Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 6 sailings a day from Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) to Malcolm Island (Sointula), the first at 06:20 and the last at 21:15. The crossing takes between 35 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the sailing, and an adult return is C$12.45.
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 .
42 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:20 | 06:55 | Daily | 35m |
| 09:15 | 10:40 | Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun | 1h 25m |
| 09:25 | 10:40 | Mon, Thu | 1h 15m |
| 12:15 | 13:40 | Daily | 1h 25m |
| 15:15 | 16:30 | Daily | 1h 15m |
| 18:05 | 19:35 | Daily | 1h 30m |
| 21:15 | 21:50 | Daily | 35m |
Published fares
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | C$6.25 |
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | C$12.45 |
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | BC Ferries | C$14.50 |
| Standard vehicle up to 20ft | BC Ferries | C$28.95 |
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.
Travel between the two islands usually involves a detour: most sailings from Alert Bay to Sointula put in at Port McNeill on the way, which is why the timetable shows well over an hour for a trip of about 35 minutes when the boat goes direct. The return from Sointula follows the same pattern. If time matters, look for one of the non-stop departures on BC Ferries' schedule, where each sailing's stops are shown.
Before you sail
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.
Planning5 min read