British Columbia, Canada
Ferries from Shearwater
Shearwater (British Columbia, Canada) has 7 ferry routes. Crossing times and timetables for each route are listed below.
- 7
- Routes
- 0
- Destinations
- 0
- Operators
Routes & timetables
What ferry routes connect Shearwater?
7 crossings with live schedules — each card opens its full timetable.
7 routes
Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) to Shearwater
- Fastest crossing
- 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Shearwater to Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay)
- Fastest crossing
- 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Ocean Falls to Shearwater
- Fastest crossing
- 2h 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Shearwater to Ocean Falls
- Fastest crossing
- 2h 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Shearwater to Bella Coola
- Fastest crossing
- 7h 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Bella Coola to Shearwater
- Fastest crossing
- 8h
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Shearwater to Port Hardy (Bear Cove)
- Fastest crossing
- 10h 15m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Timetable
Ferry departures from Shearwater
5 scheduled sailings leaving Shearwater, across every route. Times are local.
| Departs | Arrives | To | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:00 | 02:45 | Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Sun |
| 05:00 | 07:45 | Ocean Falls | 2h 45m | BC Ferries | Sun |
| 05:00 | 12:45 | Bella Coola | 7h 45m | BC Ferries | Sun |
| 22:45 | 09:00 | Port Hardy (Bear Cove) | 10h 15m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 22:45 | 23:30 | Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) | 45m | BC Ferries | Fri |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
Location
Where is Shearwater?
- Region
- British Columbia
- Coordinates
- 52.146° N, 128.086° W
- Shortest crossing
- 45m
About
About Shearwater
Shearwater sits on Denny Island, across the water from Bella Bella, and began as a Second World War flying boat base. Today it is a marine services hub and resort with 4 active sailings and no parking at the ferry landing.
Where the ships go
- Bella Coola — about 7 hours.
- Port Hardy (Bear Cove) — about 11 hours 50 minutes.
Operated by BC Ferries on the Central Coast services.
⚠ Summer service, single sailings
These are Discovery Coast calls and they run in summer. Outside the season the mid-coast is served differently and Shearwater may not appear on the schedule at all.
One departure per route on voyages of seven to twelve hours means the return leg is the plan, not a detail.
The RCAF base
Shearwater was built as a Royal Canadian Air Force station for flying boat patrols over the north Pacific coast during the Second World War. The seaplane ramps and some of the original structures survive, repurposed by the marina.
What is here now
A marina, a shipyard, a pub and a fishing lodge — the servicing centre for boats working this stretch of the Great Bear Rainforest coast. It functions as an outpost rather than a village.
Bella Bella is a short water-taxi hop away and has the airport, the Heiltsuk community and the larger population.
Getting here
Ferry in season, floatplane year round, or private boat. There is no road on Denny Island that leads anywhere else.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a ferry to from Shearwater?
Shearwater serves 7 ferry routes — see the list below for destinations and crossing times.
How many ferry routes serve Shearwater?
Shearwater is served by 7 ferry routes. Timetables can change seasonally, so confirm with the operator before travelling.
Where is Shearwater ferry port located?
Shearwater is in British Columbia, Canada (around 52.146, -128.086). See the map on this page for its exact location.
How do I get to Shearwater ferry terminal?
Arrive at Shearwater 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 Shearwater 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 Shearwater?
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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