BC Ferries to Vancouver Island: Main Routes, Terminals, and How to Book
BC Ferries connects Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island on three main routes:
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria area, 95 minutes),
Tsawwassen to Duke Point (south Nanaimo, 2 hours),
Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo, 1 hour 40 minutes).
Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and in summer, and are mandatory on the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route.
Foot passengers can board without a reservation on all major routes, with advance booking now available at no extra cost.
Main BC Ferries routes to Vancouver Island
Most travellers reach Vancouver Island on BC Ferries from Metro Vancouver or the Sunshine Coast. The best route depends on where you are starting, where you want to stay on the Island, and whether you are travelling with a vehicle.
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria)
This is the main ferry route to Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula and South Vancouver Island.
Swartz Bay is the primary south Island terminal and the easiest choice for first-time visitors, city trips, and Gulf Islands connections.
It’s recommended to book in advance during peak season and on weekends.
95 min sailing time
Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo)
Duke Point is a popular Nanaimo-area terminal and a good option for Central Vancouver Island road trips.
Many travellers choose this route when heading toward Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, or Tofino.
It’s recommended to book in advance during peak season and on weekends.
2 hours sailing time
Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
This route is convenient for travellers coming from Vancouver’s North Shore or the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Departure Bay is close to downtown Nanaimo and local services, making it a practical choice for short stays or quick access to the city.
Advance booking is required for vehicles from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo.
1 hour 40 min sailing time
Powell River to Comox (Sunshine Coast connection)
This ferry connects the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island and arrives in the Comox Valley.
It is the main route for travellers continuing north toward Courtenay, Campbell River, or Strathcona Provincial Park.
It’s recommended to book in advance during peak season and on weekends.
90 min sailing time
Swartz Bay to the Southern Gulf Islands
Swartz Bay also serves Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, Galiano Island, Mayne Island, and Saturna Island.
These routes are important if your Vancouver Island trip includes the Gulf Islands or island hopping.
Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (North Coast route)
This long-distance ferry connects northern Vancouver Island with the BC coast.
It is mainly used for extended road trips and remote travel rather than typical visitor itineraries.
17 Hours
Helpful and important information
Important BC Ferries update (Horseshoe Bay):
If you are travelling by vehicle from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), you must book and pay in advance.
Drive-up vehicle fares are no longer available on this route. This change applies to the one-way sailing to Nanaimo only. Bookings are recommended but not required for the return trip from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. The booking cutoff has also changed from two hours to one hour before departure.
View the latest Horseshoe Bay travel update from BC Ferries.
Ferry Fares (approximate)
- Adult walk-on fares start around $20 one-way.
- A standard vehicle adds approximately $85, plus adult fares and applicable taxes.
Fares adjust seasonally and can vary by route, so check bcferries.com/routes-fares/ferry-fares for current pricing before you book.
Sailing frequency
Major routes run approximately every hour during the peak summer season.
In the shoulder season and winter, most sailings operate every two hours. If you are planning a day trip with a tight turnaround, check the schedule for your specific travel dates before you go.
For live sailing status, delays, and terminal webcams, visit BC Ferries Departures and Arrivals.
How to book BC Ferries to Vancouver Island online
You can book BC Ferries sailings to Vancouver Island online by choosing your route, travel date, and whether you are travelling as a walk-on passenger or with a vehicle. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in the sailing you want on popular routes.
Plan your trip before you book
Before booking your ferry, decide where you are going on Vancouver Island and which port makes the most sense for your trip. Ferry routes, sailing times, and arrival ports often determine where you stay and how you get around.
Use our Vancouver Island trip planner to choose a home base, compare regions, estimate drive times, and outline your route before selecting a ferry sailing.
Step-by-step online booking
Use these steps to book your Vancouver Island ferry ticket online:
- Choose your route (for example, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay for Victoria, or Tsawwassen to Duke Point for Nanaimo).
- Select your date and time and pick a sailing that fits your schedule.
- Add passengers and select walk-on or vehicle.
- Enter vehicle details if needed (vehicle type and size), then review the total.
