Victoria to Salt Spring Island as a Foot Passenger
How to bus from downtown Victoria, catch the ferry without a car, and make a perfect day of it
Salt Spring Island is one of the best day trips or weekend escapes from Victoria — and you don't need a car to do it properly. The entire journey, from downtown Victoria to the heart of Ganges village, can be done by public transit and BC Ferries foot passenger service. This guide walks you through every step: which bus to take, where to catch it, what the ferry crossing looks like, how to get from the ferry terminal to Ganges, what things cost, and how to time the trip around the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail tour. Everything you need to plan a perfect car-free day on Salt Spring Island, from Victoria.
Why You Don't Need a Car
The Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail tour was built specifically for visitors without vehicles. The tour's shuttle picks up at the Visitor Info Centre in Ganges — the bus stop for every ferry terminal on the island — and handles all the driving between artisan stops. This means the entire experience is designed around foot passengers.
Beyond the tour, Ganges village itself is compact and walkable. The Saturday Market, harbour waterfront, restaurants, galleries, and Portlock Park are all within easy walking distance of the bus stop. For the beaches and parks further afield, the island bus or a taxi covers you.
Arriving car-free from Victoria is also easier, cheaper, and far less stressful than driving to Swartz Bay, loading onto a vehicle ferry, and driving around an unfamiliar island. Leave the logistics to BC Transit and BC Ferries, and spend your energy enjoying the destination.
Pro tip: The Swartz Bay–Fulford Harbour route does not take vehicle reservations, which means drivers can face significant waits on summer weekends. Foot passengers board every sailing and are never turned away. Going car-free is actually the faster
Step-by-Step: Downtown Victoria to Ganges Village
Step 1 — Catch the Route 70 Bus in Downtown Victoria
Bus stop: Douglas St & Pandora Ave, downtown Victoria
Route: BC Transit Route 70 (or 72) — both serve Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal directly
Journey time: approximately 50–60 minutes to Swartz Bay
Fare: $3.00 per single ride (as of April 2025). Pay with cash (exact change) or tap with the Umo app or card. A DayPASS costs $6.00 and covers unlimited rides for the rest of the day — worth it if you'll take the bus on the return journey too.
The Route 70 departs from Douglas St & Pandora Ave and runs directly up Highway 17 to Swartz Bay. There is also a 70X Express variant, which skips Sidney and is faster — check the current BC Transit timetable at bctransit.com to see which buses are running when.
Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the bus heading north for the best views of the Saanich Peninsula and glimpses of the ocean as you approach the terminal.
Finding the Bus Stop
The stop is on Douglas Street at Pandora Avenue, in the heart of downtown Victoria. It's well-signposted and easily found on Google Maps by searching 'Douglas at Pandora Bay C' or the Route 70 stop. The stop serves multiple routes so check the destination display on the bus before boarding — look for 'Swartz Bay Ferry' or 'Swartz Bay'.
How Early Should You Leave?
Allow at least 60–70 minutes from when you board the downtown bus to when you're through the ferry terminal foot passenger entrance. This accounts for:
- ~55–60 min bus ride to Swartz Bay
- ~5 min walk from bus bay to foot passenger terminal entrance
- ~5 min to buy your ticket at the kiosk or counter
Note: BC Transit timetables are available at bctransit.com/victoria. Schedules vary by day and time of year. Always check the current schedule before you travel — don't rely on informal sources or memory.
Step 2 — Arrive at Swartz Bay Terminal
The Route 70 drops you directly at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. The bus stop is right outside the terminal entrance. Follow signs to the foot passenger area — it's separate from the vehicle lanes and clearly marked.
Buying Your Ferry Ticket
Foot passenger tickets can be purchased at the self-serve kiosks or at the staffed ticketing counter inside the terminal. You do not need to book in advance — this route is walk-on only, and foot passengers are not turned away.
Ferry fare (Swartz Bay → Fulford Harbour): adult passenger fare approximately $15–17 one-way as of the April 2026 fare update. Check current fares at bcferries.com.
BC Ferries accepts cash, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express at terminals.
Important: your return trip from Fulford Harbour back to Swartz Bay is included in your ticket on this route. You do not pay again on the way back.
Tip: The Swartz Bay terminal has the Lands End Café for food and beverages while you wait. Worth grabbing a coffee or snack if you have time before your sailing.
Check-In for Foot Passengers
Check-in for foot passengers closes 3 minutes before the scheduled sailing. In practice, aim to be at the terminal at least 15 minutes before your intended departure. Foot passengers board through a separate gangway from vehicles, usually at the front of the vessel.
