etc.

Great little store for a small town. It has a little restaurant in it I love there fish and chips…read morebut most things on the menu are good. And prices are great. Very friendly staff and good service, something that is getting harder to find everyday.

Good coffee! I also consider myself a breakfast burrito connoisseur and this place had an unusual…read morebreakfast burrito that included egg, bacon and raw (!) vegetables, not sautéed/cooked. While the burrito shell was too dry and stiff, I loved the burrito with cold crisp veggies. Very cute place. Did not shop in the market. I do recommend stopping in for coffee and quick breakfast.

Cutest little deli! Only saw locals here. On our way from the ferry to the Butchart Gardens, we…read morewanted to pick up a light sandwich and this place was perfect for it. Good local feel, friendly staff and yummy food. There's also a little patio in the back which was nice. The burger was big and juicy, the pork burger had a great taste, and the roast beef wrap was refreshing. Definitely a great stop!

This roadside fish shack is the Real Deal!…read more THE ROSES: Outstanding English style (battered) fish and chips. The batter-to-fish ratio is perfect, and they're not too greasy. They also do a very good job with the fried prawns and oysters as well. The venue is run-down, but clean, and has a very rustic waterfront air to it. THE THORNS: Not a lot of dining space. This isn't a problem if you visit on an 'off-peak' time, but on a hot summer day dining in a cramped space might be unappealing. THE VERDICT: Don't judge a book by its cover. This dumpy little roadside seafood shack punches well above its weight with its fish and chips. Recommend!

The Gluten Free Cod fish and chips is delicious! GF batter is light and crispy and really enhances…read morethe fish. Best cole slaw I've had in forever, bits of kale in it! And the view can't be beat. Love this place!!!

The staff at the Chemainus 49th parallel grocery are awesome. They have steeped up their awesome…read moregame to stupendous through this pandemic. I really can not say enough about their front line work. Going above and beyond for our community. The shelves are stocked and ready every day. The staff tirelessly putting together delivery orders and getting them out to our community members.

We love this place. It is our go-to grocery store with really high-end products and produce at a…read morereasonable price. It is super clean, and everyone who works there is over the top friendly and helpful. Plus, they give a LOT back to the community in charity support and employment. The 49th Parallel is an absolute gem in Chemainus, and an important player in making Chemainus a great place to live.

Absolute love Country Grocer! Always so friendly and always have what I need!…read moreI love that they have specialty foods too, and ready made lunches.

Disappointed again I ended up with outdated produce. Last time it was outdated cheese. Time before…read morethat it was deli salad. Get it together country grocer. I don't have this problem with Thrifty foods.

Loved going over to this cute store. I was always taking the ferry and we would go out of our way…read moreif we had time to always buy from them, when I went they had a little bakery with the best pastry or food ever!

The Vesuvius Store is an adorable coffee shop/bakery/store on the way to the Vesuvius-Crofton ferry…read morefrom Salt Spring Island to Vancouver Island. A word of warning - if you stop in here for a yummy treat, put your car in the ferry line BEFORE you do so. We missed the 3:00 p.m. ferry by 3 cars, but it was worth it for a melt-in-your-mouth raspberry rhubarb tart and a cup of delicious coffee.