BC Ferries runs 9 to 10 sailings a day from Chemainus to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour), the first at 06:45 and the last at 23:25. The crossing takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on the sailing, and an adult return is C$10.95.
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
Passengers
Passengers fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Child passenger 5-11
BC Ferries
C$5.50
Adult passenger 12+
BC Ferries
C$10.95
Vehicles
Vehicles fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Motorcycle
BC Ferries
C$13.10
Standard vehicle up to 20ft
BC Ferries
C$26.15
Fares on this crossing are returns: one ticket covers the trip there and back, and it is collected at one end only. Fares as published by the operators, in CAD, last checked . Fares move with the season and, on the busiest routes, with the sailing — check the operator's price for your day before you travel.
About this crossing
Older charts call this island Kuper; it became Penelakut Island in 2010 on a proposal from the Penelakut Nation, and nearly all of it is Penelakut reserve land. The ferry from Chemainus runs a loop that also serves Thetis Island, which explains the spread of crossing times: a direct run takes about 30 minutes, while a sailing that calls at Preedy Harbour first can take up to 70. Telegraph Harbour, on the west side of the island, has ten free parking spaces and no bus service.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Chemainus to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)?
Between 30 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on the sailing. The typical crossing on the timetable is 40 minutes.
How many ferries a day go from Chemainus to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)?
Between 9 and 10 a day, depending on the day of the week. The most run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The first boat leaves at 06:45 and the last at 23:25, local time.
Who runs the ferry from Chemainus to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)?
BC Ferries runs this crossing. Tickets are sold by the operator; this site lists the timetable and does not sell them.
How much is the ferry from Chemainus to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)?
An adult return is C$10.95 (Adult passenger 12+). Taking a vehicle starts at C$13.10 (Motorcycle). Fares on this crossing are returns: one ticket covers the trip there and back, and it is collected at one end only. Prices as the operator published them on 5 August 2026.
