Canada
Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo) Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Tsawwassen
British Columbia
Arrives
Duke Point (Nanaimo)
British Columbia
BC FerriesAt a glance
The Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry takes about 2h, with 5 sailings a day between 05:15 and 22:45. It is operated by BC Ferries. Fares start from CA$21.
- First sailing
- 05:15
- Last sailing
- 22:45
- Sailings / day
- 5
- Crossing
- 2h
Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15 | — | 2h | BC FerriesCoastal Renaissance | Daily |
| 07:45 | — | 2h | BC FerriesCoastal Inspiration | Daily |
| 10:15 | — | 2h | BC FerriesCoastal Renaissance | Daily |
| 20:15 | — | 2h | BC FerriesCoastal Renaissance | Daily |
| 22:45 | — | 2h | BC FerriesCoastal Inspiration | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Tsawwassen – Duke Point (Nanaimo) crossing
The mainland's second link to Nanaimo, landing at Duke Point south of the city rather than at Departure Bay — the terminal built for traffic heading up-island or moving freight.
Why two Nanaimo terminals exist
Departure Bay sits in town and connects to Horseshoe Bay; Duke Point is out of town and connects to Tsawwassen. The split keeps commercial vehicles and long-distance island traffic away from Nanaimo's downtown streets.
Booking works as it does on the Victoria run
70–90% of vehicle deck space is reservable, averaging 85%, with roughly 80% sailing as booked. The allocation accounts for commercial vehicles and buses, which use this route heavily.
The ship
Coastal Inspiration is the regular vessel here. BC Ferries carries 10 million vehicles and $8 billion in cargo a year across its network.
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 Tsawwassen – Duke Point (Nanaimo) route
3 ships work this crossing across 34 listed sailings, most often Coastal Renaissance.
Coastal Renaissance
BC Ferries
19 sailings on this route
Coastal Inspiration
BC Ferries
14 sailings on this route
Queen of Alberni
BC Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the service?
BC Ferries runs this crossing.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within Canada.
Is there a ferry back from Duke Point (Nanaimo)?
Yes — see the Duke Point (Nanaimo) to Tsawwassen ferry for the return schedule.
How often does the ferry run?
9 sailings a day on this route.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 2h.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 05:15, last is 22:45.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around CA$21. 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 2h and several sailings a day (first 05:15, last 22:45), 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 Tsawwassen
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Tsawwassen or Duke Point (Nanaimo)
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$21
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Tsawwassen on the map
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