Tree House Cafe

In the heart of picturesque Salt Spring Island, in the cozy town of Ganges Harbour, lies one of the most atmospheric establishments in the region — the Tree House Cafe. Located in a charming historic cottage, this place has long been a landmark visited by almost every traveler coming to Canada.

Tree House Cafe. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The cafe's name is entirely literal: its main feature is a spacious outdoor terrace built around a massive, spreading plum tree. This creates a unique feeling of being at one with nature, even though the restaurant is housed in a permanent building rather than up in the branches. It is this green canopy, serving as a natural dome, that makes the place so recognizable and inviting.

The Tree House Cafe is more than just a restaurant; it is a true cultural hub for the Ganges community. It harmoniously combines homey comfort, the historical heritage of the 1920s building, and the creative spirit that permeates the entire island. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxing break in an authentic setting.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact details for the establishment. You can book a table or check availability by phone or on the official website.

The primary pleasure at the Tree House Cafe is, of course, the gastronomic experience surrounded by nature. The menu is famous for its use of fresh local ingredients. For breakfast, generous farm-style portions with eggs and homemade sausages are served, and for lunch, you must try the famous lamb burgers, complemented by a zesty apricot chutney.

This place takes on a special magic on summer evenings. Under the shade of the plum tree and the twinkling stars, live music concerts take place here. It is the perfect time to order a glass of local wine or craft beer and enjoy performances by island musicians in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

During the cooler months, guests can move to the cozy enclosed terrace, which is heated, allowing them to enjoy the garden view in warmth and comfort. Don't forget to stop by just for a cup of excellent espresso—the aroma of freshly ground beans combined with the cottage's historic interior sets a wonderful mood for the whole day.

Finding the Tree House Cafe is easy, as it is located in the heart of Ganges village at 106 Purvis Lane. A helpful landmark is the popular local store Mouat's, which is situated right next to the establishment.

Since Ganges Harbour is on Salt Spring Island, your journey will begin with a crossing. The island is connected to the mainland and neighboring islands by regular ferry services. You can also reach the island by seaplane—a faster and very scenic way to travel.

Once in the village, you can easily reach the cafe on foot from any central point or from the marina. If you are staying in a remote part of the island, you can take a local taxi, which will bring you right to the entrance of this cozy historic spot.

The building that houses the Tree House Cafe today has a fascinating history. Built back in the 1920s, it originally served as the first power station on Salt Spring Island. It’s hard to imagine that machines once hummed within these cozy walls, providing electricity to the local community.

Later, the building became a residential home for Margaret, an aunt of the prominent Mouat family, and in subsequent decades, it served as a smokehouse, a crystal shop, and even a music school. This variety of functions has left a unique mark of eclecticism and hospitality on the place.

The modern chapter of the cottage's history began in 1996 when the cafe opened. Over decades of operation, the establishment has grown from a modest coffee shop into a full-service restaurant while preserving its old-home atmosphere. The main symbol of the place remains the massive plum tree that literally grows through the terrace, creating a living canopy over the guests.

We recommend setting aside 1 to 2 hours for a visit to the Tree House Cafe. This is plenty of time to enjoy your meal leisurely and soak in the unique atmosphere of the place.

If you only plan to have a quick snack or a cup of coffee, 45 minutes will suffice. However, many guests prefer to stay longer, especially during the summer, to relax in the shade of the spreading plum tree or listen to the live music that often plays here in the evenings.

The establishment welcomes guests seven days a week. From Monday to Wednesday, as well as on Sunday, the cafe is open from 08:00 to 16:00, offering breakfast and lunch. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the doors stay open longer—until 20:00—allowing guests to enjoy not only daytime dishes but also a cozy dinner.

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the season and holidays. Before visiting, we strongly recommend checking the cafe's official website for current opening hours and the live music schedule.

A visit to the Tree House Cafe is a great excuse to explore central Ganges. A stroll through the area will let you feel the unique island pace of life and allow you to peek into other interesting spots and shops.