Ferry crossing
Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
BC Ferries runs 7 sailings a day from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), the first at 06:15 and the last at 22:40. The crossing takes about 1 hour 42 minutes, and an adult ticket is C$21.
Sailing times
Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) timetable
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.
Sailing on
49 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | 07:55 | Daily | 1h 40m |
| 08:35 | 10:17 | Daily | 1h 42m |
| 11:05 | 12:45 | Daily | 1h 40m |
| 13:25 | 15:07 | Daily | 1h 42m |
| 16:00 | 17:42 | Sat | 1h 42m |
| 18:20 | 20:02 | Daily | 1h 42m |
| 20:30 | 22:10 | Mon–Fri, Sun | 1h 40m |
| 22:40 | 00:22+1 the next day | Daily | 1h 42m |
Published fares
What it costs
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
Passengers
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | C$10.50 |
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | C$21 |
Vehicles
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | BC Ferries | C$44.50 |
| Standard vehicle up to 20ft | BC Ferries | C$89 |
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.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
About 1 hour 42 minutes on the published timetable.
How many ferries a day go from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
7 departures a day, every day of the week. The first boat leaves at 06:15 and the last at 22:40, local time.
Who runs the ferry from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
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 Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
An adult ticket is C$21 (Adult passenger 12+). Taking a vehicle starts at C$44.50 (Motorcycle). Prices as the operator published them on 5 August 2026.
Other crossings at Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay)
Before you sail
Reading for this crossing
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.
Planning5 min read