Canada
Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Horseshoe Bay
British Columbia
Arrives
Bowen Island
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island ferry takes about 20m, with 7 sailings a day between 05:45 and 23:00. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$12.45.
- First sailing
- 05:45
- Last sailing
- 23:00
- Sailings / day
- 7
- Crossing
- 20m
Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:45 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
| 06:50 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
| 08:05 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
| 18:35 | — | 20m | BC FerriesDelayed approx. 15m Queen of Capilano | Daily |
| 19:50 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
| 22:00 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
| 23:00 | — | 20m | BC FerriesQueen of Capilano | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island crossing
22 sailings a day from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove on Bowen Island — a twenty-minute hop that functions as a suburban commuter link rather than an island excursion.
Drive up, or walk on
Bowen is not among the routes where deck space can be reserved. Everyone arrives and boards in order, which suits a service this frequent: the penalty for missing one is the wait for the next, not the wait for tomorrow.
Three services from one terminal
Horseshoe Bay handles Bowen Island, Langdale for the Sunshine Coast, and Nanaimo (Departure Bay) on Vancouver Island. The three operate under three different booking regimes — Bowen unreservable, Langdale partly reservable with no foot-passenger booking, and Departure Bay requiring advance payment for every vehicle. Same terminal, three rulebooks.
Operator
BC Ferries runs 37 vessels through 47 terminals, carrying close to 23 million passengers a year.
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.
Ships on the Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island route
2 ships work this crossing across 50 listed sailings, most often Queen of Capilano.
Queen of Capilano
BC Ferries
49 sailings on this route
Delayed approx. 15m Queen of Capilano
BC Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 05:45 to 23:00.
How often does the ferry run?
15 sailings a day on this route.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by BC Ferries.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within Canada.
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 20m, depending on sea conditions.
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 05:45, last 23:00), 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.
Same departure port
More ferries from Horseshoe Bay
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Horseshoe Bay or Bowen Island
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
Horseshoe Bay on the map
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