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British Columbia · BC Ferries

Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) ↔ Village Bay (Mayne Island)

Timing, tickets, parking, bikes, and the details that matter before you board.

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Photo: TawkerPhoto details: Village Bay's twin ferry berths on Mayne Island.Original ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗Changes: Resized for web.

Commuter guide

Questions riders ask before this trip

Long Harbour–Village Bay rewards a little shore-side planning. Neither terminal has a roomy car park, vehicles board first-come, and the sailing may wander through another island call. Sort the stop pattern and onward ride, then enjoy the water between Salt Spring and Mayne.

How early should I arrive for Long Harbour–Village Bay?

Arrive with extra time when a full deck would upset a booking or pickup. This inter-island connection is non-bookable and vehicles load in arrival order. Long Harbour and Village Bay both close check-in five minutes before departure for foot passengers and vehicles.

Source: Official Long Harbour check-in details ↗Source: Official Village Bay check-in details ↗
Is Long Harbour–Village Bay a one-way fare, and where do I pay?

Pay at the terminal. Check the current fare guide and its effective date instead of relying on a screenshot. Southern Gulf Islands inter-island travel is listed as a one-way fare, so the return is separate. Cash, debit, major credit cards and BC Ferries Experience Cards are accepted.

Source: Official BC Ferries fare guide ↗
Can I park at Long Harbour or Village Bay and walk on?

Long Harbour has 12 free terminal spaces with a 20-minute limit and limited free overnight roadside parking outside. Village Bay lists 12 free spaces outside the terminal with a 48-hour limit. Both are small arrangements, so obey signs and bring a backup plan.

Source: Official Long Harbour parking details ↗Source: Official Village Bay parking details ↗
Can I take a bicycle between Salt Spring and Mayne?

Yes. The bicycle travels free with the passenger fare. Pack lights, water and repair basics for the island roads beyond each terminal. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, identify the bike at check-in, walk it aboard under crew direction and secure it on the vehicle deck.

Source: Official BC Ferries bicycle guidance ↗
Can I reserve the Salt Spring–Mayne ferry?

No. Vehicles load in arrival order on this inter-island trip, and a reservation for Tsawwassen gives no priority here. Check the current schedule and leave room for the next departure when the day includes a fixed check-in or dinner reservation.

Source: Official Village Bay boarding details ↗
Will the ferry go straight from Long Harbour to Mayne?

It may call at another Southern Gulf Island first. You normally remain aboard unless the published itinerary or crew explicitly directs a transfer. Read the exact sailing's stop list and travel time; two departures between the same islands can follow different sequences.

Source: Official BC Ferries schedules ↗
How do I continue without a car on Mayne Island?

BC Ferries lists Mayne Island Transportation at Village Bay, but that does not promise a frequent walk-up bus. Confirm current service or arrange a pickup before leaving Salt Spring. A bicycle gives more freedom if you are comfortable with Mayne's roads and distances.

Source: Official Village Bay transportation details ↗
What accessibility help and amenities are at the terminals?

Both terminals list an accessible washroom, wheelchairs and boarding assistance. Village Bay has a waiting room, Wi-Fi, bike rack, pet area and picnic space; Long Harbour adds vending and a water-fill station. Ask for boarding support before the check-in cutoff.

Source: Official Village Bay accessibility and amenities ↗