Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)
BC Ferries runs 20 to 23 sailings a day from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay), the first at 05:45 and the last at 23:30. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and an adult return is C$11.60.
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$5.80
Adult passenger 12+
BC Ferries
C$11.60
Vehicles
Vehicles fares
Class
Operator
Fare
Motorcycle
BC Ferries
C$13.80
Standard vehicle up to 20ft
BC Ferries
C$27.55
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
Low-slung vehicles need to watch the tide here. BC Ferries advises drivers with long overhangs, low hitches, low or long trailers or receiver-mounted bike racks to avoid sailings when the tide at Nanaimo Harbour is below 1.5 m or above 3.7 m, as the loading ramps can catch them; stricter limits apply to low-bed commercial loads. The terminal is on Front Street in downtown Nanaimo, separate from Departure Bay and Duke Point, where the mainland ferries dock, and when traffic backs up the ticket line must be joined from the south. The fare bought here also pays for the return from Gabriola.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?
About 25 minutes on the published timetable.
How many ferries a day go from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?
Between 20 and 23 a day, depending on the day of the week. The most run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The first boat leaves at 05:45 and the last at 23:30, local time.
Who runs the ferry from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?
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 Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?
An adult return is C$11.60 (Adult passenger 12+). Taking a vehicle starts at C$13.80 (Motorcycle). Fares on this crossing are returns, paid at Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour): one ticket covers the trip there and back. Prices as the operator published them on 5 August 2026.
