Ferry To Nanaimo: Schedule, Price & ALL You Need To Know
If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver Island, one of the first things you need to know is how to get there. The best way to do this is by taking the ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria from Vancouver.
Below is everything you need to know about the ferry to Nanaimo schedule, price, getting to the terminals and what to expect on board, as well as some tips for once you arrive.
So, whether you’re coming for a day trip or are planning a longer stay on Vancouver Island, read on for a complete guide to getting the ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo (and the return ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver).
Where is Nanaimo?
Nanaimo is a city located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is around 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Vancouver and has a population of about 90,000 people.
Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island (after Victoria) and is a busy transit point. Due to its convenient location, Nanaimo is well connected to both the north and south of the island. This makes it an easy starting point when travelling anywhere on the island, including to popular Tofino, or more remote vacation destinations like Pachena Bay.
Why Visit Nanaimo?
Although Nanaimo is considered a transit point, it is also a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature or checking out the city’s vibrant arts scene, there’s something for everyone in Nanaimo.
Some of the top reasons to visit Nanaimo include its stunning beaches, amazing hiking trails, world-class golf courses, and unique shops and restaurants.
If you’re travelling via Nanaimo to complete the famous West Coast Trail, I would recommend spending the night. It’s a great place to relax and indulge in some local food after the hike!
How to Get to Nanaimo?
There are several ways to get to Nanaimo from Vancouver: by ferry, flying, or private boat. Taking a ferry is by far the most popular option for visitors. The ferry allows you to take your car with you, which is the best way to explore Vancouver Island.
If you’re planning on taking the ferry to Nanaimo, read on for all the information you need to know!
Flying to Nanaimo
If you don’t want to take the ferry, an alternative option is to fly to Nanaimo Airport (YCD). The airport is located just north of downtown Nanaimo.
There are several airlines that fly directly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), including Air Canada, WestJet, and Pacific Coastal Airlines. The flight time is about 30 minutes.
Private Boat to Nanaimo
If you have your own boat or are planning on renting one, it’s also possible to take it across to Nanaimo from Vancouver. You can dock at Nanoose Bay Marina near Qualicum Beach or Departure Bay docks in central Nanaimo.
Although keep in mind, this journey should only be attempted by experienced boaters as there can be strong currents and heavy traffic in some areas.
Ferry to Nanaimo with BC Ferries
The best way to get from Vancouver to Nanaimo is by taking the ferry with BC Ferries.
There are two ferry routes from Vancouver to Nanaimo:
- Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal
- Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Nanaimo’s Duke Point terminal
BC Ferries Terminals
Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay terminal is located just north of downtown West Vancouver.
The Tsawwassen terminal is located south of downtown Delta.
Both terminals are easily accessible by car or public transit. There is plenty of parking available at the terminals for those who aren’t taking their car on the ferry.
Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal is the closest terminal to downtown Nanaimo. It is just a 5-minute drive north of the city centre.
The Duke Point ferry terminal is slightly more difficult to get to. It is located just east of Nanaimo.
Duke Point is a 15-kilometre drive from the centre of Nanaimo and it is the only major BC Ferries terminal which isn’t connected to public transport.
Therefore, Departure Bay is generally considered the easier of the two ferry routes to Nanaimo, given its proximity to the city centre and accessibility by public transit.
About BC Ferries
BC Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferries between the mainland and over 30 destinations off the west coast of British Columbia. They began operating in 1960 with just two ships and have since grown into one of the largest ferry operators in North America.
With 39 ferries, BC Ferries now serves over 23 million passengers each year, across 25 routes.
Click here to explore the complete map of BC Ferries’ sailing routes.
Getting to BC Ferries Terminals in Vancouver
Travelling between Downtown Vancouver and either of the BC Ferries’ main terminals does not have to be difficult! Whether going by car or public transport, both options are surprisingly easy once familiar with the routes.
Driving Directions to BC Ferries Terminals
Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is located in West Vancouver, just a 25-30 minute drive (21 kilometres) from downtown Vancouver.
