Salt Spring is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, and the way you arrive decides how the rest of your trip works. Seaplanes land in Ganges Harbour, beside the island's main village. Ferries arrive at three different terminals, none of them in Ganges. If you plan to stay in the village without a car, that difference matters a lot. If you plan to tour farms and studios, you will need wheels either way.

Option 1: Seaplane into Ganges Harbour

Harbour Air lists two year-round routes to Salt Spring: from its downtown Vancouver Harbour terminal in Coal Harbour and from YVR South in Richmond. Flights use the Ganges seaplane dock, but check-in is at the terminal, not the dock. The terminal is at 3102–115 Fulford Ganges Road, on the ground floor of Grace Point Square in the village, and Harbour Air asks guests boarding at Ganges to check in there 30 minutes before departure.

Seair Seaplanes also flies between Ganges and both Vancouver Harbour and Richmond, from its own base in Ganges. First time on a seaplane? See your first Harbour Air flight.

Good for: a car-free stay in Ganges, a short weekend, travellers starting downtown or at YVR. Watch for: fare-based baggage weight limits (all items count) and weather disruption.

Check Harbour Air flights to Ganges. View Salt Spring (Ganges Harbour) schedules (opens harbourair.com)

Option 2: BC Ferries — three terminals, three routes

Ferry terminal on Salt Spring Connects to Where it is
Long Harbour Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and other Southern Gulf Islands East side of the island; BC Ferries describes it as a 10-minute drive east of Ganges
Fulford Harbour Victoria (Swartz Bay) South end of the island
Vesuvius Bay Crofton, near Duncan on Vancouver Island Northwest side

From Vancouver, the direct route is Tsawwassen to Long Harbour. Some sailings stop at other islands on the way, so the crossing time varies. Alternatively, you can sail Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay, then Swartz Bay–Fulford Harbour: two ferries and a connection.

BC Transit's Salt Spring routes connect all three ferry terminals with Ganges, with timetables designed around sailings.

Good for: bringing a car, bikes or larger luggage; touring the island. Watch for: sailing frequency on the direct route, reservations on busy weekends, and correct terminal names on your booking.

Door-to-door checklist

Before you book either way, answer these:

  1. Where are you staying? If in or near Ganges, a seaplane gets you there with no transfer. If at a farm or cottage elsewhere, ask your host about pickup or plan a rental.
  2. How will you get from your arrival point to your accommodation, at that time of day?
  3. What luggage do you have? Weigh it against your fare.
  4. What is your return? Book it, or at least check the timetable, before leaving.
  5. What is the fallback if your sailing or flight is cancelled?

Getting around without a car

Ganges itself is walkable: the harbour, Centennial Park, galleries, cafés and shops are close together. Beyond the village, distances, hills and narrow roads make walking impractical. Your options:

  • BC Transit buses linking Ganges with the ferry terminals and some other areas
  • Taxis, which are limited, so book ahead
  • Car, scooter or e-bike rentals in Ganges, also best booked ahead
  • Pickup arranged by your accommodation

Don't assume a taxi will be waiting when you land, especially in the evening or off season. Our Salt Spring destination guide explains which activities are in walking range.

Timing a visit for the Saturday Market

The Salt Spring Saturday Market runs in Centennial Park, Ganges. Its 2026 season ran every Saturday from April 4 to October 31, from 9 am to 3 pm (to 4 pm in summer), according to the market's website. Dates for 2027 had not been posted when we checked. The park is a short walk from the Harbour Air terminal.

For a market visit, arriving on Friday or early Saturday works best. Our market and makers guide covers what to expect and what's open on other days.

Bags and accommodation

Seaplane allowances are set by fare. Harbour Air's ranged from 10 lb (Light) to 50 lb (Flex) when we checked, covering every item including handbags and backpacks. If you will bring home market purchases, choose a fare with room, or ship larger items. See packing for a seaplane trip.

Book accommodation early for summer weekends and market Saturdays. Ganges has limited rooms within walking distance of the village.

Booking the return

Plan your last day around your return. With a seaplane, work back from the check-in time at the Ganges terminal. With a ferry, allow for transit or driving to the correct terminal. Our Salt Spring weekend itinerary shows how to build a last morning that ends with time to spare.

FAQs

Where do I land? Seaplanes land in Ganges Harbour. Ferries arrive at Long Harbour, Fulford Harbour or Vesuvius Bay depending on the route.

Can I walk to the market? From the Ganges seaplane terminal, yes. From a ferry terminal, take a bus or taxi.

Do I need a car for farms and studios? Usually, or a pre-arranged transfer. Many are spread out along rural roads.

Sources