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Daytrippin' with BC Ferries

Take a tour on the water
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BC Ferries has been transporting locals and visitors between the mainland

BC Ferries offers easy, accessible excursions to a number of coastal communities, which will be pleased to welcome you for the day or longer. Note that with many of the ferries to the smaller islands, your ticket includes your return fare:

Mill Bay Crossing – Skip the drive over the Malahat and take the scenic water route from Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula to Mill Bay in the Cowichan Valley.

Swartz Bay to Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Galiano Islands – Renowned for their beauty, serenity and laid-back lifestyle, experience these islands individually or on a self-directed circle tour.

Swartz Bay (Sidney) to Salt Spring Island – Browse the galleries and markets of this island paradise. Return as you came or make it a circle trip by leaving Salt Spring via ferry from Vesuvius on the west side of the island and crossing to Crofton.

Nanaimo to Gabriola Island – While away the day at the awe-inspiring Malaspina Galleries, a series of caves and caverns carved into the sandstone by the surf.

Buckley Bay (Courtenay) to Denman and Hornby Islands – Beautiful beaches, kayaking, diving and artisan studios are just four of many good reasons to visit these islands.

Campbell River to Quadra IslandA 10-minute ride takes you to this fine spot to fish, hike, kayak and more. Carry on to Cortes Island, a tiny island with a lovely landscape of orchards, lagoons and beaches.

Port McNeill to Sointula – Visit this historic community just a short 25-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Port McNeill to Alert Bay – Renowned for its First Nations culture, Alert Bay on Cormorant Island boasts the impressive U’mista Cultural Centre, First Nations-guided walking and adventure tours and more.