Getting To Salt Spring Island:
Salt Spring can be reached in a number of ways. Vancouver (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal) on mainland BC and Victoria (Swartz Bay Terminal) on Vancouver Island. Both have International airports, with Vancouver’s being the largest.
From Vancouver International
You can get a shuttle to the South Airport and catch a float plane to Ganges, operated by Seair Seaplanes (800-447-3247, 604-273-8900) or Harbour Air Seaplanes (800-665-0212, 250-537-5525) or Salt Spring Air (877-537-9880, 250-537-9880).
You can also rent a car*, get a bus (Pacific Coach Lines 800-661-1725, 604-662-8074) or get a taxi to take you to the Tsawwassen BC Ferries terminal, just south of the airport (Toll Free US & Canada 1-888-223-3779; 250-381-1401). BC Ferries have routes that go from the mainland directly to Long Harbour on Salt Spring (this can take up to three hours depending on the sailing), or to Swartz Bay (approx. 1.5 hrs) terminal on Vancouver Island, where you can connect to the Fulford Harbour ferry (approx. 35 min.) to Salt Spring.
Please note that if you plan to travel by vehicle from Vancouver directly to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations can be made directly on the BC Ferries website or by calling 1-888-223-3779.
*Please take into account the cost of bringing a vehicle onto the ferry is higher than walking on.
From Victoria International
You can drive or take a taxi to Swartz Bay (approx. 10 minutes) and take the Fulford Harbour ferry to Salt Spring Island. This is a 35 minute trip. From Fulford Harbour, ou can take the community bus (but please check their schedule and rates, as they do not meet every ferry, and take exact change only in Canadian or US funds) or a pre-arranged taxi to your destination.
If you plan to rent a car on Salt Spring, it is wise to book ahead: (Salt Spring Car Rental 1-800 334-6629 or 250-537-3122; email: rentals@saltspringmarina.com) If you are arriving for the upcoming Three Principles School, mention this when you book for a waiver of pick-up/drop-off fee. They will meet you at the Long Harbour Ferry terminal or at the float plane dock in Ganges. If you come into Fulford Harbour, you can most likely catch the community bus (check for schedules and fares—exact change only, Canadian or US funds) or take a taxi to Ganges.
PLEASE NOTE: Cell phone reception is unreliable in certain parts of the island, particularly the Fulford Harbour area.
Helpful links for Salt Spring (and other regional information):
Salt Spring Tourism (accommodations page)
Salt Spring Tourism
Salt Spring Tourist Info Centre: 250-537-5252, 866 216-2936
Salt Spring Island Markets
Salt Spring Island Travel Guide
Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce: Phone 250-537-4223 email: chamber@ssisland.com
Silver Shadow Taxi: 250-537-3030
Salt Spring Car & Scooter Rentals 1-800 334-6629 or 250 537-3122; email: rentals@saltspringmarina.com
Salt Spring Community Bus: 250-538-4282