Canada
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Swartz Bay
British Columbia
Arrives
Tsawwassen
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen ferry takes about 1h 35m, with 6 sailings a day between 07:00 and 21:00. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$21.
- First sailing
- 07:00
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings / day
- 6
- Crossing
- 1h 35m
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 08:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 09:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 19:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 20:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 21:00 | — | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Swartz Bay – Tsawwassen crossing
23 sailings a day northbound from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, the mainland terminal serving Vancouver.
Leaving the island
Swartz Bay collects traffic from Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands before it ever reaches this deck, which is why the terminal has more berths than a single route needs. Passengers connecting off a Gulf Islands sailing should allow for the walk between them.
Book it, or take your chances
Advance booking covers 70–90% of vehicle deck space here, averaging 85%. The remainder is held for drive-up traffic deliberately — the company adjusts the reservable share by terminal staging area, deck size and historical demand, aiming to keep waits short for those who arrive unbooked.
Vessels and duration
Coastal Celebration is the route's regular ship, joined at times by Coastal Renaissance.
Operator
BC Ferries operates 37 vessels across 47 terminals, carrying $8 billion in cargo annually alongside its passengers.
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.
Ships on the Swartz Bay – Tsawwassen route
5 ships work this crossing across 47 listed sailings, most often Spirit of British Columbia.
Spirit of British Columbia
BC Ferries
14 sailings on this route
Spirit of Vancouver Island
BC Ferries
13 sailings on this route
Queen of New Westminster
BC Ferries
10 sailings on this route
Coastal Celebration
BC Ferries
9 sailings on this route
Delayed approx. 24m Spirit of Vancouver Island
BC Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 1h 35m.
Who operates the service?
BC Ferries runs this crossing.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within Canada.
How do I get back from Tsawwassen?
Check the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry for return times.
How many sailings run each day?
15 sailings a day, every day.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 21:00.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$21. 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 1h 35m and several sailings a day (first 07:00, last 21:00), 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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Tsawwassen
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Tsawwassen.
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 Tsawwassen
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$21
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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