Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Information

Where is Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal?  

Travelling to Victoria on BC Ferries is an experience like no other in the world. If you come from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver), your journey will include Active Pass, a waterway so narrow the ferries pass very close to the shores, and where you may see bald eagles, harbour seals and sea lions. 

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is a major transportation facility serving the provincial capital city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The terminal is located on the Saanich peninsula, 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Victoria. Swartz Bay is  just 10 minutes from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in nearby Sidney. 

From the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, BC Ferries provides service to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, linking Vancouver Island to the mainland and the Greater Vancouver area. Ferries also sail daily to the southern Gulf Islands, including Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Salt Spring. 

While many travellers take their vehicle onboard, the Swartz Bay terminal is well served by buses and taxis. As the terminal is some distance from downtown Victoria, making taxis expensive, we recommend taking a bus from the Swartz Bay terminal. If you have a lot of luggage, have mobility issues, or have limited time, taking a taxi from Swartz Bay is a convenient choice. Details on all options are included in this guide.

Access to services at the Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal vary for foot passengers and those travelling by car.

if you are a foot passenger, services include:

• Cafe (limited service)
• Vending machines

if you take your car onboard the ferry, services in the waiting area include:

• Cafe
• Vending machines
• Picnic tables
• Artisan marketplace (seasonal)
• Newspaper vendors will usually come by your car

Note: there is no luggage storage at Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

• Official Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Website    

• Read Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Tweets