Crofton (Osborne Bay) ↔ Vesuvius Bay (Salt Spring Island)

Boarding is first-come, not reserved. With a car, especially on a busy morning or market weekend, watch live deck space and leave room for a sailing wait. Crofton closes check-in five minutes before sailing; Vesuvius closes three minutes before for foot passengers and five minutes before for vehicles. Those are hard cutoffs, not targets.

Pay at the terminal when you travel. Terminals accept cash, debit, major credit cards and BC Ferries Experience Cards; check the current fare guide before travel because prices can change. BC Ferries publishes this as a return fare, so the ticket covers the round trip instead of charging again on the return leg.

Both ends list limited free parking, but only Vesuvius states a 24-hour limit. For a day trip, arrive with time to use the signed lot instead of leaving a vehicle in the loading approach; for an overnight trip, the Vesuvius limit makes the parking plan especially important. Neither terminal promises a space.

Absolutely. You pay the passenger fare and the bike rides free. Get there 30 to 60 minutes early, identify the bike at check-in, walk it aboard and use the stowage spot the crew gives you. Save some energy for shore because the roads beyond both terminals can be hilly and narrow.

No. Crofton–Vesuvius loads by arrival order. Current Conditions is still worth checking for sailing status and estimated deck space, but it shows the situation now; it never holds your place in line.

BC Ferries identifies Quinitsa as the regular vessel and lists an accessible car-deck lounge and accessible washrooms. Bring what you need for the crossing and check service notices in case a vessel substitution changes the setup. It's a practical short-route ferry, not a food-and-shopping destination.

Yes, with planning. Vesuvius is on Salt Spring's northwest side, away from the island's main village; check the day's transit timetable against both your outbound and return sailings before choosing to walk on. BC Ferries lists BC Transit at both terminals and a taxi at Crofton.

Crofton has a waiting shelter, bike rack and nearby washroom, shopping and ATM. 'Nearby' isn't 'open for every sailing': carry water and don't make the last boat depend on a shop being open. Vesuvius has a shelter, portable toilet, Wi-Fi, bike rack, picnic area and a restaurant nearby.