Canada
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
British Columbia
Arrives
Horseshoe Bay
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay ferry takes about 1h 40m–1h 42m, with 8 listed sailings between 06:15 and 22:40. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$21.
- First sailing
- 06:15
- Last sailing
- 22:40
- Sailings listed
- 8
- Crossing
- from 1h 40m
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | 07:57 | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 08:40 | 10:20 | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 10:55 | 12:37 | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 13:20 | 15:00 | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 16:00 | 17:42 | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 18:20 | 20:02 | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Sat |
| 20:30 | 22:12 | 1h 42m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 22:40 | 00:20 | 1h 40m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Departure Bay (Nanaimo) – Horseshoe Bay crossing
Twenty-one sailings a day, every day, from 06:15 to 22:40, at CA$21.00. One calendar covers the whole timetable — no weekday version, no weekend version.
An hour and three quarters across the Strait of Georgia
102 minutes from Departure Bay at Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. This is one of the two main vehicle crossings between the island and the mainland, and the fare quoted is the passenger one — vehicles are charged separately.
Sixteen and a half hours of service
Twenty-one departures across that span works out at roughly one every fifty minutes. In practice they cluster: BC Ferries runs this route on a fixed published schedule with reservations, and sailings fill in summer.
31 July to 7 September 2026
A five-and-a-half-week listing covering the peak. BC Ferries publishes seasonal schedules and the shoulder-season plan is a separate, thinner document.
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
How long does the crossing take?
About 1h 40m on the fastest service.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$21. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by BC Ferries.
How many ferries run each day?
There are 8 daily departures, with the first at 06:15 and the last at 22:40.
What time are the first and last sailings?
The first sailing currently departs at 06:15 and the last leaves at 22:40. Departure times vary by day and season — check the timetable above for the exact sailing you need.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 1h 40m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from BC Ferries above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 1h 40m and several sailings a day (first 06:15, last 22:40), 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.
Will these sailing times change soon?
The timetable above is the one in force now and runs to 12 October 2026. The next edition has already been published and starts 13 October 2026; it replaces this table on that date, so what you see here is always the current season rather than a merged list of all of them.
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 Departure Bay (Nanaimo) or Horseshoe Bay
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Sep 13, 2026 – Oct 12, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 14, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
CA$21
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Departure Bay (Nanaimo) on the map
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