Canada
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Tsawwassen
British Columbia
Arrives
Swartz Bay
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry takes about 1h 35m, with 43 sailings a day between 06:00 and 21:00. It is operated by BC Ferries.
- First sailing
- 06:00
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings / day
- 43
- Crossing
- 1h 35m
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry timetable
| Departs | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 06:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 07:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 07:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 07:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 07:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 08:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 08:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 08:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 08:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 09:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 09:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 09:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 09:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 10:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 10:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 11:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 11:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 12:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 12:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 13:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 13:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 14:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 14:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 15:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 15:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 16:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 16:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 17:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 17:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 18:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesQueen of New Westminster | Daily |
| 19:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 19:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 19:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 19:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of British Columbia | Daily |
| 20:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 20:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 20:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 20:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesCoastal Celebration | Daily |
| 21:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 21:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 21:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
| 21:00 | 1h 35m | BC FerriesSpirit of Vancouver Island | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay crossing
The 22 nautical miles between the mainland terminal at Tsawwassen and Vancouver Island's Swartz Bay form a critical transportation link in British Columbia. BC Ferries schedules up to 37 sailings every day, with the crossing taking 1 hour and 35 minutes. This route is a primary connection for commuters and commercial traffic between the Greater Vancouver area and Victoria.
Service runs daily with the first departure from Tsawwassen at 06:00 and the final sailing at 21:00. Four vessels operate on the route: the Coastal Celebration, Queen of New Westminster, Spirit of British Columbia, and Spirit of Vancouver Island. Swartz Bay also provides a local connection to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island.
Your destination
About Vancouver Island
There is no bridge to Vancouver Island, so every visitor arrives by ferry (or plane). From the mainland you have two gateways: Victoria, reached by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in about 1 hour 35 minutes, and Nanaimo, reached either by BC Ferries (Tsawwassen–Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay, roughly 1h40–2h) or by the car-free Hullo fast ferry, a ~70-minute downtown-to-downtown hop. Bringing a car means BC Ferries; travelling light points you toward Hullo.
Full Vancouver 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
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 06:00 to 21:00.
How many times a day does it sail?
15 sailings a day.
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
Who operates the service?
BC Ferries runs this crossing.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 1h 35m under normal conditions.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within Canada.
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 1h 35m and several sailings a day (first 06:00, 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?
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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Swartz Bay
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Swartz Bay.
Same departure port
More ferries from Tsawwassen
Other crossings departing Tsawwassen.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay
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
Tsawwassen on the map
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