Which Sailing to Catch — Planning Around the Tour
This is the key planning decision. The Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off tour departs from Ganges at 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm. Working backward from each tour departure, here is when you need to be at each stage:
For the 10:00am tour departure:
- Catch a ferry from Swartz Bay departing no later than 8:30am (arriving Fulford ~9:05am)
- Take the island bus from Fulford Harbour — approximately 15–20 minutes to Ganges
- Arrive at Visitor Info Centre (121 Lower Ganges Rd) by 9:45am
- Leave downtown Victoria on the bus no later than 7:15–7:30am
For the 11:00am tour departure (recommended):
- Catch a ferry from Swartz Bay departing no later than 9:30am (arriving Fulford ~10:05am)
- Take the island bus to Ganges — arrive approximately 10:25–10:30am
- Comfortable buffer before the 11:00am tour departure
- Leave downtown Victoria on the bus around 8:15–8:30am
For the 12:00pm tour departure:
- Catch a ferry from Swartz Bay departing no later than 10:30am (arriving Fulford ~11:05am)
- Take the island bus to Ganges — arrive approximately 11:25–11:30am
- Comfortable buffer before the noon tour departure
- Leave downtown Victoria on the bus around 9:15–9:30am
Note: BC Ferries schedules are subject to seasonal change. Always confirm the specific sailing times at bcferries.com before your trip. The first Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour sailing is typically around 7:00am, with sailings roughly every 1–2 hours through the day.
Step 3 — The Ferry Crossing (Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour)
Crossing time: approximately 35 minutes
The crossing from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour is one of the finest short ferry rides in British Columbia. The route winds through the southern Gulf Islands — past Pender Island, with views of Mayne and Saturna Islands — before turning into the sheltered waters of Fulford Harbour.
As a foot passenger, you board through the forward gangway and have access to the passenger lounges, the café/snack bar on board, and the outdoor decks. The outdoor decks are the best vantage point — particularly on the starboard (right) side heading toward Salt Spring Island. Bald eagles, harbour seals, and great blue herons are all commonly spotted on this crossing.
Tip: The BC Ferries vessels on this route have outdoor observation decks at the front and rear of the passenger area. Get outside — the approach to Fulford Harbour, as the ferry turns and the green hills of Salt Spring Island rise up around you, is genuinely beautiful.
Arrival at Fulford Harbour
Foot passengers disembark via the forward gangway. The terminal at Fulford Harbour is small and simple — a small parking area, the terminal building, and the village of Fulford Harbour just above. There are a café and a few small businesses in the village if you need anything before catching the island bus.
The Salt Spring Island transit bus stop is directly outside the ferry terminal. Look for the bus as you exit.
Step 4 — Island Bus from Fulford Harbour to Ganges
Bus: Salt Spring Island transit — Route 2 (Fulford Harbour route), operated by BC Transit
Journey time: approximately 15–20 minutes to Ganges village
Fare: approximately $2.50. Pay with cash or Umo app/card. Confirm current fare at bctransit.com/salt-spring-island.
The island bus departs from outside the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal and runs directly to Ganges. The stop in Ganges is right at the Visitor Info Centre (121 Lower Ganges Rd) — the same building where the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off tour departs. You could not arrive more conveniently.
According to the Hop On Hop Off team: all three BC Transit shuttles from all three Salt Spring ferry terminals converge at this same Visitor Info Centre location — making the public transit connection seamless.
Note: Island bus timing is designed to connect with ferry arrivals, but schedules are not always perfectly aligned. Check the current Salt Spring Island transit schedule at bctransit.com/salt-spring-island before your trip. If the timing doesn't work, a taxi from Fulford Harbour to Ganges takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately $20–25.
Walking from Fulford Harbour
If you enjoy walking and have time to spare, it is theoretically possible to walk the Fulford-Ganges Road from Fulford Harbour to Ganges — but at 9km it's a substantial walk (about 2 hours) and the road is not particularly pedestrian-friendly in sections. The bus or taxi is strongly recommended.
Step 5 — Ganges Village & the Hop On Hop Off Tour
The bus drops you directly in front of the Salt Spring Island Visitor Info Centre at 121 Lower Ganges Rd. This is tour headquarters. Check in here, let the team know you've arrived, and settle into the village while you wait for your departure time.
If you have 20–30 minutes before your departure, Ganges repays that time well. The harbour is a short walk down from the Visitor Info Centre, the Saturday Market (if it's Saturday) is in full swing at Centennial Park, and there are good cafés for coffee or breakfast if you haven't eaten.