- Pick your fare if there are multiple fare options shown for your route.
- Pay online and save your booking confirmation number or email.
On travel day, arrive early enough to check in and board without rushing, especially on weekends, holidays, and summer travel days.
Reservations vs drive-up
Reservations are worth it when you have a tight schedule, you are travelling on a busy day, or you are travelling with a vehicle and do not want to gamble on the next available sailing.
Reserve ahead when:
- You are travelling on a weekend, holiday, or in peak summer season
- You need a specific sailing to match hotel check-in, flights, or a planned activity
- You are travelling with a vehicle on a high-demand route
Walk-on passengers generally do not need a reservation. If you are travelling on foot or with a bike, you can usually arrive at the terminal, buy a ticket, and board the next available sailing. This is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to travel by ferry, even during busy periods.
If you’re flexible and travelling on a quieter weekday or in the shoulder season, drive-up can work, but on summer weekends and long weekends, wait times of two or more sailings are common. Build extra time into your day.
- Check current conditions and terminal updates before you leave
- Have a backup sailing in mind if the one you want is full
- Build extra buffer time into your day when you are not reserved
Using the BC Ferries app
The BC Ferries app is useful if you want to book quickly, check sailings while you are on the move, and keep your trip details handy without digging through emails. It is best for travellers who are adjusting plans in real time, watching conditions on travel day, or booking return sailings during their trip.
- Best for: quick bookings, checking sailings, and keeping confirmations in one place
- Good to know: It is still smart to double check terminal info and sailing updates before you drive to the ferry
Travelling as a foot passenger or with a bike on BC Ferries
If you are heading to Vancouver Island without a car, travelling as a foot passenger is straightforward and often less stressful than driving on. The process is similar whether you are walking on, bringing a bike, or rolling luggage. The main thing to plan around is your connection on the other side.
How to travel as a foot passenger
Foot passengers typically do not need a vehicle-style reservation. Instead, you arrive at the terminal, buy your ticket (or show your booking if you have one), and follow signs to the walk-on waiting area.
You can also book your foot passenger fare in advance online at no extra charge. This locks in your spot on a specific sailing, which is worth doing if you have a connection to catch on the other side or are travelling during a busy weekend.
- Arrive early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your sailing, and 45 minutes before on busy summer weekends.
- Bring essentials with you: Once you board, you may not want to run back outside, so keep snacks, layers, chargers, and any valuables in your day bag.
- Know your exit plan: Check transit, pickups, or onward travel before you sail so you are not figuring it out in the terminal parking lot.
Bringing a bike on BC Ferries
You can bring a bicycle as a walk-on passenger on BC Ferries at no extra charge. In most cases, you will enter through the foot passenger area, pay any applicable bike fare, then follow staff directions to board and park your bike in the designated spot on the car deck.
- Arrive a bit earlier with a bike: Loading bikes can take extra time, especially at busy sailings.
- Be ready to roll: You will usually walk or ride your bike down to the car deck when directed.
- Bring a simple lock: Bikes are normally staged together, so a quick lock can give you peace of mind.
- Pack for wind and spray: Outer decks can be chilly even on sunny days.
Travelling with a pet
Small pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, travel free on BC Ferries. Pets are not allowed in the main passenger cabin or lounge areas, so plan to spend the crossing outside with your animal.
On the larger vessels that run the main Vancouver to Vancouver Island routes, there are dedicated pet areas on the outer decks. Look for the stairways with paw prints that lead up to the open deck sections.
The areas are marked and easy to find once you are on board.
Bring a leash, water for your pet, and a layer for yourself. The outer decks can be cold and breezy even on sunny days, and the Active Pass section of the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay crossing gets some wind.
On the smaller vessels that serve the Gulf Islands and Powell River routes, outdoor space is more limited, so check ahead if you are travelling on a less common route.
Follow terminal staff directions for boarding. Most of the time you will board with the foot passengers and walk your pet to the designated deck area once you are on the vessel.
Choosing the best terminals when you are on foot
If you are travelling without a vehicle, the best route is often the one with the easiest connection on the Vancouver Island side.
