Canada
Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Swartz Bay
British Columbia
Arrives
Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) ferry takes about 35m, with 29 sailings a day between 06:50 and 22:00. It is operated by BC Ferries.
- First sailing
- 06:50
- Last sailing
- 22:00
- Sailings / day
- 29
- Crossing
- 35m
Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) ferry timetable
| Departs | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:50 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 07:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 08:35 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 08:35 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 08:35 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 09:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 10:20 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 10:20 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 10:20 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 11:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 12:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 12:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 12:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 13:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 13:45 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 15:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 15:30 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 17:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 17:10 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 18:55 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 18:55 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 18:55 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 19:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 20:30 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 20:30 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 21:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 21:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 22:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 22:00 | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Swartz Bay – Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) crossing
Twenty-three daily sailings connect Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island with Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island. BC Ferries runs this domestic route every day, with the first departure at 06:50 and the last at 22:00. The crossing over the Satellite Channel covers approximately 5 nautical miles.
The assigned vessel is the Skeena Queen, a single-ended ferry which completes the journey in 35 minutes. From the Swartz Bay terminal, BC Ferries also operates a major route to Tsawwassen on the mainland.
Your destination
About Salt 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.
Full Salt Spring Island travel guideVehicles, pets & onboard
- Vehicle & passenger ferries
- Onboard dining
- Reservations on major routes
- LNG & hybrid vessels
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within Canada.
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
Which operator provides this service?
BC Ferries operates this route.
How long does the crossing take?
About 35m.
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 07:00.
How many times a day does it sail?
8 sailings a day.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (BC Ferries) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 35m and several sailings a day (first 06:50, last 22:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — BC Ferries carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with BC Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Same departure port
More ferries from Swartz Bay
Other crossings departing Swartz Bay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Swartz Bay or Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Swartz Bay on the map
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