KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Last updated: December 15, 2025

• Revised sailing schedule – BC Ferries will have a revised sailing schedule in effect for the Southern Gulf Islands (SGI) network from January 5 – March 1, 2026 to accommodate life extension work at Village Bay terminal on Mayne Island. Subscribe to service notices for the routes that apply to you. 
• Otter Bay terminal closure – Terminal construction work at Otter Bay on Pender Island will require a five-day berth closure from March 6-10, 2026. BC Ferries will be providing a foot-passenger water-taxi service during this closure with free parking available at both Otter Bay and Swartz Bay, and terminal assistance at both locations. Check the revised schedule here under the Southern Gulf Islands section.
• Water – Water restrictions are implemented on a location-specific basis. Ask your accommodation provider if and how you should conserve water during your stay. 
• Fire – There are currently no open fire prohibitions in place throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.
• Cycling – Know the unique hazards and take appropriate safety measures, use this guide that was developed alongside island cycling advocates.
• Foraging – The islands are not a place to forage for wild plants. Visitors are asked to stay on trails, off private property, and to rely on local restaurants, food producers, and vendors to enjoy the benefits of wild harvested ingredients.
• Beaumont Campground closure – The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve will continue to offer only daytime visits and mooring buoys at Beaumont on South Pender Island. Please respect all on-site signage.
• Cabbage Island closure – Effective April 15, 2025, Cabbage Island will be closed for day use and overnight camping due to cultural sensitivities. Mooring buoys remain available. More information is available here.
• Southern Resident Killer Whales – From June 1 to November 30, do not boat or fish in vessel restricted zones off Pender and Saturna Islands. Boaters are also asked to reduce their speed to 10 knots in Tumbo Channel, off the North side of Saturna Island, effective June 1 to November 30. Stay 400m away and do not position a vessel in the path of killer whales. Fishing closures are in effect for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries in whale foraging areas. Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada for details. 
• Seal pups – Spring and summer is seal pup season. If you come across a seal pup on land, please keep 100m distance and do not attempt to remove the seal. If you observe any wounds or believe the seal to be injured, please call Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100 or the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Team at 1-604-258-SEAL (7325).

Where possible, making a reservation 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. Visit bcferries.com or download the BC Ferries app to stay up-to-date with alerts.

• BC Ferries service notices
• BC Ferries current conditions
• BC Ferries travel tips

Weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, prepare for any weather event by packing appropriate gear for the season and checking the weather often in advance, including special alerts from Environment Canada. 

For travel updates in British Columbia, visit Destination BC’s traveller resource guide.

For emergency notifications directly to your device, download the Alertable app.