Canada
Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) to Chemainus Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)
British Columbia
Arrives
Chemainus
British Columbia
At a glance
The Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) to Chemainus ferry takes about 30m–1h 5m, with 18 listed sailings between 06:05 and 22:25. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$10.95.
- First sailing
- 06:05
- Last sailing
- 22:25
- Sailings listed
- 18
- Crossing
- from 30m
Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) to Chemainus ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:05 | 06:35 | 30m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 07:20 | 08:10 | 50m | BC Ferries | Daily |
| 09:20 | 09:50 | 30m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 10:10 | 11:15 | 1h 5m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | 30m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 12:10 | 12:40 | 30m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 13:05 | 14:00 | 55m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
| 13:45 | 14:15 | 30m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | 30m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 15:40 | 16:10 | 30m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 16:50 | 17:40 | 50m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 17:00 | 17:50 | 50m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 18:50 | 19:20 | 30m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 19:00 | 19:30 | 30m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 20:25 | 20:55 | 30m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 20:35 | 21:05 | 30m | BC Ferries | Fri |
| 22:15 | 23:05 | 50m | BC Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 22:25 | 23:15 | 50m | BC Ferries | Fri |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) – Chemainus crossing
The first boat off the island goes at 06:05 — forty minutes before the mainland sends its first one out. Eighteen departures a day, 69 sailings a week, four day patterns, last sailing 22:25.
That early departure is the whole point of the direction. Anyone on Penelakut with an appointment, a shift or a school day on Vancouver Island has to cross before the day starts over there, and this is the sailing that allows it.
Penelakut Island is the home of the Penelakut Tribe, one of the Hul'qumi'num-speaking peoples of this coast, and was renamed from Kuper Island in 2010. Around three hundred people live there. BC Ferries operates the crossing with a small vessel that also calls at Thetis Island, which is why some sailings take twice as long as others.
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 30m on the fastest service.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$10.95. 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 18 daily departures, with the first at 06:05 and the last at 22:25.
What time are the first and last sailings?
The first sailing currently departs at 06:05 and the last leaves at 22:25. 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 30m. 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 30m and several sailings a day (first 06:05, last 22:25), 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.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Chemainus
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Chemainus.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) or Chemainus
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Apr 1, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
CA$10.95
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) on the map
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