How to get to Saturna Island

Saturna is one of the quietest of the Southern Gulf Islands, with just a few hundred year-round residents. Even in the busy summer months, and during the world-famous Saturna Island Lamb BBQ, it’s one of the Gulf Islands that always stays decidedly off the beaten path. All of which tends to translate into fewer ferries than the rest of the islands.

Which is why you’ve landed on this guide — how do you get to Saturna Island, anyway? Whether you’re heading here via pedal power, foot power, or in a vehicle all your own, here is your comprehensive guide to getting to Saturna Island, with special attention paid to the Saturna ferry schedules.

Everything You Need To Know About Saturna Ferry Schedules and Routes

Saturna is one of the least-busy islands in the Southern Gulf Islands, but with a bit of patience, you can still get here on daily routes from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) or Victoria (Swartz Bay), as well as inter-island hops from many of the other Gulf Islands.

Ferry service to Saturna Island operates on a seasonal schedule. You’ll find more sailings are available during the busy summer months, while the winter schedule reflects the slower pace of off-season travel. But no matter when you travel, rest easy knowing that all routes to Lyall Harbour accommodate vehicles, from motorcycles to RVs and trailers, cyclists, and walk-on passengers.

While there may not be a direct route to Saturna from the Vancouver side, there are still several sailings a day bound for Lyall Harbour from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

Sailing times range from approximately two to four hours, depending on what boat you end up on. These are colloquially known as the “milk-run” routes because they hit several other islands first, before you can disembark on Saturna.

This is also the only bookable route to Saturna, and it’s highly recommended to make a reservation if you have a weekend schedule to keep or it’s high season (Spring to Fall). Otherwise, you could be forced to wait for a sailing (or more) and get to the island hours later than planned.

To get to Saturna from Victoria and Greater Vancouver Island, you’ll be catching a ferry from Swartz Bay. Even in the dead of winter, there are several sailings a day, including a few direct options.

Direct sailings take roughly an hour, and the longer routes transfer at Mayne or hit other islands. These can take upwards of three hours. The Mayne Island transfer is easy; you’ll be asked to disembark, then loop back around to get on a second ferry.

There are no reservations for Victoria to Saturna, so plan to arrive at the terminal with plenty of time to spare, especially in the summer months and on Fridays, as many people kick off their Saturna adventure.

If you’re planning a Southern Gulf Island-hopping trip, you’ll want to plan ahead because there are few (if any) direct routes between them. Or, if a ferry is available, it may not be available every day of the week.

The inter-island ferry schedule is especially prone to change with the seasons, so pay close attention to the date range listed on the BC Ferries website. Although less busy than ferries from the mainland, these routes are non-reservable, so it’s still wise to arrive with plenty of time before departure.

At the time of writing, it was possible to take a ferry from any of the other Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender) to Saturna. Most make pit stops along the way, taking upwards of three hours, and may require a Mayne Island transfer. The only exception is Salt Spring, where there is no optional ferry route. In which case, you’ll have to travel to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, then on a second ferry to Saturna.

Before you head to the ferry terminal, check out the BC Ferries Saturna Island Schedule or phone 1-888-223-3779 for assistance. Customer service can walk you through your options.

How To Get to Saturna Island by Bike and Foot

No car? No problem. Saturna Island is just as easy to reach for walk-on passengers and cyclists as it is for those driving. In both cases, no reservations are needed if you’re walking or biking onto the ferry.

• From Vancouver, hop on public transit to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal; it takes about an hour from downtown. 
• From Victoria, you can reach Swartz Bay in 60 to 90 minutes by bus. 

Once at the terminal, keep an ear out for announcements. Daily sailings to other islands often overlap, so it’s essential to listen carefully to make sure you catch the right loading call.

The same applies onboard. Some ferries make several island stops or require a transfer on Mayne. As long as you stay tuned to the announcements, you’ll be on your way to Saturna by foot.

How To Get to Saturna Island with a vehicle

• From Vancouver: Set your route along Highway 17 to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. 
• From Victoria: Take Highway 17 towards the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

If you’re driving from Vancouver and heading to Saturna, it’s a smart move to book reservations for the Tsawwassen to Lyall Harbour end of the route, especially in the summer.

While sailings from Victoria and the inter-island routes are non-reservable, the Tsawwassen–Lyall Harbour route fills quickly during peak travel times. Standbys on long weekends can mean waiting through multiple sailings.

BC Ferries recommends arriving at the terminal 45–60 minutes before departure, even with your reservation. If you arrive later than 30 minutes before your scheduled sailing, your reservation may be forfeited without a refund.