The Tour
The Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail departs at 10:00am, 11:00am, or 12:00pm from the Visitor Info Centre. The shuttle runs a 28km loop through the south end of the island, stopping at Salt Spring Island Cheese, Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm (seasonal), Salt Spring Brewing Co., Garry Oaks Estate Winery, and Ciderworks & Salt Spring Apple Co., returning to Ganges in time for the next loop. Each stop gives you approximately 55 minutes before the bus returns. Spots are limited to 20 per departure — book in advance at saltspringhopon.com.
Tour pricing: Adults from $55 CDN | Children (2–12) $35 CDN
Step 6 — Getting Back: Ganges to Victoria
The return trip reverses the inbound journey. Allow enough time to catch a ferry back to Swartz Bay that connects with the Route 70 bus to Victoria. Key things to know:
Last Ferries from Fulford Harbour
The last sailings from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay are typically in the early evening — around 7:00–8:00pm depending on the season. Check the current schedule at bcferries.com well in advance, particularly if you're visiting in the shoulder season when sailings may be less frequent.
Plan to leave Ganges at least 30–40 minutes before the ferry you want to catch, to account for the bus journey from Ganges to Fulford Harbour and any wait at the terminal.
Island Bus: Ganges Back to Fulford Harbour
The Salt Spring Island bus runs from the Visitor Info Centre (same stop where you arrived) back to Fulford Harbour. Check the current return schedule at bctransit.com/salt-spring-island before your trip. If the bus timing doesn't align with your ferry, a taxi is straightforward.
On the Return Ferry
Remember: your return foot passenger journey from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay is included in your original ticket. No additional payment is needed. Simply board as a foot passenger at Fulford Harbour terminal.
Route 70 Back to Victoria from Swartz Bay
When you arrive back at Swartz Bay, the Route 70 bus connects you to downtown Victoria. Buses run regularly throughout the evening from the terminal bus bay. The Route 70 drops you at Douglas St & Pandora Ave in downtown Victoria.
If you purchased a BC Transit DayPASS in the morning, it remains valid for the return journey until 3:59am the following day — no additional fare needed.
Sample Day Itinerary: Victoria to Salt Spring & Back
Here's how a well-timed day trip looks for the 11:00am tour departure — the recommended option for most visitors:
| Time | Where | What | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15am | Douglas & Pandora, Victoria | Board Route 70 bus to Swartz Bay | Buy Umo DayPASS ($6) to cover both bus trips |
| ~9:10am | Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal | Buy ferry ticket, board next sailing | Foot passenger — no reservation needed |
| ~9:20am | On the ferry | 35-min crossing to Fulford Harbour | Get on the outdoor deck for the views |
| ~9:55am | Fulford Harbour Terminal | Board island bus to Ganges | Bus stops directly outside the terminal |
| ~10:20am | Visitor Info Centre, Ganges | Arrive, check in for tour | Grab coffee in the village while you wait |
| 11:00am | Visitor Info Centre, Ganges | Hop On Hop Off tour departs | 28km loop — cheese, lavender, brewery, winery, cider |
| ~4:00pm | Ganges Village | Return from tour, explore Ganges | Harbour, market, lunch/dinner |
| ~5:30pm | Visitor Info Centre, Ganges | Board island bus back to Fulford | Check bus schedule in advance |
| ~5:50pm | Fulford Harbour Terminal | Board ferry back to Swartz Bay | Return trip included in your ticket |
| ~6:25pm | Swartz Bay Terminal | Board Route 70 bus to Victoria | DayPASS still valid |
| ~7:20pm | Douglas & Pandora, Victoria | Back in downtown Victoria |
Note: All times are approximate. Always verify current BC Ferries schedules and BC Transit Route 70 timetables before your trip. Sailing frequencies and bus schedules vary by season and day of week.
What It Costs: The Complete Breakdown
Here's the full cost picture for a foot passenger day trip from Victoria to Salt Spring Island, including the Hop On Hop Off tour:
| Journey Leg | Cost (CDN) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BC Transit Route 70 (Victoria → Swartz Bay) | $3.00 | Single ride, cash or Umo app |
| BC Ferries foot passenger (Swartz Bay → Fulford Harbour) | ~$15–17 | Check bcferries.com for current fare |
| Salt Spring Island bus (Fulford Harbour → Ganges) | $2.50 | Cash or Umo — confirm with BC Transit |
| Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off tour | $55.00 | Adult; children (2–12) $35 |
| Salt Spring Island bus (Ganges → Fulford Harbour, return) | $2.50 | Same as inbound |
| BC Ferries foot passenger (Fulford Harbour → Swartz Bay) | Included | Return passage included in your ticket |
| BC Transit Route 70 (Swartz Bay → Victoria) | $3.00 | Single ride — or DayPASS if 2nd trip |
| Estimated total (excluding tour) | ~$26–30 | Round-trip transit + ferry |
| Estimated total (including tour) | ~$81–85 | A full day out from Victoria |
Ferry fares: verify current rates at bcferries.com. Bus fares: verify at bctransit.com. Tour: book at saltspringhopon.com. All prices in CDN dollars.
