KE7JFF
Chief Steward
Posts: 106
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Post by KE7JFF on Feb 22, 2012 4:39:14 GMT -8
I'm taking my annual trip to Vancouver Island once again in March. I'll be first heading to Salt Spring Island for a night and I look like I will be doing the throughfare ticket deal instead the direct sailing. I want to do the 5 PM sailing from Tsswassen to Swartz Bay then do the 7 PM sailing to Fulford Bay. Is 25 minutes enough to switch vessels at Swartz Bay? And I take it I need to U turn back to the fare booths to board the 2nd ferry? Or is there another way?
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Post by lmtengs on Feb 22, 2012 6:37:30 GMT -8
I'm taking my annual trip to Vancouver Island once again in March. I'll be first heading to Salt Spring Island for a night and I look like I will be doing the throughfare ticket deal instead the direct sailing. I want to do the 5 PM sailing from Tsswassen to Swartz Bay then do the 7 PM sailing to Fulford Bay. Is 25 minutes enough to switch vessels at Swartz Bay? And I take it I need to U turn back to the fare booths to board the 2nd ferry? Or is there another way? Yes, you use the Wain Road U-turn route to turn around. It's clearly signed. I'm not sure if 25 minutes is enough time to turn around and get back into the terminal though, you'll have to ask someone else.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Feb 22, 2012 6:43:09 GMT -8
I'm taking my annual trip to Vancouver Island once again in March. I'll be first heading to Salt Spring Island for a night and I look like I will be doing the throughfare ticket deal instead the direct sailing. I want to do the 5 PM sailing from Tsswassen to Swartz Bay then do the 7 PM sailing to Fulford Bay. Is 25 minutes enough to switch vessels at Swartz Bay? And I take it I need to U turn back to the fare booths to board the 2nd ferry? Or is there another way? Yes, you use the Wain Road U-turn route to turn around. It's clearly signed. I'm not sure if 25 minutes is enough time to turn around and get back into the terminal though, you'll have to ask someone else. 25 minutes is enough time. The problem is that in the real world, it could be as little as 15 by the time you're unloaded, which can be pushing it. It can be done, but it's tight, and it's even worse if the ship is slightly late. I'd suggest that if you do go with this option, to ensure that the ticket agent at Tsawwassen knows. Sometimes they will load you with the reservations, to ensure you get off the ship first. They are NOT obligated to do this though.
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Feb 22, 2012 13:48:08 GMT -8
Yes, you use the Wain Road U-turn route to turn around. It's clearly signed. I'm not sure if 25 minutes is enough time to turn around and get back into the terminal though, you'll have to ask someone else. 25 minutes is enough time. The problem is that in the real world, it could be as little as 15 by the time you're unloaded, which can be pushing it. It can be done, but it's tight, and it's even worse if the ship is slightly late. I'd suggest that if you do go with this option, to ensure that the ticket agent at Tsawwassen knows. Sometimes they will load you with the reservations, to ensure you get off the ship first. They are NOT obligated to do this though. or just simply make a reservation for the 5pm sailing
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 22, 2012 14:18:13 GMT -8
or just simply make a reservation for the 5pm sailing I recall two things: 1 - reservations for Swartz Bay - Fulford Harbour are not available, & 2 - where reservations are available, they must be 'claimed' at least 30 minutes before sailing time.
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Nick
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Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
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Post by Nick on Feb 22, 2012 15:30:04 GMT -8
or just simply make a reservation for the 5pm sailing I recall two things: 1 - reservations for Swartz Bay - Fulford Harbour are not available, & 2 - where reservations are available, they must be 'claimed' at least 30 minutes before sailing time. I believe Mr. Canuck is suggesting to make a reservation for the 5pm TSA-->SWB sailing, not SWB-->Fulford. This would ensure he is loaded on the ship first and has plenty of time to make the turnaround at Swartz Bay.
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KE7JFF
Chief Steward
Posts: 106
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Post by KE7JFF on Feb 22, 2012 21:38:16 GMT -8
Ah! My next question was about making a reservation for the TSA-SWB ferry; when I make this trip every year, I do that anyways but because of this connection, I was wondering if this was still advisable. If I did, while pick up my reservation at the toll gate at TSA, I just ask the attendant for the thoroughfare ticket to Fulford as well? Won't be a problem at all? I'm so used to trains, buses and airplanes where you can read the rules/regulations/tariff book to find out these things
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 23, 2012 19:55:32 GMT -8
Hi there. As an almost two year resident of Salt Spring Island here's some more information for you with getting here.
Depending on the day you'd like to travel, you might want to have a look at travelling on Route 9 (Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands). Depending on the day of the week and time of day (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), there are direct sailings from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring. In some cases you make it to Salt Spring faster by going this route instead of going via Swartz. Worst case scenario, it takes an extra half an hour by going this route, but you don't need to worry about connections. Just sit back and relax, and see the different islands along the way. Traveling on this route will define the true meaning of "island time".
