Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)
BC Ferries runs 21 to 24 sailings a day from Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour), the first at 05:15 and the last at 23:00. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and no fare is charged in this direction, as the return is paid at Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour).
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
Passengers
Passengers fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Adult passenger 12+
BC Ferries
No charge
Child passenger 5-11
BC Ferries
No charge
Vehicles
Vehicles fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Motorcycle
BC Ferries
No charge
Standard vehicle up to 20ft
BC Ferries
No charge
Fares on this crossing are returns, paid at Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour): 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.
About this crossing
Descanso Bay closes check-in earlier than the Nanaimo side: ten minutes before departure, for cars and foot passengers alike, against three at Nanaimo Harbour. On Gabriola the terminal is served by the GERTIE bus and a local taxi, and drivers leaving a car have a small free lot, limited to 24 hours, and about 40 paid spaces nearby. Anyone continuing to Vancouver on foot can ride BC Transit from a stop on Front Street, the same street as the Nanaimo Harbour terminal, to Departure Bay for the Horseshoe Bay ferry.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)?
About 25 minutes on the published timetable.
How many ferries a day go from Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)?
Between 21 and 24 a day, depending on the day of the week. The most run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The first boat leaves at 05:15 and the last at 23:00, local time.
Who runs the ferry from Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo 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 Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)?
No fare is collected in this direction: the return fare is paid at Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour). Vehicles travel without a fare in this direction. Prices as the operator published them on 5 August 2026.