Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 6 to 8 sailings a day from Pender Island (Otter Bay) to Victoria (Swartz Bay), the first at 06:30 and the last at 21:50. The crossing takes between 40 minutes and 2 hours 25 minutes, depending on the sailing, and no fare is charged in this direction, as the return is paid at Victoria (Swartz Bay).
Sailing times
As published by the operators. Times shift with the season and are suspended in heavy weather — confirm at the terminal before you travel.
From BC Ferries's published timetable, which runs until . The next one starts , and the page switches to it that day.
Times from BC Ferries' printed seasonal timetables, read into this site on . Seasonal timetables change; confirm with the line before you travel.
51 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | 07:55 | Sat | 1h 25m |
| 07:40 | 08:20 | Mon–Fri | 40m |
| 08:30 | 09:12 | Sat | 42m |
| 08:45 | 09:25 | Sun | 40m |
| 09:10 | 09:52 | Mon–Fri | 42m |
| 11:15 | 13:00 | Sat | 1h 45m |
| 11:50 | 12:30 | Mon–Fri | 40m |
| 12:30 | 13:10 | Sat | 40m |
| 12:35 | 13:17 | Sun | 42m |
| 14:45 | 15:25 | Fri | 40m |
| 15:10 | 15:50 | Sun | 40m |
| 15:20 | 16:00 | Mon–Thu | 40m |
| 16:25 | 18:43 | Mon–Thu | 2h 18m |
| 17:35 | 18:17 | Weekends | 42m |
| 18:15 | 18:55 | Fri | 40m |
| 19:05 | 19:47 | Mon–Thu | 42m |
| 19:30 | 21:50 | Sat | 2h 20m |
| 20:00 | 22:05 | Mon–Thu | 2h 5m |
| 20:15 | 22:05 | Weekends | 1h 50m |
| 20:50 | 23:15 | Mon–Thu | 2h 25m |
| 21:10 | 21:52 | Sun | 42m |
| 21:50 | 22:30 | Fri | 40m |
Published fares
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Standard vehicle up to 20ft | BC Ferries | No charge |
Fares on this crossing are returns, paid at Victoria (Swartz Bay): one ticket covers the trip there and back. Fares as published by the operators, in CAD, last checked . Fares move with the season and, on the busiest routes, with the sailing — check the operator's price for your day before you travel.
Leaving a car on Pender for a trip to Victoria is possible at Otter Bay, where free parking carries a 48-hour limit and the ticket agent can explain the details. The only transport BC Ferries names on the island side is a taxi firm. No reservations are taken on this crossing. Ticket sales and check-in end five minutes before departure for foot passengers and three for vehicles. Travellers continuing to Vancouver can pick up the Tsawwassen ferry at Swartz Bay.
Before you sail
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.
