British Columbia, Canada
Ferries from Cortes Island (Whaletown)
Cortes Island (Whaletown) (British Columbia, Canada) has 2 ferry routes. Crossing times and timetables for each route are listed below.
- 2
- Routes
- 0
- Destinations
- 0
- Operators
Routes & timetables
What ferry routes connect Cortes Island (Whaletown)?
2 crossings with live schedules — each card opens its full timetable.
Timetable
Ferry departures from Cortes Island (Whaletown)
7 scheduled sailings leaving Cortes Island (Whaletown), across every route. Times are local.
| Departs | Arrives | To | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:55 | 08:40 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 09:55 | 10:40 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 11:55 | 12:40 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 12:10 | 12:55 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Thu |
| 14:00 | 14:45 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 15:55 | 16:40 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 17:55 | 18:40 | Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
Location
Where is Cortes Island (Whaletown)?
- Region
- British Columbia
- Coordinates
- 50.106° N, 125.052° W
- Shortest crossing
- 45m
About
About Cortes Island (Whaletown)
Whaletown is the end of the line. Reaching Cortes Island takes two ferries and a drive across a third island, and this 45-minute crossing with 7 sailings is the last and thinnest leg of it.
The crossing
Whaletown to Heriot Bay on Quadra Island takes about 45 minutes, with 7 sailings and 14 across the terminal in both directions. Operated by BC Ferries.
⚠ Seven sailings, and the connection is not guaranteed
After landing at Heriot Bay you still have to drive about twenty minutes across Quadra and catch a second ferry to Campbell River. The two timetables are separate and not designed to connect.
Work the journey backwards from the Campbell River sailing you need, not forwards from Whaletown.
Parking
Limited parking — about 10 spaces. For an island where the ferry is the only way out, that is a number worth knowing before you plan to leave a vehicle.
Cortes Island
Roughly 25 kilometres long, thinly populated, with Hollyhock retreat centre, Smelt Bay and a long shoreline of quiet coves. There is a store at Manson's Landing and very little else in the way of services.
It sits at the entrance to Desolation Sound, which is why the summer traffic is boats rather than cars.
Season
Year round. Winter reduces both the island's population and the practical usefulness of a seven-sailing timetable — check current schedules rather than assuming the summer pattern.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a ferry to from Cortes Island (Whaletown)?
Cortes Island (Whaletown) serves 2 ferry routes — see the list below for destinations and crossing times.
How many ferry routes serve Cortes Island (Whaletown)?
Cortes Island (Whaletown) is served by 2 ferry routes. Timetables can change seasonally, so confirm with the operator before travelling.
Where is Cortes Island (Whaletown) ferry port located?
Cortes Island (Whaletown) is in British Columbia, Canada (around 50.106, -125.052). See the map on this page for its exact location.
How do I get to Cortes Island (Whaletown) ferry terminal?
Arrive at Cortes Island (Whaletown) well before departure — typically 30–60 minutes ahead for foot passengers and longer if you are travelling with a vehicle. Check local bus, train or taxi connections to the terminal and confirm the exact boarding point with your operator.
Do ferries from Cortes Island (Whaletown) carry cars?
Vehicle capacity varies by route and vessel. Check the individual route page and confirm with the operator before travelling with a car.
When should I book a ferry from Cortes Island (Whaletown)?
For peak season and any sailing with a vehicle, book as early as possible. Off-peak foot-passenger fares are usually more flexible. Always confirm the latest timetable before travelling.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated Aug 9, 2026.
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