Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ↔ Victoria (Swartz Bay)

If you booked, check in between 60 and 30 minutes before departure. Arrive outside that window and BC Ferries won't honour the booking. Without a booking, foot-passenger sales close 10 minutes before sailing and vehicle check-in closes at five. Give yourself more time on busy days.

You pay separately for each direction. BC Ferries offers at-terminal, prepaid and limited Saver fares, and the available choices can vary. Terminals accept cash, debit, the Experience Card and major credit cards; online payment takes major credit cards. Use the fare calculator for the current price because fares change by season.

Yes. Tsawwassen has 884 paid spaces and Swartz Bay has 716, with short- and long-term parking at both terminals. Spaces aren't guaranteed, so check the live count before you leave. Keep your licence plate handy for payment, and consider transit on a holiday weekend.

Yes. Pay the passenger fare and your bicycle goes free. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, tell staff you have a bike, and follow their directions onto the vehicle deck. Walk the bike on and off, then secure it where the crew tells you. E-bikes are allowed, but you can't charge one aboard.

You don't have to reserve, but it is a good idea at busy times because sailings can fill. Foot passengers can book at no extra cost. If you do, check in 60 to 30 minutes before departure and collect a boarding pass. The booking confirmation on your phone isn't the boarding pass.

No. Tsawwassen is 36 km from downtown Vancouver. By transit, take the Canada Line to Bridgeport and then the 620 bus. From Swartz Bay, BC Transit routes 70 and 72 head toward downtown Victoria. TransLink and BC Transit charge separate fares, so plan and pay for each side of the ferry trip.

You can book as a foot passenger, but you still need to check in. At either terminal, use a kiosk or see a ticket agent to turn the booking into a boarding pass before you enter the waiting room. Booking is free on this route, but the confirmation itself won't get you aboard.

Check the live conditions page before you head down the Tsawwassen causeway or leave for Swartz Bay. It shows delays, vessel position, deck-space estimates and terminal notices. A clear day doesn't rule out an operational delay, and it is much easier to adjust your plans before you join the queue.