Travel
Salt Spring Island (SSI) is located in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland (Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, etc). The island is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands. Because of its close proximity to Vancouver Island and Vancouver (the City) Salt Spring is the most accessible of all the Gulf Islands, with the most frequent ferry sailings on three routes to three ferry terminals.
Small BC Ferries Routes:
- Fulford Harbour (SSI) with Swartz Bay (near Sidney- 1/2 hour North of Victoria on Vancouver Island)
- Vesuvius (SSI) to Crofton (near Duncan on Vancouver Island)
The Big BC Ferry Routes:
- Long Harbour (SSI) with Swartz Bay (Sidney/Victoria on Vancouver Island)
- Long Harbour (SSI) to all the other Southern Gulf Island (Pender, Mayne and Galiano) and Tsawwassen (1/2 hour South of Vancouver City on the BC mainland).
All our ferries are foot passenger and vehicle ferries. See By Sea below for more information on the ferries.
Float planes also link the village of Ganges (SSI) to Vancouver, Victoria, Comox and in the States – Seattle, WA. A great timeless way to travel to the island (most flights are 2o minutes).
Once you are here you can travel via water taxi (in the summer) to the other islands and by car or scooter around Salt Spring!
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By SeaBC Ferries services the following routes daily:
Reservations (1-888-223-3779) on the Tsawwassen direct to Long Harbour route are required and are free of charge. A nominal fee is charged for reservations on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route. Reservations are not available on the Swartz Bay-Fulford or the Crofton-Vesuvius routes. Check schedules and make reservations at www.bcferries.com. |
By AirVictoria International Airport is about 10 minutes by car from the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island. So it is an easy fly in and ferry connection when you are coming to SSI. Sea plane services are available daily from downtown Vancouver and Victoria, and the Vancouver and Victoria International Airports into Ganges Harbour. The Vancouver Airport connection requires a short shuttle over the Float Plane docks – 15 minutes away. Salt Spring Air Seair Seaplanes Harbour Air |
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On Salt SpringThere are several ways to travel around Salt Spring Island. You can rent a car or scooter, hire a taxi, ride a bike, walk, take a bus, or hitch hike. Our buses run from each ferry terminal into town and are scheduled for immediate pick up upon arrival into the ferry depots, so don’t be lured into shops or you will have to wait for the next bus (2 hours later or more). In order to see the whole island, it is recommended you rent a car or scooter or if you are an avid cyclist and don’t mind our hills, bring your bike! We have bike repair shops! Car Rentals Taxi services Bus Service |
CyclingCycling is a great way to explore the island at a slower pace . Bring your own bike or rent a bike on island . You can even rent e- bikes if you want to range a little further or make less effort |
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