Canada
Swartz Bay to Southern Gulf Islands Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Swartz Bay
British Columbia
Arrives
Southern Gulf Islands
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Swartz Bay to Southern Gulf Islands ferry takes about 2h 8m. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$13.55.
- Operator
- BC Ferries
- Crossing
- 2h 8m
Swartz Bay to Southern Gulf Islands ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Swartz Bay to Southern Gulf Islands ferry is operated by BC Ferries, and the crossing takes about 2h 8m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Swartz Bay – Southern Gulf Islands crossing
Thirty-three departures a day, every day, from 05:00 to 20:05, at CA$13.55. One calendar covers the whole timetable, and the journey is listed at 120 minutes.
Why two hours for a short hop
Because this is not a hop. The Southern Gulf Islands service works a chain — Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna — and the two hours is the time to the far end of it rather than to the first call.
Fifteen hours of service
Five in the morning to five past eight at night, thirty-three sailings, no weekday or weekend variation. BC Ferries runs this as a lifeline network for islands with no other link.
Listed from 1 August 2026, no end date
Reservations matter on this route in summer. The fare quoted is the passenger one; vehicles are charged separately and by size.
Vehicles, 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.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 2h 8m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$13.55. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by BC Ferries.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
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.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
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 Southern Gulf Islands
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 12, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
CA$13.55
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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