Other Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Ground Transportation Options

The nearest walking location from the Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is Sidney, about 5 km away.

Once off the ferry at Port of Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, follow the road to just pass the first overpass and then exit via the signed bike route over the overpass and onto the Lochside trail. This trail will take you to Sidney (5 km) or Victoria (30 km) and connects into the Galloping Goose Trail. Alternatively you can head straight down the Pat Bay (#17) highway.

• Lochside Trail    

If heading over to one of the Gulf Islands, exit the ferry and return to the toll booth to purchase a ticket to your destination. If you have a friend picking you up via private boat, these are via a dock to the east of the ferry terminal. You must exit the ferry terminal, walk across the overpass and then follow the road around the terminal to the public dock (allow 10 minutes).

You can easily get to nearby Washington state, across the border in the United States, by boat. There are three options:

Washington State Ferries operates a passenger and vehicle ferry between Sidney (about 5km away from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal) and Anacortes in Washington state, passing through the San Juan Islands. Ferries run once or twice a day. This service does not operate during the winter season, generally from the second week of January until the end of March. To get there, you'll need to take the bus into Sidney.

• Anacortes Ferry    

If you are interested in visiting Seattle, there is a convenient high-speed passenger catamaran ferry, The Clipper, that runs to/from Victoria's inner harbour (downtown):

• Clipper high-speed passenger ferry from Victoria to Seattle    
• Clipper high-speed passenger ferry from Seattle to Victoria    

You can take your car, if you brought or rented one, on the  MV Coho/Black Ball Ferry Line ferry to Port Angeles, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This ferry runs from Victoria's inner harbour (downtown), and the crossing time is 90 minutes. Service runs all year except for an annual refit for one week in winter time. In the winter, this ferry runs 2 sailings a day and in the summer up to 4 sailings per day each way are scheduled.

• MV Coho    

Alternate Driving Directions To/From Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

If you prefer to drive to Victoria from Swartz Bay avoiding the Pat Bay Highway:

• Take the first exit ramp (Wain Road)
• Drive straight as you leave the highway (don't turn after the exit ramp)
• Continue along Wain Road until you reach West Saanich Road
• Turn left - and enjoy the drive!

To drive from Victoria to Swartz Bay avoiding the Pat Bay Highway:

• Drive along West Saanich Road 
• Enjoy the drive - you'll stay on this road past the airport
• Turn right at Mills Road, then right on McDonald Park - follow the road until you come to the intersection at Pat Bay Highway and Beacon, then turn left onto the highway - the terminal is 5 mintes away
• OR continue until West Saanich Road ends, then turn right on Lands End Road - the terminal will be on your left and is well signed

Camping Near Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Not transportation, per se, but a transportation helper: Camping is available nearby at McDonald Park, if you have camping gear and arrive on a late sailing. The campground is tucked between the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) and the shoreline of Canoe Bay. Part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, McDonald Park has 56 campsites (6 are walk-in only).

• Parks Canada Online Reservation Service     or call 1-877-737-3783.