Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 8 to 10 sailings a day from Chemainus to Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour), the first at 06:45 and the last at 23:25. The crossing takes between 30 minutes and 55 minutes, depending on the sailing, and an adult return is C$10.95.
Sailing times
As published by the operators. Times shift with the season and are suspended in heavy weather — confirm at the terminal before you travel.
From BC Ferries's published timetable, which runs until . The next one starts , and the page switches to it that day.
Times from BC Ferries' printed seasonal timetables, read into this site on . Seasonal timetables change; confirm with the line before you travel.
68 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:45 | 07:35 | Daily | 50m |
| 08:20 | 08:50 | Fri | 30m |
| 08:25 | 08:55 | Mon–Wed, Sat–Sun | 30m |
| 09:35 | 10:25 | Fri | 50m |
| 10:00 | 10:30 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 30m |
| 12:30 | 13:25 | Mon–Wed, Sat–Sun | 55m |
| 12:50 | 13:20 | Fri | 30m |
| 14:15 | 14:45 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 30m |
| 14:25 | 14:55 | Fri | 30m |
| 16:10 | 17:05 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 55m |
| 16:20 | 17:15 | Fri | 55m |
| 17:50 | 18:20 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 30m |
| 18:00 | 18:30 | Fri | 30m |
| 19:30 | 20:00 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 30m |
| 19:40 | 20:10 | Fri | 30m |
| 21:40 | 22:30 | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 50m |
| 21:50 | 22:40 | Fri | 50m |
| 23:20 | 00:15+1 the next day | Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun | 55m |
| 23:25 | 00:20+1 the next day | Fri | 55m |
Published fares
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | C$5.50 |
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | C$10.95 |
| 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, paid at Chemainus: one ticket covers the trip there and back. 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.
There is nowhere to park at Preedy Harbour and no bus, so visitors arriving on foot should know how they will get around Thetis before they sail. Parking is scarce at the Chemainus end too: the terminal's dozen free spaces may be used for up to 48 hours, and the alternative is to arrive by BC Transit, whose Cowichan Valley buses stop there. None of the sailings can be booked, and the ticket booth shuts five minutes before departure. The boat also serves Penelakut Island.
Before you sail
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.