Victoria (Swartz Bay) ↔ Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island)

Arrive early when deck space or a fixed island pickup matters because this route is non-bookable and first-come. Swartz Bay stops checking in foot passengers ten minutes before departure and vehicles five minutes before; Sturdies Bay closes check-in five minutes before for both.

Pay at the terminal. Check the guide's effective date before budgeting because saved fare tables age quickly. The official fare guide lists Victoria–Southern Gulf Islands as a return fare, so one fare covers the round trip. Terminals take cash, debit, major credit cards and BC Ferries Experience Cards.

Swartz Bay has 716 paid spaces, 172 short-term and 544 long-term. At Sturdies Bay, BC Ferries lists limited free roadside parking outside the terminal. On Galiano, leave loading approaches clear and don't assume a roadside space will be open. That makes Swartz Bay the safer long-stay option.

Yes, bring the bike. Bikes ride free with the passenger fare. Carry water, lights and repair supplies for the island road beyond Sturdies Bay. BC Ferries asks cyclists to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, declare the bicycle at check-in, walk aboard under crew direction and secure it on the vehicle deck.

No. Sturdies Bay traffic loads by arrival order, and a Tsawwassen booking doesn't follow you into this queue. Check conditions before setting out. Leave enough time for the next sailing in case the first deck fills.

Some departures are direct; others stop at one or more Southern Gulf Islands. Open the exact departure in BC Ferries' current schedule and read every listed stop instead of using a typical crossing time for a tight connection. The pattern and total journey time vary by sailing and schedule season.

BC Ferries lists the Galiano Community Bus at Sturdies Bay, making a car-free arrival possible, but island transport does not run like city transit. Confirm the bus's current operating days and align accommodation, trail or return-ferry plans before stepping aboard at Swartz Bay.

The terminal lists a washroom, waiting room, Wi-Fi, bike rack, pet area, snack kiosk and picnic space, with a restaurant, coffee, shops and lodging nearby. For guaranteed food or cash services, use Swartz Bay before boarding. Wheelchairs and boarding assistance are also listed.