FerryConnect

Canada (British Columbia)

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

The direct ferry from the Vancouver mainland to Salt Spring, the largest and busiest of the Southern Gulf Islands, famous for the Saturday market in Ganges. Some sailings run non-stop; others hop through Galiano, Mayne and Pender.

⏱ 1h 25m – 3h🚢 1 operator📅 About 2–4 sailings a day, most calling at Galiano, Mayne and/or Pender on the way🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) takes 1h 25m – 3h across the Strait of Georgia (Gulf Islands), operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 2–4 sailings a day, most calling at Galiano, Mayne and/or Pender on the way.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: bcferries.com · bcferries.com · bcferries.com · bcferries.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)

BC Ferries also sails Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen), taking 1h 25m – 3h. Salt Spring sailings are the island’s only direct link to the mainland; Swartz Bay and Crofton ferries serve Vancouver Island.

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

The timetable below ended on 12 October 2026; check the official timetable (BC Ferries) for current times before you travel. BC Ferries’ fall and winter schedules started on 13 October 2026; the times below are from the schedule that ended on 12 October. BC Ferries’ schedule pages could not be read automatically, so check the current schedule before you travel.

About 2 sailings a day Monday to Thursday and 3–4 on Fridays and weekends; non-stop sailings take about 1h 25m

Schedule 8 Sep – 12 Oct 2026; the 10:25am weekday sailing calls at Galiano, Mayne and Pender.

Return: Salt Spring sailings are the island’s only direct link to the mainland; Swartz Bay and Crofton ferries serve Vancouver Island.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official BC Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: BC Ferries printable route schedule. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

📐 16 Nautical Miles
Vancouver (Tsawwassen)⇄Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)
⏱ 1h 25m – 3h · 📐 16 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries1h 25m non-stop; up to about 3h via other Gulf IslandsCar ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

16 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Tsawwassen terminal is at the south-west end of Highway 17 in Delta, a 36 km drive from downtown Vancouver
  • Long Harbour terminal (1000 Long Harbour Rd) is a 10-minute drive east of Ganges; BC Transit serves the terminal

Tips for the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) Crossing

  • BC Ferries strongly recommends booking for Gulf Islands sailings from Tsawwassen.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)1h 35m · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)About 2h · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay)About 55m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingCrofton → Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingVictoria (Swartz Bay) → Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)About 35m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingHorseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC Ferries
📘 BC Ferries: Routes from Vancouver, Times & Tips⚓ Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Long Harbour Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Vancouver🏝 Ferries to Salt Spring Island🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)?
The crossing typically takes 1h 25m – 3h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry sail?
The timetable below ended on 12 October 2026; check the official timetable (BC Ferries) for current times before you travel. About 2 sailings a day Monday to Thursday and 3–4 on Fridays and weekends; non-stop sailings take about 1h 25m. Schedule 8 Sep – 12 Oct 2026; the 10:25am weekday sailing calls at Galiano, Mayne and Pender. This is the pattern published in the BC Ferries printable route schedule (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)?
BC Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Vancouver (Tsawwassen) from Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 16 nautical miles (roughly 30 km).