Canada
Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Bowen Island
British Columbia
Arrives
Horseshoe Bay
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay ferry takes about 20m, with 15 sailings a day between 05:15 and 23:30. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$12.45.
- First sailing
- 05:15
- Last sailing
- 23:30
- Sailings / day
- 15
- Crossing
- 20m
Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15 | 05:35 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 06:15 | 06:35 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 07:30 | 07:50 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 08:45 | 09:05 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 10:00 | 10:20 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 11:15 | 11:35 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 12:35 | 12:55 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 13:55 | 14:15 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 15:15 | 15:35 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 16:40 | 17:00 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 18:00 | 18:20 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 19:15 | 19:35 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 21:30 | 21:50 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 22:30 | 22:50 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 23:30 | 23:50 | 20m | BC Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Bowen Island – Horseshoe Bay crossing
32 sailings a day from Snug Cove on Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay — ten more than come the other way, and the busiest departure count on any Bowen listing.
An asymmetry that says who lives here
Thirty-two off the island against twenty-two onto it. A gap that size is not a scheduling quirk; it reflects a population that leaves in the morning for Vancouver and returns on sailings counted under the reverse route. Bowen is close enough to the city to be commuter territory, and the timetable is built around that rather than around visitors.
No reservations, by design
Deck space here cannot be booked in advance. On routes with this frequency BC Ferries leaves the whole deck to drive-up traffic — reservations exist to prevent long waits, and there are no long waits to prevent.
Where you land
Horseshoe Bay also serves Langdale and Nanaimo (Departure Bay), so island residents connect onward from the same terminal — though both of those routes carry booking rules that Bowen does not.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Terminal webcams and live vessel tracking
- Current conditions by route
- Experience Card and Assured Loading Card
- Fare calculator
- BC Ferries app
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 23:30.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by BC Ferries.
How many times a day does it sail?
16 sailings a day.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within Canada.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 20m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$12.45. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 20m and several sailings a day (first 05:15, last 23:30), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
BC Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with BC Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Horseshoe Bay
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Horseshoe Bay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Bowen Island or Horseshoe Bay
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
CA$12.45
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Bowen Island on the map
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