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British Columbia · BC Ferries

Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island) ↔ Village Bay (Mayne Island)

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

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Photo: Blue Bus FanPhoto details: Salish Heron leaving Sturdies Bay for the Southern Gulf Islands.Original ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Changes: Resized for web.

Commuter guide

Questions riders ask before this trip

Sturdies Bay–Village Bay is the busy little hop between Galiano and Mayne. The timetable offers plenty of choices, but cars still board first-come and both islands have small parking setups. Pick the actual sailing, confirm the onward ride and leave the rushing on shore.

How early should I arrive for Sturdies Bay–Village Bay?

Arrive with margin when deck space or a fixed pickup matters. This inter-island route is non-bookable and vehicles load by arrival order. Sturdies Bay and Village Bay both close check-in five minutes before departure for foot passengers and vehicles.

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

Pay at the terminal. Use the current fare guide and check its effective date because old island fares linger online. Southern Gulf Islands inter-island travel is a one-way fare, so budget separately for the return. Cash, debit, major credit cards and Experience Cards are accepted.

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

Sturdies Bay lists limited free roadside parking outside the terminal. Village Bay has 12 free spaces outside the terminal with a 48-hour maximum. Neither is a large guaranteed lot, so follow signs, keep ferry approaches clear and arrange a fallback on busy island weekends.

Source: Official Sturdies Bay parking details ↗Source: Official Village Bay parking details ↗
Can I take a bicycle between Galiano and Mayne?

Yes. The bicycle travels free with the passenger fare. Carry lights, water and repair basics for the roads beyond each ramp. BC Ferries asks cyclists to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, identify the bike at check-in, walk aboard when directed and secure it on the vehicle deck.

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

No. Cars load by arrival order, and a Tsawwassen reservation gives no priority on this island hop. Check the schedule close to travel and leave room for the next boat when dinner, lodging or another connection depends on your arrival.

Source: Official Sturdies Bay boarding details ↗
Will the ferry run directly between Galiano and Mayne?

Some departures may include another island call. You normally stay aboard unless the itinerary or crew explicitly directs a transfer. Southern Gulf Islands stop patterns vary, so read the exact sailing's listed stops and journey time rather than guessing from the short distance on a map.

Source: Official BC Ferries schedules ↗
Can I get around both islands without a car?

Sturdies Bay lists the Galiano Community Bus, and Village Bay lists Mayne Island Transportation. Confirm their current operating days and any pickup before boarding. Neither listing guarantees that a vehicle will meet every ferry, so keep a bicycle or arranged ride in the plan.

Source: Official Sturdies Bay transportation details ↗
What accessibility help and amenities are available?

Both terminals list wheelchairs and boarding assistance; Village Bay also lists an accessible washroom. Each has a waiting room, Wi-Fi and bike rack. Sturdies Bay adds a snack kiosk and nearby village services, while Village Bay has a pet area and picnic space. Ask for help before cutoff.

Source: Official Village Bay accessibility and amenities ↗