Take BC Ferries to Salt Spring Island, then a taxi or bus from the dock to Ganges, the island’s largest village. The terminal you use depends on where you start: Long Harbour from Tsawwassen, Fulford Harbour from Swartz Bay, or Vesuvius from Crofton.
Which ferry goes where
BC Ferries serves Salt Spring Island on three routes. One runs from Tsawwassen on the mainland to Long Harbour, on the east side of the island. A second goes from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island to Fulford Harbour at the southern end. The third crosses from Crofton on Vancouver Island to Vesuvius on the west side. Pick the route that matches your starting point, then look up that route on the BC Ferries site.
Sailing times and reservations
Crossing times and the number of sailings differ by route and by season, and some sailings are busier than others. The BC Ferries sailing schedule shows the current departures and the length of each crossing. Check it for your travel date, and read the current terminal arrival and reservation notes for your route, since those rules change. Foot passengers and drivers can have different check in rules, so look at the guidance for your type of trip.
From the terminal to Ganges
Each terminal is some distance from the village. The island has BC Transit bus service connected to the ferries, which you can check in the BC Transit trip planner. Buses are infrequent compared with a city, so look at the timetable before you rely on one. If your sailing arrives late, or you have luggage, groceries or a group, a taxi is easier. Our Gulf Islands taxi page covers the island, and it is worth arranging a pickup ahead on busy days.
Other ways across the water
Visitors sometimes ask about chartering a boat or joining a boat tour. Salt Spring Island does have marinas and local operators, but prices, availability and which operators run trips change from year to year. Contact the marina or operator directly for current rates, safety details and booking terms, since a figure in an old listing may be out of date.
Planning the day
Ganges has shops, restaurants and the harbour within a short walk of each other, so once you arrive you can usually leave the car parked and wander. If you bring a vehicle, check the sailing waits for your route first. Peak summer weekends and holidays are the times to book early or travel off peak.