Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are near the southern end of the Strait of Georgia, forming an intricate network of waterways between them, collectively referred to as part of the Salish Sea. The Southern Gulf Islands include hundreds of islands and islets, and form part of a larger archipelago that also includes the nearby San Juan Islands of the state of Washington in the United States.
Largest of the Southern Gulf Islands is Salt Spring Island, which features on a separate page here. This page focuses on the four other main islands which are readily accessible for visitors. More information can be found at the following links:
Flying to the Southern Gulf Islands
The nearest airports to the Southern Gulf Islands 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 the Southern Gulf Islands from Vancouver Airport.
The fastest route is by Seaplane from the Seair 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 the islands
Seair Seaplanes fly daily (2-3 times a day) between Richmond (YVR) and the islands.
Ferries to the Southern Gulf Islands
BC Ferries Route 5 – No advance reservations
Victoria (Swartz Bay) to the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, and Saturna Islands). Operates up to 4 times daily to Galiano and Saturna, up to 6 times daily to Mayne and Pender.
BC Ferries Route 9 – Reservations required
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Salt Spring Islands). Operates 2-3 times daily with extra departures by connection at Swartz Bay. Through fares are available.
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.
Island Transportation 