Car-Free Travel in the Southern Gulf Islands
It’s a little known fact that the Southern Gulf Islands can be easily experienced without a car. Providing both better access to the ferries and a lesser impact on the environment, it’s also a great way to explore the eccentricities and understand the community-oriented character of our destination. Embrace a slower, gentler pace with this guide to visiting the islands without a car.
Mayne Island
Use the Mayne Island Community Bus
A 100% volunteer service, the bus meets each BC Ferries arrival from Tsawwassen on Thursdays and Fridays as well as the Saturday morning arrival. The bus is also available for charter service and other ferry arrivals with if notice is provided for more than two people. Though it doesn’t operate as an on-call service, with enough notice they may be able to help you get to where you want to go. Call or text: 250-539-0851 or email maynebus@protonmail.com
Rent an Ebike
Known locally as the Mayne Island Building Centre, rent an e-bike from Home Hardware by the day or by the week. Call: 250-539-2929
Use Car Stops
With 25 in total, car stops are located at strategic pullout locations and identify places where islanders can wait for rides from other community members. This is a free, voluntary, alternative transportation system that is environmentally and community-friendly. Car stop #1 is located across the street from the ferry terminal.
Galiano Island
Rent an Ebike or Moped
Located at Montague Harbour Marina, Galiano Moped and Boat Rentals (and ebikes!) offers pickup and dropoff service if you’re staying in the island’s south end. Rates start from 2 hours to full days and include suggested routes and “hidden” areas to explore. Call: 250-889-4764
Take the Pub Bus
Operated by the Hummingbird Pub, driver “Tommy Transit” provides this “Music Ride” between Montague Harbour Marina, the Montague Provincial Campground, and the Pub. Singing is heartily encouraged and instruments are available. The schedule is posted online, though not always up-to-date. Call for current info: 250-539-5472
Salt Spring Island
Take BC Transit
With 6 routes running daily and connecting with the island’s three ferry terminals, BC Transit is an easy way to get around Salt Spring. Just wave the bus down on a designated route, at a safe location, where visibility is good and where the bus can easily pull off the road. The fare is $2.25 and schedules are available online.
Go on a Tour
An award-winning service, Tour Salt Spring provides unique experiences tailored to your interests. See the sights, visit the wineries, cideries, and brewery, or book a private charter with pickup and dropoff anywhere on Salt Spring Island and bike rack option for cyclists.
Hop On & Off
New in 2023, Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off offers daily shuttle service to 6 of the island’s most popular locations, starting at the Visitor Centre in Ganges. Reservations can be made online.
Rent a Bike
Cruise the island on an E-Bike from Outspokin’ Bikes. Rentals include a helmet, lock, pannier, mirror, bottle cage, fenders, and rack. Rentals start at 4 hours, walk-ins are accepted but it’s best to reserve in advance. Island Pathways is a great resource for routes. Call: 250-931-2453
Use a Courtesy Shuttle
Salt Spring Air, Harbour House Hotel, and Hastings House Hotel all operate vans to shuttle their guests. Check with your accommodation provider about this service. Country Grocer also operates a free courtesy shuttle to transfer customers to the grocery and liquor store on Lower Ganges Road.
Take a Taxi
Silver Shadow Taxi operates sedans and minivans, offering service and deliveries anywhere on the island. Call: 250-537-3030
Saturna Island
Use the Lions Shuttle
Available on a “para-transit” basis, trips with the Lions Shuttle should be scheduled in advance so that volunteer drivers can be arranged. Use it for regular ferry pickup and drop off service, 48 hours’ notice is recommended. For events such as weddings, hiking groups, or reunions, additional notice is needed. The fare is by donation and helps the Lions Club provide services and programs for the community. Text: 604-760-9975 or email saturnashuttle@gmail.com
Pender Island
Take the Lightning Taxi (or a tour)
Offering an all-electric fleet, Lightning Taxi has a range of convenient and efficient transportation options including individual and group tours, wedding and event charters, deliveries, and taxi services. Available on-demand between 8:00am and 8:00pm (10:00pm on weekends). Call: 250-629-2222.
Use Car Stops
Operating since 2008 on Pender, car stops make it easier for people with cars to car-pool and give rides to others, and they also mean fewer cars on the roads, reduced emissions and less pollution.
