FerryConnect

Canada

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)

BC Ferries’ busiest route, linking the Vancouver area with Victoria and Vancouver Island through the Southern Gulf Islands and scenic Active Pass. Orcas and eagles are sometimes seen from the deck.

⏱ 1h 35m🚢 1 operator📅 Up to hourly departures in summer; every one to two hours off-peak🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) takes 1h 35m across the Strait of Georgia & Active Pass, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: up to hourly departures in summer; every one to two hours off-peak.

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 2026-11-04.

Sources: bcferries.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)

BC Ferries also sails Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen), taking 1h 35m. From Swartz Bay sailings also run about hourly from early morning (6:00am Monday to Saturday) into the evening, taking 1 hour 35 minutes.

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Non-stop sailings about every hour from 7:00am to 9:00pm (11–13 a day, more on busy days), taking 1 hour 35 minutes, on BC Ferries’ 14 October – 11 November 2026 schedule.

Schedule 14 October – 11 November 2026; extra sailings run on selected busy days, so check the dated schedule.

Published departure times

  • 7:00am
  • 9:00am
  • 11:00am
  • 1:00pm
  • 3:00pm
  • 5:00pm
  • 7:00pm
  • 9:00pm

Return: From Swartz Bay sailings also run about hourly from early morning (6:00am Monday to Saturday) into the evening, taking 1 hour 35 minutes.

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 (TSA-SWB). Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay)

📐 24 Nautical Miles
Vancouver (Tsawwassen)⇄Victoria (Swartz Bay)
⏱ 1h 35m · 📐 24 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries1h 35mSpirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal class

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

24 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Tsawwassen terminal has TransLink bus connections to Bridgeport Canada Line station for downtown Vancouver
  • Swartz Bay has BC Transit buses to downtown Victoria (about 45 minutes) via Highway 17

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)About 2h · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)1h 25m – 3h · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay)About 55m · BC FerriesOnward from Victoria (Swartz Bay)Victoria (Swartz Bay) → Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)About 35m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingCrofton → Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingHorseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC Ferries
📘 BC Ferries: Routes from Vancouver, Times & Tips⛴ All ferries from Vancouver🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I reserve the BC Ferries Vancouver–Victoria sailing?
For vehicles in summer and on holiday weekends, yes. Reservations help you avoid waiting for later sailings. Foot passengers do not need reservations.
How often is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?
From Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay BC Ferries sails roughly hourly from 7:00am to 9:00pm (11–13 sailings a day in autumn 2026), with extra sailings on busy days. Each takes 1 hour 35 minutes.
How long is the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay ferry?
1 hour 35 minutes non-stop.
Which ferry companies sail from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)?
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 Victoria (Swartz Bay) 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 Victoria (Swartz Bay) 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 Victoria (Swartz Bay) 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 Victoria (Swartz Bay) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 24 nautical miles (roughly 44 km).