Once you reach the terminal, follow the signs for the Gulf Islands and head to the ticket booth. There, you’ll receive your boarding pass and a “Lyall Harbour Bay” dash card to display on your windshield (a sort of local ferry souvenir). Staff will then direct you to the correct lane bound for Saturna.

How To Get to Saturna Island by Plane

Want to skip all the ferry nonsense and get to Saturna as quickly as possible? You can actually fly to the Island via a float plane. Flights are under 20 minutes, and unlike flying through traditional airports, you don’t have to arrive two hours in advance.

SeaAir offers daily trips to the Island from the Richmond (YVR) terminal, while Harbour Air offers private charters here.

How To Get to Saturna Island by Boat

If you are lucky enough to have your own boat, why not take the oceanic scenic route to Saturna? 

Lyall Harbour is Saturna’s main public dock, located just beside the BC Ferries terminal. It serves float planes, has essential services, and offers limited moorage for small boats, including space for overnight stays year-round. 

There’s no shore power or water on the dock, but groceries, fuel, and a pub are nearby. In peak season, space is tight and rafting may be necessary.

Sage Hayward Vineyards Dock & Mooring Buoys offers seven slips and five mooring buoys for guests, with a maximum dock length of 30 feet and 8′ draft. Boats over 30 feet must use a mooring buoy and dinghy. Overnight stays require permission, and advance reservations are mandatory. Book via their website or by emailing info@sagehaywardvineyards.com. 

Part of the waterways around Saturna exist within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s a sensitive ecological area, so before you set sail, be sure to review the rules for navigating the park here. You may also want to read up on boating etiquette around the Gulf Islands. 

Getting around Saturna Island

Foot traffic

For those arriving on Saturna without a vehicle, you can book the Saturna Shuttle Service (text (604)760-9975 or email saturnashuttle@gmail.com). They ask that you book 48 hours in advance, as the shuttle is run and operated by volunteers. It operates on a donation basis, which goes back to the service and the Lions Club.

Otherwise, you’ll want to make a friend on the ferry or stick out your thumb to get where you’re going. Saturna may be one of the smaller islands, but destinations are pretty spread out with some steep inclines in between. As a point of reference, it’s a 25-minute hike up winding roads between the ferry terminal and the Saturna General Store.

Interested in more hiking? Why not check out one of Saturna’s incredibly breathtaking hikes while you’re here?

Cyclists

Planning a bikepacking trip to Saturna? You’ll land at Lyall Harbour after disembarking from the ferry. Although there is no circular route, to see all of Saturna Island it takes about 90 minutes to two hours to travel end to end (to end). 

Most roads you’ll find yourself on are paved, with epic ocean views or cool forest cover, but almost none have shoulders to speak of. Because of this, and the fact that roads are all quite windy, ferry crews often hold cyclists back for a few minutes to give vehicle traffic time to clear out, helping avoid backups. 

If you’re riding with friends, stay single-file and use pull-outs when possible; the local drivers will appreciate it. Always wear bright colours and have functional lights, especially after dark or on foggy and rainy days.

Vehicle

Driving from Lyall Harbour to Hayward Vineyard and onward to East Point Lighthouse parking lot will take roughly 40 minutes. Use Google Maps or a Saturna Island map, which you can find at the ferry terminals or on the ferry itself. It’s hard to get lost here, and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask!

FAQ

How Much Does the Ferry to Saturna Island Cost?

Fares vary depending on your departure point and whether you’re walking or driving.

From Vancouver, walk-ons pay less than $20. From Victoria, it’s closer to $15. Cyclists pay the same as foot passengers, as there is no extra fee for bikes.

Driving a standard vehicle with two passengers? Expect to pay about $110 from Vancouver in peak season or $75 from Victoria. Return trips are either free or reduced when leaving Saturna. Always check BC Ferries for current rates.

How Long is the Ferry Ride to Saturna Island?

No matter where you start from, the ferry to Saturna is often one of the longer ones as routes tend to weave in between other Gulf Islands, and there is frequently a transfer at Mayne Island. 

Especially if you are coming from Vancouver, chances are the ferry is going to take anywhere from two to three hours. From Victoria, there are some direct sailings, depending on the day of the week and time of day.

If you want to see specific times, always check the BC Ferries Schedule for the most up-to-date information.

How Early Should I Book My Ferry Reservation to Saturna Island?

Although you can only book from Vancouver, the short answer is: as early as possible! Once your dates are confirmed, aim to book at least a few weeks in advance. Without a reservation, you risk waiting through multiple sailings for a spot, particularly during peak travel times.