Buying a throughfare from Tsawassen to Fulford (via Swartz) is the same price as taking the Tsawwassen to Southern Gulf Islands ferry, and connections are not guaranteed even though you've already paid for a ticket. The ticket agent also might not honour your paid fare if you miss the connecting sailing, but in most cases they do. Just be aware of that in case that does happen, and I'd be a little surprised if it did.
Another thing to keep in mind if you happen to be running late: the ticket agent in Tsawwassen might not sell you a throughfare if you trying to catch the 7pm to swartz and then 9pm to fulford. Most days (Mon-thurs), Route 9 departs Tsawwassen at 7:20pm, and that will have you on Salt Spring by 10:30pm.
As for making a reservation on the 5:00pm sailing to Swartz, I'd say it wouldn't hurt to do so. Traffic will probably be picking up by then, and the 5pm can be a busy one in most cases especially on weekends.
As a last kick at the cat of trying to encourage the Route 9 travel, reservations on this route are free.
Feel free to ask anymore questions
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KE7JFF
Chief Steward
Posts: 106
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Post by KE7JFF on Feb 23, 2012 23:31:05 GMT -8
Thanks for the help!
I'm going on a Saturday and actually coming up from Seattle that day. Because of my schedule, I am going to catch the 5 PM, which I have done in the past. I looked at taking route 9, but I see there's only two sailings, the 2nd one doesn't leave TSA until 845 PM, and gets into SSI until 11:00 PM, which is a bit late for me.
I'll make a reservation for the 5PM now I think.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2012 22:57:33 GMT -8
Hi
I thought this thread would be a good place to ask this question. I'm going to Salt Spring Island for a day trip, the first week of July. What I'm wondering is if there are any good locations to take pictures of the ferries on Route 1 from the island? I'm mostly interested in getting pictures of the Queen of New Westminster. I've checked and it is scheduled to do the run that day a few times. The camera I'm using has a pretty good zoom but it's not the best. Any suggestions and help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Post by WettCoast on Jun 16, 2012 23:04:02 GMT -8
Just about anywhere along the shoreline in Ruclkle Provincial Park has fair to good views of passing route 1 ferries including the QNWM. I suspect there are other good locations as well and that other regulars here may have some suggestions.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jun 16, 2012 23:06:13 GMT -8
Hi I thought this thread would be a good place to ask this question. I'm going to Salt Spring Island for a day trip, the first week of July. What I'm wondering is if there are any good locations to take pictures of the ferries on Route 1 from the island? I'm mostly interested in getting pictures of the Queen of New Westminster. I've checked and it is scheduled to do the run that day a few times. The camera I'm using has a pretty good zoom but it's not the best. Any suggestions and help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Welcome to the forum, Stepney. The best location for Route 1 photography on SSI would be at Ruckle Park, as Jim mentioned. There are other locations that you can photograph these vessels from, but Ruckle Park puts you closest to the action.
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 17, 2012 8:08:24 GMT -8
I dont know the best place on SSI but I know the best island for ferry watching is Galiano for the route 1 ships. That is my fav island for ferry watching.
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Post by WettCoast on Jun 17, 2012 9:51:45 GMT -8
I just had a look at a map and there is no doubt that Ruckle Park is the best spot for ferry watching on Salt Spring. The views from some of the hiking trails there are good (& might provide some interesting foregrounds for photos), but the best or closest views may be from the tent camping area in the park.
I do agree with Karl though, Salt Spring is in third place for route 1 ferry spotting, with Galiano & Mayne in the top spots. Both of those islands have terrific close-up views of the ferries as they transit Active Pass.
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Post by paulvanb on Jun 17, 2012 21:47:44 GMT -8
For a different perspective, visit Mt. Maxwell where the view is incredible!
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 18, 2012 7:32:32 GMT -8
For a different perspective, visit Mt. Maxwell where the view is incredible! Here are a few examples of the ferry-spotting view from Mt. Maxwell (MV Coastal Celebration at sunrise): ---------------------- Ruckle Park for comparison:
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Post by paulvanb on Jun 18, 2012 18:52:38 GMT -8
Personally, I like both!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2012 21:09:31 GMT -8
Thank you all so much for your great help and ideas with regards to this adventure! I'm defiantly going to have to make a good effort to get to Ruckle Park to try and get some pictures! Sorry to ask so many questions but would anyone know how long it was a route 1 ferry from both Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay to approximately get to Salt Spring? Thanks again!
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Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
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Post by Mayne on Jun 20, 2012 21:19:38 GMT -8
From Victoria to Fulford Harbour is 35min From Vancouver to Long Harbour 1h 25 to 3 hours depending on the day and what sailing you are on (how meany other island the boat stops at)
edit: add another 1h 35min for the Tsswassen to Swartz Bay ride
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