Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 6 sailings a day from Port McNeill to Cormorant Island (Alert Bay), the first at 08:25 and the last at 22:35. The crossing takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on the sailing, and an adult return is C$12.45.
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 .
42 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:25 | 09:10 | Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun | 45m |
| 08:40 | 09:20 | Mon, Thu | 40m |
| 11:20 | 12:10 | Daily | 50m |
| 14:20 | 15:05 | Daily | 45m |
| 17:10 | 18:00 | Daily | 50m |
| 20:20 | 21:10 | Daily | 50m |
| 22:35 | 23:45 | Daily | 1h 10m |
Published fares
Every fare the operators publish on this crossing, for passengers and vehicles.
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Child passenger 5-11 | BC Ferries | C$6.25 |
| Adult passenger 12+ | BC Ferries | C$12.45 |
| Class | Operator | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | BC Ferries | C$14.50 |
| Standard vehicle up to 20ft | BC Ferries | C$28.95 |
Fares on this crossing are returns: one ticket covers the trip there and back, and it is collected at one end only. 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.
The ferry here works a triangle between Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Sointula, so a departure for Cormorant Island is not always direct. Most take 40 to 50 minutes; some call at Sointula first and need about 70. Parking is thin on both sides. Port McNeill has only limited pay parking near its terminal, while the Alert Bay terminal has none at all and no bus or taxi listed either, so decide before sailing whether to take the vehicle across.
Before you sail
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.