Ferry crossing
BC Ferries runs 5 to 6 sailings a day from Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) to Cortes Island (Whaletown), the first at 09:05 and the last at 18:45. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, 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 .
41 sailings a week in all. Pick a day to see only its sailings.
| Departs | Arrives | Runs on | Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:05 | 09:50 | Daily | 45m |
| 11:05 | 11:50 | Mon, Wed, Fri–Sun | 45m |
| 11:20 | 12:05 | Thu | 45m |
| 13:10 | 13:55 | Daily | 45m |
| 15:05 | 15:50 | Daily | 45m |
| 17:05 | 17:50 | Daily | 45m |
| 18:45 | 19:30 | Daily | 45m |
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.
Cortes Island's car ferry leaves from the far side of Quadra, so a trip from Vancouver Island takes two crossings with a drive between them: first Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove, then over Quadra to Heriot Bay on its east shore. The boat lands at Whaletown, on the west side of Cortes and about half an hour by road from Smelt Bay. Public transport serves neither end, and Whaletown has room for only ten parked cars.
Before you sail
The rules and the practicalities the timetable cannot tell you.