Located between Mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is the most frequently visited of the Gulf Islands as well as the most populous, with a 2016 census population of 10,557 inhabitants. The largest village on the island is Ganges. The island is known for its artists.
The island is part of the Southern Gulf Islands, (Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Pender Island, Saturna Island, Mayne Island), which are all part of the Capital Regional District, along with the municipalities of Greater Victoria. Salt Spring Island’s highest point of elevation is Bruce Peak, which is just over 700 m (2,300 ft) above sea level.
No matter which mode of transportation visitors choose – ferry, seaplane or boat – when travelling to Salt Spring Island, the journey starts and ends with serene views of the Southern Gulf Islands. Salt Spring Island is the most accessible of Gulf Islands with three ferry terminals, a seaplane terminal and private boat access in Ganges Harbour. Most people travel to Salt Spring by BC Ferries.
Whichever option you choose, the voyage to Salt Spring is so enjoyable, your trip starts the moment you step foot on to the ferry, seaplane or boat.
Keep an eye out for seals, whales, otters, sea lions and more!
Flying to Salt Spring Island
The nearest airports to Salt Spring Island are Vancouver International (YVR) and Victoria International (YYJ). If you plan on renting a car, then Victoria International is closer. Check out who flies into Victoria here.
If you’re travelling without a car, then you’ll probably fly into Vancouver International Airport.
There are several ways of reaching Salt Spring Island from Vancouver Airport.
The fastest route is by Seaplane from the Richmond Seaplane dock near the South Terminal at YVR.A shuttle bus operates between the main terminals at YVR serving both the South Terminal and the Seaplane Dock.
South Terminal Shuttle Winter Schedule (October to April)
South Terminal Shuttle Summer Schedule (May to September)
Alternatively, you can travel direct from the main terminal at YVR to Swartz Bay Ferry terminal using the BC Ferries Connector service, which will take you onto the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay ferry and drop you at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. More information below.
If you prefer, you can take the Canada Line from YVR to Bridgeport Station (every 8 minutes) and transfer at Bridgeport to Translink Bus 620 which will take you direct to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to catch your ferry.
Seaplanes to Salt Spring Island
Seaplanes from Richmond (YVR South)
Harbour Air flies daily from the Harbour Air Seaplane dock near the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport direct to the Ganges Harbour terminal on Salt Spring Island.
Seair Seaplanes flies daily from the Seair Seaplane dock near the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport direct to the Ganges Harbour terminal on Salt Spring Island.
Seaplanes from Downtown Vancouver
Seair Seaplanes flies daily from Vancouver Harbour (Canada Place) to the Ganges Harbour terminal on Salt Spring Island.
Harbour Air flies daily from Vancouver Harbour (Canada Place) to the Ganges Harbour terminal on Salt Spring Island.
Ferries to Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is at the centre of a network of BC Ferries routes connecting the lower mainland and Vancouver Island with Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands
BC Ferries Route 9 operates between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour terminal) and the Southern Gulf Islands. Advance reservations are strongly recommended on this route.
BC Ferries Route 4 operates between Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour terminal). This route is not pre-bookable; fares must be paid on arrival at Swartz Bay terminal.
BC Ferries Route 6 operates between Crofton (Vancouver Island) and Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay terminal). This route is not pre-bookable; fares must be paid on arrival at Crofton terminal.
| Like most of the gulf islands, Salt Spring Island depends on deliveries of gasoline, heating oil and propane gas by road tankers from Vancouver Island. To ensure safety, one ferry crossing a day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between Crofton and Vesuvius Bay is designated a ‘Dangerous Cargo’ sailing and is restricted solely to fuel tankers. No other vehicles or passengers may use these sailings. |
For our printable version of the complete ferry schedule for Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands starting October 14th 2025, click on the image below. Modified holiday schedules operate on public holidays (December 25th and January 1st) and also on BC Family Day (February 16th 2026). For any last-minute changes to ferry schedules, check out the BC Ferries website.
Public Transit on Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Transit operates a network of routes from Ganges Village, serving the ferry terminals at Vesuvius Bay, Long Harbour and Fulford Harbour. Connections with ferry services cannot be guaranteed if the ferry or bus is running late.
Island Transportation 