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Mayne's crossing time is the most predictable of the five Gulf Islands routes, between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes. Its oversized space is not: Village Bay's central position means the ship has usually called somewhere else first, and over-height room is the first thing those earlier stops consume.
The numbers below are oversized availability only, separate from the standard vehicle pool.
Why oversized space goes first
Central position works against a big vehicle
Being in the middle of the island group is why so many sailings call at Village Bay, and why so few of them arrive empty. For a car that is a minor difference. For something over seven feet tall it is the difference between a spot and no spot.
Village Bay is a transfer point as well as a destination
Several Saturna and Pender itineraries move passengers and vehicles through Mayne, so inter-island over-height traffic competes for the same deck as the mainland run. That demand is invisible when you look only at the Tsawwassen schedule.
Is your vehicle oversized?
Over 7' / 2.13 m tall or over 20' / 6.10 m long books as oversized, measured to the highest fixed point and across the full length including any trailer.
With so few over-height spots per sailing on this route, book the vehicle you are actually driving rather than rounding down and hoping it goes unnoticed.
The full rules, and what they mean for fares and loading, are in the BC Ferries oversized vehicle guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is oversized space limited on the Mayne Island route?
A small vessel serving a multi-stop pattern, so the over-height allocation is split across whichever islands the sailing calls at rather than held for Mayne.
Is the crossing time as variable as the other Gulf Islands routes?
No, and that is Mayne's advantage. It runs 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes, so an oversized booking here comes with a much more predictable day than one to Salt Spring or Saturna.
How far ahead should I book an RV or trailer to Mayne?
As early as you can for Friday and Saturday sailings in the warmer months, when weekend and cycling traffic peak on the same departures.
What counts as oversized?
Anything over 7' / 2.13 m tall or over 20' / 6.10 m long, trailers included.
Can I drive up with a trailer without booking?
Standby space is held, but on a small deck with limited over-height capacity it is not something to count on for a busy weekend.