Walk-on, Paddle-off Program

As part of the Salish Sea Marine Trail project, the BC Marine Trails Network worked with BC Ferries to identify and set protocols for paddlers to walk or wheel their craft onto BC Ferries on select routes, then walk off to launch at a strategic nearby beach.

The intention is to allow paddlers to leave the car at home to reduce travel costs, emissions, and to avoid vehicle lineups during peak travel periods.

Since the opening of the Salish Sea Marine Trail we have listed more ferry terminals on our map with a ferry icon. The map to the left only shows part of the BC Ferries locations on the coast. Access information about ferries and nearby launch sites are generally listed in the ferry icon pop-up box and nearby launch site on our main map.

BC Ferries website: Carrying bikes, canoes & kayaks:
Check in with a ticket agent at the foot passenger entrance. You will then board the ferry via the vehicle deck, where you will be able to securely stow your gear during the sailing. If your departure terminal does not have a ticket agent or foot passenger entrance, board the ferry at the direction of the crew.  The fee for your kayak is the same as a bike.

We will engage the BC Ferries again shortly to ensure they are working with paddlers (August 31, 2021).