Note: The ferry fare shown is for the Swartz Bay–Fulford Harbour passenger rate effective April 8, 2026. Fares change periodically — always check bcferries.com for current pricing before you travel.
Practical Details & Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the ferry in advance as a walk-on passenger?
No. The Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour route does not take passenger reservations. Foot passengers simply show up, buy a ticket, and board the next available sailing. You are never turned away as a foot passenger. The return from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay works the same way.
Do I need to book the island bus in advance?
No. The Salt Spring Island bus is a pay-as-you-go service. Have exact cash or load the Umo app on your phone before you arrive on the island.
Do I need to book the Hop On Hop Off tour in advance?
Yes — and this is the one thing you should book well ahead. The tour is limited to 20 seats per departure and sells out frequently, particularly on summer weekends. Book at saltspringhopon.com as early as possible. Cancellations with at least 48 hours notice receive a full refund.
What if I miss the bus at Fulford Harbour?
Taxi services operate on Salt Spring Island and can get you from Fulford Harbour to Ganges in about 15 minutes. Budget approximately $20–25 for this trip. Ask at the ferry terminal or call a local taxi service.
Can I bring a bike?
Yes — BC Ferries allows bicycles on foot passenger sailings (typically a small additional fare). The Salt Spring Island bus has a bike rack. The Hop On Hop Off shuttle cannot accommodate bikes. If you're bringing a bike for exploring the island independently, this is a great option for Day 2 of a weekend trip, but is separate from the tour experience.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are permitted on BC Ferries and the island bus. However, only certified service dogs are permitted on the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off shuttle, out of respect for other guests.
What if the weather is bad?
BC Ferries runs in all but the most severe weather. The tour also runs regardless of weather — many of the artisan stops have covered tasting areas and indoor spaces, and the forest patio at Salt Spring Brewing Co. has a sheltered quality even in light rain. That said, the ferry deck and the lavender farm are better in sunshine.
Is there somewhere to leave luggage in Ganges?
There is no formal left-luggage facility in Ganges. If you're doing a day trip, travelling light is the right call. A small daypack with a jacket, water, and snacks is all you need.
What are the BC Transit payment options?
BC Transit Victoria accepts cash (exact change only on buses), the Umo app, and the Umo reloadable card. The Umo app can be downloaded and loaded before your trip — this is the most convenient option. A DayPASS ($6.00) gives you unlimited rides on the Victoria Regional Transit System for the rest of the day after your first use, and is worth it if you take the bus on both the outward and return journeys.
Special Ferry Fares & Discounts
BC Seniors
BC residents aged 65 or older travel free on BC Ferries Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) on presentation of a valid BC ID. This makes a midweek foot passenger trip from Victoria to Salt Spring Island exceptionally affordable for eligible seniors. The free fare applies to foot passenger travel on the Swartz Bay–Fulford Harbour route.
Children
Children's fares are available on both BC Ferries and BC Transit. On the Hop On Hop Off tour, children aged 2–12 pay $35 (versus $55 for adults). Children under 2 travel free on BC Transit.
BC Ferries Experience Card
Frequent ferry travellers can use the BC Ferries Experience Card for faster boarding and potential fare savings on eligible routes. Check bcferries.com for current details on whether this applies to the Swartz Bay–Fulford Harbour route.
A DAY TRIP WORTH DOING — WITHOUT A CAR
The journey from downtown Victoria to Ganges village by bus and ferry is one of the finest car-free day trips in British Columbia. It's straightforward, affordable, and — once you're on that ferry deck watching the Gulf Islands drift past — immediately worth it.
The combination of the Route 70 bus, the Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour ferry, the Salt Spring Island transit connection, and the Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail tour means you can leave downtown Victoria in the morning, spend the day tasting award-winning cheese, wine, craft beer, and organic cider at six artisan stops across the island, and be back in Victoria for dinner — without having touched a steering wheel.
It's the kind of day that makes living near Victoria feel like an extraordinary privilege.
Book the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail at saltspringhopon.com. Check BC Ferries schedules atbcferries.com. Check BC Transit Route 70 at bctransit.com
BC Ferries: bcferries.com | BC Transit Victoria: bctransit.com/victoria | Salt Spring Island Transit: bctransit.com/salt-spring-island | Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off: saltspringhopon.com | Fares effective April 2026 — verify current rates before travel.
