Canada · BC Ferries across the Salish Sea
British Columbia ferry routes & schedules
British Columbia has one of the world's great ferry networks. BC Ferries links the mainland around Vancouver with Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the remote coast to the north, carrying cars, cyclists and foot passengers across the sheltered Salish Sea and beyond.
- 12
- Connections
- 2
- Operators
- 11
- Quays
- 39m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in British Columbia
The main crossings & reservations
The workhorse routes run from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay near Vancouver over to Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo), with a web of smaller sailings out to Salt Spring and the other Gulf Islands. On the busy major routes you can reserve a vehicle space in advance, which is worth doing on summer weekends; many smaller island routes stay first-come, first-served. See our guide to taking a car on a ferry for the essentials.
Destinations
Places to reach by ferry in British Columbia
Travel guides to the islands and fjords this region's ferries serve.
Vancouver Island
There is no bridge to Vancouver Island, so every visitor arrives by ferry (or plane). From the mainland you have two gateways: Victoria, reached by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in about 1 hour 35 minutes, and Nanaimo, reached either by BC Ferries (Tsawwassen–Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay, roughly 1h40–2h) or by the car-free Hullo fast ferry, a ~70-minute downtown-to-downtown hop. Bringing a car means BC Ferries; travelling light points you toward Hullo.
Vancouver Island travel guideSalt Spring Island
Salt Spring is the largest of British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands, and reaching it means picking one of three BC Ferries terminals. From Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula you sail Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (about 35 minutes). From mid-Vancouver Island you cross Crofton to Vesuvius Bay (roughly 25 minutes). From the Vancouver mainland you ride Tsawwassen to Long Harbour, often stopping at other Gulf Islands. Which terminal you use depends entirely on where you begin.
Salt Spring Island travel guide
Quays
Ferry quays in British Columbia
11 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which British Columbia crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront Station Northbound → Lonsdale Quay Northbound | 12m | 136 / wk | 1 |
| Lonsdale Quay Southbound → Waterfront Station Southbound | 12m | 128 / wk | 1 |
| Bowen Island → Horseshoe Bay | 20m | 48 / wk | 1 |
| Horseshoe Bay → Bowen Island | 20m | 37 / wk | 1 |
| Swartz Bay → Tsawwassen | 1h 35m | 37 / wk | 1 |
| Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay | 1h 35m | 37 / wk | 1 |
| Horseshoe Bay → Langdale | 40m | 29 / wk | 1 |
| Langdale → Horseshoe Bay | 40m | 28 / wk | 1 |
| Duke Point (Nanaimo) → Tsawwassen | 2h | 26 / wk | 1 |
| Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) → Swartz Bay | 35m | 24 / wk | 1 |
| Swartz Bay → Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) | 35m | 23 / wk | 1 |
| Tsawwassen → Duke Point (Nanaimo) | 2h | 23 / wk | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in British Columbia
12 routes departing British Columbia.
Horseshoe Bay2 routes
Swartz Bay2 routes
Tsawwassen2 routes
Bowen Island1 route
Duke Point (Nanaimo)1 route
Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)1 route
Langdale1 route
Lonsdale Quay Southbound1 route
Waterfront Station Northbound1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in British Columbia?
Guides
Planning ferry travel in British Columbia
Practical guides to fares, booking and the crossings worth building a trip around.
- How to Take a Car on a Ferry: A Complete GuideEverything you need to know about driving onto a ferry — booking vehicle space, what to do at the terminal, and how to board safely.
- Foot Passenger vs Taking the Car: Which Should You Choose?When it's worth bringing the car onto the ferry and when you're better off as a foot passenger — cost, convenience and what waits on the other side.
- Taking a Bicycle on a Ferry in Europe: Fees, Booking and Deck RulesBike-on-ferry fees, when you must reserve, how bikes are secured on the car deck, plus operator notes for the Channel, Greece, Croatia and Scandinavia.
Travel updates
Latest updates for British Columbia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for BC Ferries?
On the busy major routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island you can reserve a vehicle space ahead of time, which is well worth it on summer weekends and holidays. Many of the smaller Gulf Island routes run first-come, first-served, so you queue at the terminal instead.
How many ferry routes are there in British Columbia?
British Columbia has 12 ferry and express-boat connections across 11 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in British Columbia?
Boat and ferry services in British Columbia are run by 2 operators, including BC Ferries and SeaBus (TransLink). Most are part of Canada's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in British Columbia?
Across British Columbia's active crossings the average sailing takes about 39m, while the longest runs roughly 2h. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 19, 2026.