Travel Note
There is daily service from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), as well as less direct routes between the other Gulf Islands. From Vancouver: The ferry takes anywhere from 70 minutes to 140 minutes, depending on the number of stops it makes along the way. (There is even a sailing where you’ll need to switch ferries on Mayne.) From Victoria: A direct route from Swartz Bay is only 45 minutes, while the “milk run” takes 2.5 hours. Again, it all depends on how many other islands the ferry hits before Otter Bay. It’s always recommended to make a reservation, and this is especially true on weekends and during the summer months. At peak travel times, you could face a multi-sailing wait if you arrive at the terminal without a reservation. Plan to arrive at the terminal 30 to 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you are driving from Vancouver or Victoria, be sure to factor in traffic and rush hour! BC Ferries does not honour reservations if you arrive within that 30-minute window before departure. If you arrive late, there is a risk you will miss the boat and be out the reservation cost. When you arrive, follow the signs to the designated ticket booth and then to the numbered lane indicated on your ticket. You may also be asked to display a paper on your dash for “Otter Bay.” Listen closely to the terminal announcements, and be ready when they announce your vessel is loading.