Traveling to Salt Spring Island: Harbour Air vs. Tsawwassen Ferry

✍️ By Karalee Greer |
WBN News – Kitsilano | May 16, 2025 Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

I'm planning a trip to Salt Spring Island and was curious on the difference in price flying by floatplane vs driving my car. I am surprised that the price difference isn't huge considering the travel time disparity, although by ferry I have the convenience of a car to use while I'm away.

✈️ 1. Harbour Air Vancouver → Ganges (Salt Spring Island)

Price: One-way fares start around $67–$85 CAD https://www.harbourair.com/, with round-trip deals often priced near $139–$164 before taxes directly with Harbour Air. Check Expedia as it may be cheaper. Baggage restrictions from 10 pounds up to 25 pounds with $3/pound over allowed.
Schedule: Approximately 3 daily departures (e.g. 08:45, 14:30, 17:30) FlightsFrom
Duration: ~25 minutes from Vancouver Harbour to Ganges Harbour FlightsFrom expedia

Pros:

Fastest option—arrives in under half an hour
Scenic views of the Coast Mountains and Gulf Islands
Flexible inventory, easy booking and cancellation

Drawbacks/Restrictions:

Weather-sensitive—flight delays or cancellations possible
Higher cost per passenger with restricted baggage weight
Flights operate from Coal Harbour or YVR floatplane base, requiring extra transit

⛴️ 2. BC Ferries Tsawwassen → Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island)

Price: Standard adult fares range from $10–$35 CAD (walk-on passenger), with vehicle fares approximately $95 one-way and $140 return booking with BC Ferries with car and one adult passenger before taxes. https://www.bcferries.com/ Check Rome2Rio Rome2Rio for other fare charges.
Schedule: Service runs twice daily in off-season, with a possible third in summer; each leg takes ~1h 25m for direct sailings (longer via Gulf Islands stops) Coastal Current Adventures Rome2Rio

Pros:

Somewhat more affordable—great for budget-conscious travelers
Vehicles and bikes can be accommodated
Scenic water route with passenger amenities onboard (washrooms, refreshment kiosk)

Drawbacks/Restrictions:

Far less frequent—limited sailings may require careful planning
Journey takes about three times longer than flying
Weather can affect schedules, and Tsawwassen is about 45 min drive from downtown

🧭 Summary

For speed and convenience, Harbour Air floatplanes are unmatched—ideal for day-trippers or short visits.
For cost-effectiveness or bringing a vehicle, the BC Ferries route from Tsawwassen is the better choice—but requires more planning and transit time.

Whether your priority is time or budget, both routes offer unique access to Salt Spring Island with scenic travel experiences.

Karalee Greer - Publisher

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#Harbour Air #BC Ferries #Salt Spring Island #Ganges #Long Harbour #Floatplane