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 6 sailings a day between 08:35 and 22:00. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$12.75.
- First sailing
- 08:35
- Last sailing
- 22:00
- Sailings / day
- 6
- Crossing
- 35m
Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:35 | — | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 10:20 | — | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 12:00 | — | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 18:55 | — | 35m | BC FerriesSkeena Queen | Daily |
| 20:30 | — | 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
Salt Spring Island's southern gateway: the crossing from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour, the shortest of the island's three ferry links.
Three terminals, three different mainlands
Salt Spring is unusual among the Gulf Islands in having separate connections in separate directions — Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay for Victoria, Vesuvius Bay to Crofton on Vancouver Island, and Long Harbour for the Tsawwassen service to Vancouver. Choosing the wrong one can add an hour of island driving.
Which rules apply
Sailings from Swartz Bay operate drive-up. The Long Harbour route to Tsawwassen, by contrast, is part of the Southern Gulf Islands service where 100% of space is sold in advance.
Operator
BC Ferries describes its routes as lifelines — for Salt Spring, three of them.
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
- Terminal webcams and live vessel tracking
- Current conditions by route
- Experience Card and Assured Loading Card
- Fare calculator
- BC Ferries app
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Swartz Bay – Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) route
Skeena Queen works this crossing on all 40 listed sailings.
Skeena Queen
BC Ferries
40 sailings on this route
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?
Fares start from around CA$12.75. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
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 08:35, 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?
BC Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
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
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Swartz Bay or Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
CA$12.75
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Swartz Bay on the map
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