Canada
BC Ferries
Coastal British Columbia's ferry network
Est. 1960Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Blue Bus Fan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 10
- Routes
- 7
- Ports
- 1h 2m
- Avg crossing
- 13
- Vessels
- 22.7M
- Passengers / yr
- 1960
- Founded
BC Ferries is a coastal British Columbia's ferry network, founded in 1960 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It operates 10 ferry routes serving 7 ports. Its fleet includes Coastal Celebration, Coastal Inspiration, Coastal Renaissance and 10 more vessels. Across its network, crossings average about 1h 2m.
Live board
BC Ferries departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does BC Ferries operate?
10 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowen Island → Horseshoe Bay | 20m | 64 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Horseshoe Bay → Bowen Island | 20m | 44 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Swartz Bay → Tsawwassen | 1h 35m | 43 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay | 1h 35m | 43 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Horseshoe Bay → Langdale | 40m | 35 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Langdale → Horseshoe Bay | 40m | 33 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) → Swartz Bay | 35m | 32 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Duke Point (Nanaimo) → Tsawwassen | 2h | 31 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Swartz Bay → Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) | 35m | 29 / wk | 1 | Canada |
| Tsawwassen → Duke Point (Nanaimo) | 2h | 28 / wk | 1 | Canada |
Horseshoe Bay2 routes
Swartz Bay2 routes
Tsawwassen2 routes
Bowen Island1 route
Duke Point (Nanaimo)1 route
Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)1 route
Langdale1 route
Network
Where does BC Ferries sail?
BC Ferries sails to 7 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Vehicle & passenger ferries
- Onboard dining
- Reservations on major routes
- LNG & hybrid vessels
- One of the largest ferry operators in the world
- Founded by the Province of British Columbia in 1960
- ~25 routes and 47 terminals along coastal BC
- Operates the scenic ~16-hour Inside Passage to Prince Rupert
- LNG dual-fuel Salish-class and battery-electric hybrid Island-class ships
Fleet
BC Ferries fleet
13 vessels seen in our schedules.
- Coastal Celebration
- Coastal Inspiration
- Coastal Renaissance
- Delayed approx. 12m Coastal Inspiration
- Queen of Alberni
- Queen of Capilano
- Queen of Coquitlam
- Queen of New Westminster
- Queen of Oak Bay
- Queen of Surrey
- Skeena Queen
- Spirit of British Columbia
- Spirit of Vancouver Island
About
About BC Ferries
BC Ferries (British Columbia Ferry Services) is one of the largest ferry operators in the world and the backbone of coastal transport in British Columbia, Canada. Founded by the province in 1960, it now runs as an independent company whose single share is held, for the public, by the BC Ferry Authority.
A network up the Pacific coast
Around 25 routes and 47 terminals link the mainland, Vancouver Island and the islands between: the busy Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay crossings to Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, and the long northern voyages — the roughly 16-hour Inside Passage from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert and on to Haida Gwaii. Together the fleet carries some 22 million passengers a year.
Fleet and fares
The fleet of around 40 vessels ranges from the big Spirit-class ships to the LNG dual-fuel Salish-class and the battery-electric hybrid Island-class, with new Summit-series ships on order. Fares are in Canadian dollars, charged separately for passengers and vehicles, with reservations available on major routes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was BC Ferries founded?
BC Ferries was founded in 1960, and is headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Where does BC Ferries sail?
BC Ferries operates 10 ferry routes and serves 7 ports in Canada, including Bowen Island, Duke Point (Nanaimo), Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring), Horseshoe Bay, Langdale, Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen.
What ships does BC Ferries operate?
BC Ferries's fleet seen in our schedules includes Coastal Celebration, Coastal Inspiration, Coastal Renaissance, Delayed approx. 12m Coastal Inspiration, Queen of Alberni, Queen of Capilano, Queen of Coquitlam, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Oak Bay, Queen of Surrey and 3 more vessels.
Can I take a car on BC Ferries ferries?
Yes — BC Ferries operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on BC Ferries ferries?
BC Ferries ferries typically offer Vehicle & passenger ferries, Onboard dining, Reservations on major routes, LNG & hybrid vessels. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How many passengers does BC Ferries carry?
BC Ferries carries around 22.7M passengers a year, making it one of the ferry operators serving Canada.
How early should I arrive for a BC Ferries ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a BC Ferries departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with BC Ferries.
How do I find BC Ferries ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every BC Ferries route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with BC Ferries before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.
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