Getting Here

Travel shaped by the sea.

Current Status: En Route.

Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland, travelling here requires crossing open water by ferry, floatplane, or private vessel. The journey across the Salish Sea offers a front-row seat to coastal bluffs, forested islands, and marine life; turning necessary transit into an adventure in itself. Navigate BC Ferries, coordinate arrivals, and plan your trip below.

How To Get Here

Where possible, making a reservation for all modes of travel is strongly recommended. Otherwise, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Schedule changes and cancellations are expected during the summer, and if there is inclement weather.

Vancouver

Ferries

  • Take the ferry from the Tsawwassen terminal (just south of Vancouver) to the Southern Gulf Islands via BC Ferries Route 9
  • The Tsawwassen to Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and islands visited
  • Route 9 is the primary route from the mainland to the Southern Gulf Islands and is a multi-stop route that includes the islands of Galiano, Mayne, Pender, and Salt Spring.

 

Flights

  • Take a scheduled flight from downtown Vancouver Harbour or the YVR Airport (South Terminal) to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour
  • Year-round scheduled seaplane flights are offered between Ganges Harbour and the Vancouver terminals, with more frequent service during summer months through operators like Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes
  • Daily scheduled seaplane flights are also offered through Seair Seaplanes to the islands of Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna from the YVR Richmond South Terminal
Vancouver Island

Ferries

  • Take the ferry from Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal via BC Ferries
  • The Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 35 minutes
  • The Swartz Bay to Gulf Islands route operates daily. The route and travel time vary for each sailing
  • Take the ferry from the Crofton terminal (located between Victoria and Nanaimo) via BC Ferries
  • The Crofton to Vesuvius (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 25 minutes

FLIGHTS

  • From June to September, seaplane flights are also scheduled from Victoria to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour through Harbour Air
Washington

FerrIES

  • As a foot passenger, take the Clipper ferry from downtown Seattle to Victoria (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes). From Victoria, catch a bus/taxi to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, then take BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes
  • If driving your vehicle, take the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles to downtown Victoria (approximately 90 minutes). From Victoria, drive to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, then take BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes

Flights

  • Take a flight to Vancouver (YVR), then connect with Harbour Air or Seair Seaplanes routes to the Gulf Islands (approximately 1-2 hours)
  • Take a Kenmore Air seaplane from Seattle to Victoria Harbour, then catch a seaplane from Victoria to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour through Harbour, or bus/taxi to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal for BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes
More Information

More information on directions for each of the main islands can be found below.

Island Transportation

Getting Here

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