Senior Discounts in British Columbia: Benefits by Age

Senior discounts in British Columbia: travel

BC Ferries from age 65

B.C. residents aged 65 and older travel free from Monday to Thursday on selected BC Ferries routes. The discount covers the passenger. Your vehicle still requires a paid fare.

North Coast, Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii routes offer a reduced fare instead. Nine statutory holidays are also excluded, including Canada Day, B.C. Day, and Christmas Day.

Bring accepted identification, such as your B.C. driver’s licence or BC Services Card. A birth certificate also requires proof of provincial residency.

TransLink in Metro Vancouver

From age 65, valid photo identification provides access to TransLink concession fares. Published regular-network fares are:

• One zone: $2.30.
• Two zones: $3.40.
• Three zones: $4.60.
• All-zone monthly pass: $66.95.

Bus journeys cost one zone at all times. Regular-network trips after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, and on provincial statutory holidays also cost one zone.

West Coast Express has a separate fare schedule. A surcharge may also apply when departing certain Vancouver airport stations. Do not assume the $2.30 fare covers every journey.

BC Bus Pass for low-income seniors

The BC Bus Pass for low-income seniors costs $45 per year. It is non-refundable and covers the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.

People receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement or certain federal allowances may qualify. Additional eligibility categories also cover some people aged 60 to 64.

The pass is a separate benefit from an ordinary concession fare. Check its coverage and the rules for your chosen service before buying another transit product.

Help with housing expenses

The home owner grant

The provincial home owner grant for seniors supports eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. It applies to their principal residence and requires an application.

The province announces a maximum total grant of $845 from January 1, 2027. The $200 northern and rural top-up disappears for that tax year.

The published assessed-value threshold for 2026 is $2,075,000. More valuable properties may qualify for a partial grant. The homeowner must also pay at least $100 in property taxes.

The low-income grant supplement

A property above the threshold does not necessarily rule out further support. The low-income grant supplement for seniors may offset part of the reduction.

Adjusted net income must be $32,000 or less. The supplement requires an application and supporting documents. Do not assume it automatically follows a reduced grant.

Tax deferment from age 55

The property tax deferment program may become available from age 55. It is a loan secured against your property, subject to eligibility conditions.

For taxes deferred from 2026 onward, interest is the government’s principal banker’s prime rate plus 2 percentage points. Interest compounds monthly.

Amounts deferred before 2026 retain different rules. The interest and fees page explains the two periods.

Deferment improves available cash but increases your debt. Compare the cost before automatically renewing an existing arrangement.

SAFER for renters

BC Housing’s SAFER program supports some renters aged 60 and older. Conditions include 12 months of B.C. residency and spending more than 30% of gross household income on rent.

The published annual income ceiling is $40,000. However, the payment depends on the applicant’s circumstances and calculation rules. An application and annual renewal are required.

Monthly income and drug costs

The provincial Senior’s Supplement

The Senior’s Supplement tops up federal benefits for eligible low-income residents. Maximum monthly amounts are $99.30 for a single senior and $220.50 for an eligible couple.

Payments are automatic for eligible recipients based on their federal benefits. This supplement differs from the property tax grant supplement, which requires a separate application.

Fair PharmaCare and income

Fair PharmaCare uses family income. After the family deductible, the plan generally covers 70% of eligible costs until the family maximum.

If a registered family member was born before 1940, enhanced coverage pays 75% at that stage. After the family maximum, coverage reaches 100% of eligible costs.

You still need to register for the plan. Turning 65 does not replace that step.

Store offers and travel insurance

RONA and RONA+ offer 10% off for customers aged 55 and older on the first Tuesday of each month, in participating stores only. Eligible regular-priced items must be available for immediate purchase. Show valid photo ID with your date of birth, then pay for the purchase in full at checkout. The discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Exclusions include major appliances, construction lumber, gift cards, special orders, and clearance items. Certain brands and service charges are also excluded. Read the full terms before shopping.

Retail discounts may vary by location and exclude already-discounted products. Ask the store for its conditions before changing your shopping plans. An offer available from an Ontario chain does not establish availability in British Columbia.

Before travelling, check your card insurance certificate for age limits, trip duration, and exclusions. A few covered days will not protect an entire three-week trip.

Compare the best credit cards according to benefits you actually use. If coverage is too short, obtain a quote for top-up or standalone insurance before leaving.

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Frequently Asked Questions