- Swartz Bay: Good for Victoria-area trips, with public transit connections into the city.
- Departure Bay: Convenient for Nanaimo stays and quick access to downtown Nanaimo.
- Duke Point: Best if someone is picking you up by car, or if you are continuing by taxi or shuttle.
Helpful foot passenger tips for a smoother trip
- Check sailing status before you leave: Delays happen, so confirm your sailing and terminal conditions on travel day.
- Plan for limited services on late sailings: Food options can vary by terminal and sailing time.
- Have a backup: If your connections are tight, leave buffer time or consider an earlier sailing.
Our Vancouver Island Bucket List Take
I have done this crossing more times than I can count, mostly on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run. If you can swing it, book a mid-week morning sailing. The terminal is quieter, the deck is almost empty, and you can actually enjoy it instead of hunting for a spot.
The Active Pass section is genuinely one of the most scenic 20 minutes in BC: forested cliffs on both sides, other ferries sliding past surprisingly close, and almost always a few eagles. Grab a coffee from the onboard cafeteria before you head outside.
The food is not bad, but the cost and the lines can get to you. The coffee is quick to grab, and the view makes up for it.
BC Ferries terminals serving Vancouver Island
BC Ferries routes to Vancouver Island operate from several major mainland and Island terminals. Knowing which terminal to use can save you time, reduce driving, and make your travel day much smoother.
Main ferry terminals for Vancouver Island routes
These are the primary terminals most travellers use when getting to and from Vancouver Island.Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver)
Tsawwassen is the largest BC Ferries terminal and serves routes to Swartz Bay near Victoria, Duke Point near Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands. It is the most common departure point for travellers coming from Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the BC interior.Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)
Horseshoe Bay is a key terminal for travellers coming from Vancouver’s North Shore or the Sea-to-Sky corridor. From here, ferries run to Departure Bay in Nanaimo and to the Sunshine Coast.Swartz Bay (Victoria area)
Swartz Bay is the main south Island terminal and the primary ferry gateway to Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. It also serves as a hub for many Southern Gulf Islands routes.Duke Point (Nanaimo area)
Duke Point is located south of Nanaimo and is well suited for travellers heading north or west on Vancouver Island. It is often preferred by road trippers continuing toward Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, and the Pacific Rim.Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
Departure Bay is close to downtown Nanaimo and local services. It is convenient for shorter stays in Nanaimo or for travellers who want quick access to the city upon arrival.Comox (Little River)
The Comox terminal connects Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast via Powell River. It is the main ferry entry point for the Comox Valley and northern Island routes.Port Hardy (Bear Cove)
Port Hardy is the northernmost major ferry terminal on Vancouver Island. It serves long-distance routes along the BC coast and is mainly used for extended trips rather than typical visitor travel.Island-hopping and smaller ferry terminals
These smaller terminals mainly serve the Southern Gulf Islands and are important if your trip includes island hopping or a multi-island itinerary.Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
Fulford Harbour is one of Salt Spring Island’s main terminals and connects to Swartz Bay and other Gulf Islands, depending on the sailing.Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
Long Harbour serves Salt Spring Island routes from Tsawwassen and nearby Gulf Islands. It is often used for vehicle traffic coming directly from the mainland.Ganges (Salt Spring Island)
Ganges Harbour is a walk-on focused terminal in the main village area of Salt Spring Island, making it convenient if you are travelling without a car.Otter Bay (Pender Island)
Otter Bay is the main terminal for Pender Island and connects to Swartz Bay and nearby islands on multi-stop routes.Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island)
Sturdies Bay serves Galiano Island and is reached from Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay, often as part of a Gulf Islands sailing.Village Bay (Mayne Island)
Village Bay is Mayne Island’s primary terminal and connects to Swartz Bay and other Southern Gulf Islands.Lyall Harbour (Saturna Island)
Lyall Harbour serves Saturna Island and typically operates on limited schedules compared to larger terminals, so planning ahead is important.Planning tip: For Gulf Islands trips, always check which terminal your sailing departs from and whether it stops at multiple islands. These routes can shape your entire travel day.
