Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
BC Ferries runs 7 to 8 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 40 minutes, and an adult ticket is C$21.
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
Passengers
Passengers fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Child passenger 5-11
BC Ferries
C$10.50
Adult passenger 12+
BC Ferries
C$21
Vehicles
Vehicles fares
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.
About this crossing
Drivers cannot simply turn up for this sailing. Since 15 October 2025 every vehicle leaving Horseshoe Bay for Departure Bay, motorcycles and tour operators included, has needed a booking paid in advance, and Assured Loading Cards are not accepted in this direction. Booked vehicles may check in from two hours ahead until half an hour before sailing. Foot passengers are outside the rule and may still pay on arrival. The route carries the Trans-Canada Highway between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The rule does not apply on the return from Departure Bay, and our booking guide explains the fare types.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
About 1 hour 40 minutes on the published timetable.
How many ferries a day go from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)?
Between 7 and 8 a day, depending on the day of the week. The most run on Friday and Sunday. 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.
