Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ↔ Otter Bay (Pender Island)

Arrive early enough that a full vehicle deck won't wreck the plan. This inter-island trip is non-bookable and loads in arrival order. Long Harbour closes check-in five minutes before departure for everyone; Otter Bay closes five minutes before for foot passengers and three minutes before for vehicles.

Pay at the terminal. Check the current fare guide's effective date instead of relying on an old price. BC Ferries lists Southern Gulf Islands inter-island travel as a one-way fare, so budget for each direction rather than assuming the return is included. Terminals accept cash, debit, major credit cards and BC Ferries Experience Cards.

Long Harbour has 12 free spaces at the terminal with a 20-minute limit, plus limited free overnight roadside parking outside it. Neither is a roomy long-stay lot, so make a backup plan and never leave a car in loading lanes or beyond the posted limit. Otter Bay lists limited free parking with a 48-hour maximum.

Yes, bring the bike. Bikes travel free with the passenger fare. Carry lights, water and repair basics; both islands ask more of a rider than the short ramp suggests. BC Ferries asks cyclists to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, identify the bicycle at check-in, walk aboard when directed and secure it on the vehicle deck.

No. This Pender hop loads cars by arrival order; Long Harbour's booking advice applies to Tsawwassen service. Read the current schedule and keep a later boat workable when another ferry or an accommodation check-in depends on your arrival.

Don't assume it. You normally stay aboard unless the itinerary explicitly tells you to transfer. Southern Gulf Islands sailings use changing stop sequences, and the connection shown for your departure may include another island. Open the exact sailing in the current schedule and read every listed stop.

Long Harbour lists BC Transit; Otter Bay lists Lightning Taxi instead of a scheduled public bus. A ferry arrival isn't a promise that a ride will be waiting beside the ramp. Check the transit trip and confirm any Pender pickup before boarding, especially in the evening or shoulder season.

Both terminals list an accessible washroom, wheelchairs and boarding assistance. Ask for help before the cutoff and bring essentials rather than treating either island terminal like a major-port concourse. Both have a waiting room, washroom, Wi-Fi, bike rack and pet area; Otter Bay has a snack kiosk, while Long Harbour has vending and a water-fill station.