Active Pass

Active Pass is a strait roughly 5.5 km long separating Galiano Island to the north from Mayne Island to the south. It connects Trincomali Channel on the west side to the Strait of Georgia on the east, and it is the preferred BC Ferries route between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.

If you have ever taken that sailing and noticed the boat suddenly close to land on both sides, that was Active Pass.

Why it is interesting

It is narrow and busy. Full-size ferries pass each other inside it on schedule, which is the part people photograph.

The currents are strong. Tidal flow through a constriction concentrates nutrients and fish, and that draws predators. Orcas, harbour seals, gulls and bald eagles are all regular here — not guaranteed on any given sailing, but regular enough that the pass has a reputation.

There is a lighthouse. Georgia Point light sits on the Mayne Island side.

How to see it

• On the scheduled ferry, as part of the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay sailing. Free if you are crossing anyway, and included in every Victoria day trip.
• From above, on a seaplane — the only way to see the shape of the pass rather than its walls.
• From a small boat, on a whale-watching trip working these currents out of Victoria.

Getting the most out of the crossing

Be outside. The passage is roughly the middle of the sailing, and it is short — if you are downstairs in the cafeteria you will miss it. On the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay direction the islands close in on both sides; that is your cue.