British Columbia, Canada
Ferries from Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) (British Columbia, Canada) has 2 ferry routes to 1 destination, operated by BC Ferries. You can sail from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay. Crossing times and timetables for each route are listed below.
- 2
- Routes
- 1
- Destinations
- 1
- Operators
Routes & timetables
What ferry routes connect Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
2 crossings with live schedules — each card opens its full timetable.
Timetable
Ferry departures from Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
8 scheduled sailings leaving Departure Bay (Nanaimo), across every route. Times are local.
| Departs | Arrives | To | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | 07:57 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 08:40 | 10:20 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 10:55 | 12:37 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 13:20 | 15:00 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 16:00 | 17:42 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 18:20 | 20:02 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Sat |
| 20:30 | 22:12 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 22:40 | 00:20 | Horseshoe Bay | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
Network
Where does Departure Bay (Nanaimo) connect?
Ports connected
Operators
Location
Where is Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
- Region
- British Columbia
- Coordinates
- 49.194° N, 123.956° W
- Shortest crossing
- 1h 40m
Plan your trip
The day at Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
First 06:15
Last 22:40
Busiest 06:00–07:00
9 of 24 hours served
Nothing sails outside 06:15–22:40, so a day trip has to fit inside that window; the last departure is the last one. 47 scheduled departures in total.
About
About Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
Departure Bay is one of Nanaimo's three BC Ferries terminals and the one that faces Vancouver — 1 hour 42 minutes across the Strait of Georgia to Horseshoe Bay, with 526 parking spaces behind it.
The crossing
Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay takes about 1 hour 42 minutes, with 21 sailings and 30 across the terminal in both directions. Operated by BC Ferries.
⚠ Three Nanaimo terminals, and they are a drive apart
- Departure Bay — to Horseshoe Bay. This page. 526 parking spaces.
- Duke Point — to Tsawwassen, south of the city. 272 spaces.
- Nanaimo Harbour — to Gabriola Island only, downtown.
Duke Point and Departure Bay both cross to the mainland but land in different places — Tsawwassen is south of Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay is northwest of it. Choosing by which side of Vancouver you are going to matters more than choosing by sailing time.
Parking
Run by Robbins Parking: 526 spaces, 177 short-term and 349 long-term. Long-term runs about $8.00 for 6 hours and $18.00 per 24 hours.
Meters take coins only and give no change; one yellow meter in the long-term lot accepts notes. Towing is handled by Mid Island Towing on 250-758-1728 — a number worth having if you overstay.
Where the terminal is
North of Nanaimo's centre, on a bay with a beach beside it. The city is a few minutes away, and the terminal is the closest of the three to the Island Highway heading north.
Season
Year round. Summer Fridays outbound from the mainland and Sunday evenings back are the peaks, and reservations matter on this route in a way they do not on the short island hops.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a ferry to from Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
From Departure Bay (Nanaimo) you can take a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Each route page shows the crossing time and timetable.
Which ferry companies operate from Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
Ferries from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) are run by BC Ferries. Open an operator page for its fleet, routes and contact details.
How many ferry routes serve Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) is served by 2 ferry routes connecting 1 port. Timetables can change seasonally, so confirm with the operator before travelling.
Where is Departure Bay (Nanaimo) ferry port located?
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) is in British Columbia, Canada (around 49.194, -123.956). See the map on this page for its exact location.
How do I get to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) ferry terminal?
Arrive at Departure Bay (Nanaimo) 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.
What are the most popular ferries from Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
Popular crossings from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) include Horseshoe Bay. Browse the full list below for crossing times and live timetables.
Do ferries from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) 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 Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
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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