Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 4 to 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 no fare is charged for it, as the return bought at Port McNeill covers it.
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.
40 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 | 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 | Mon, Wed–Sun | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | BC Ferries | No charge |
| Standard vehicle up to 20ft | BC Ferries | No charge |
This crossing has no fare of its own: it is covered by the return ticket bought at Port McNeill. 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.
