Swartz Bay to Pender Island (Otter Bay) Ferry

About 40m on the fastest service.

Fares start from around CA$13.55. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.

Served by BC Ferries.

There are 21 daily departures, with the first at 05:00 and the last at 20:35.

The first sailing currently departs at 05:00 and the last leaves at 20:35. Departure times vary by day and season — check the timetable above for the exact sailing you need.

The quickest option takes about 40m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from BC Ferries above.

A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 40m and several sailings a day (first 05:00, last 20:35), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.

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.

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.

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.

The timetable above is the one in force now and runs to 12 October 2026. The next edition has already been published and starts 13 October 2026; it replaces this table on that date, so what you see here is always the current season rather than a merged list of all of them.

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.