But the absence of bridges doesn't mean you have to get yourself a boat to come and visit. That ferry and another between Fulford Harbour and Swartz Bay give travellers to Salt Spring the convenience of several sailings a day. At least two sailings a day are provided to Salt Spring from Tsawwassen, carrying vehicles and passengers to Long Harbour. The Outer Islands enjoy similar levels of service from Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, though the frequency is somewhat less. Reservations are often recommended on the Tsawwassen-Gulf Islands route, the only island route on which travellers can book ahead.
Floatplanes provide another popular means of travelling to the islands.
Most flights use the revered deHavilland Beaver, a six-passenger aircraft, and passengers are often treated to one or two stops en route. The view from the plane is spectacular, especially on a sunny day. Many visitors travel to the Gulf Islands by private boat. If you're travelling from the United States, there's a convenient Customs office at Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island. Boaters can choose from many marinas, government docks and anchorages at the end of a day of cruising or sailing.