To get there, take Georgia Street westbound towards the Lions Gate Bridge. Then cross the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver and follow Marine Drive westbound until you reach the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.
If using GPS Navigation, make sure it is programmed to take you via the Lions Gate Bridge, as other routes can get more congested during peak hours and are more difficult to navigate.
Tsawwassen
Tsawwassen ferry terminal is further away than Horseshoe Bay. It’s about a 45-minute (38 kilometres) drive from downtown Vancouver via Highway 17 South.
For Tsawwassen, take the Lions Gate Bridge onto West Georgia Street. Then follow Highway 99 South towards YVR Airport and Richmond until it merges into Highway 17 South. This will lead you directly to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Again, if using GPS navigation ensure that your route takes you via the Lions Gate Bridge.
Transit Options to BC Ferries Terminals
If you don’t have access to a car, or simply want an easier way of getting to the ferry terminal, public transit is the way to go.
There are various transit options available including buses, trains, taxis and ride shares.
Public Transport
For Horseshoe Bay, take the #257 Horseshoe Bay Express from any bus stop north of Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. The 257 runs twice an hour and takes about 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can get the #250 Horseshoe Bay bus which runs every 20 minutes but takes about an hour to get there. The 250 has more stops along the way so may be more convenient depending on where you’re coming from.
For Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal you should plan ahead as the schedule doesn’t always leave much time to board the ferry ahead of departure.
If coming from downtown Vancouver, you will also have to take a train before switching to the bus. First, get the Canada Line Skytrain to Bridgeport Station in Richmond. Then transfer to the #620 bus for Tsawwassen Ferry via Ladner Exchange. The 620 goes at least once hourly, between 6 am and 11 pm (weekdays) or 10 pm (weekends).
Note – A bonus about TransLink buses is that they are all equipped with bike racks for 2 bikes. Note – these are self-service, so you will have to put the bike on yourself. Also keep in mind that space is limited, so if there is no available space, you will be stuck waiting for the next bus!
Taxis
If you prefer to save yourself the hassle of navigating public transport schedules, there are plenty of taxi companies which will drive to the BC Ferries terminals.
For Horseshoe Bay, book a North Shore Taxi, or for Tsawwassen Delta Taxi operates in the area.
The cost of a taxi to Horseshoe Bay is around $40.00 CAD, and to Tsawwassen, it’s around $60.00 CAD. Keep in mind that fares can be more expensive during peak times.
You can also get a taxi from any taxi stand in Vancouver but expect to pay a bit more than a pre-booked one.
Ride Sharing
Although it took a long time for ridesharing to come to Vancouver, the wait is over, as both Uber and Lyft now operate in the city. Through their apps, you can book an Uber or Lyft to a BC Ferries terminal from anywhere in the Metro Vancouver area.
Typically, Uber and Lyft are slightly cheaper than getting a taxi. However, during peak hours the prices can surge much higher. Prices can also vary slightly between both Uber and Lyft, so it’s good to download both apps and compare the two to get the best price.
How Long is the Ferry to Nanaimo?
The crossing time between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo’s Departure Bay takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The ferry from the Tsawwassen terminal is slightly longer, at around 2 hours of sailing time.
Ferry to Nanaimo Schedule
Ferries sail to Nanaimo from both the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals multiple times daily.
The ferry to Nanaimo schedule changes seasonally multiple times a year. I recommend you check the BC Ferries website for current and future sailing times to plan your trip.
Tip – Make sure you know what the check-in times are for your sailing route – check-in times are typically between 30 to 120 minutes prior to departure and vary from route to route.
Ferries from Horseshoe Bay
The current Nanaimo ferry schedule from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, from May 18 to June 21, 2023, is as follows:
| DAY | DEPARTURE TIMES | DURATION | SAILING DETAILS |
| Monday to Thursday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 am, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Friday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 12:00 pm, 1:25am, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Saturday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 am, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Sunday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 am, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:40 pm, 11:35 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
Note – times may be updated or vary due to sailing conditions. You should always check the BC Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing times between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay.
Ferries from Tsawwassen
The current Nanaimo ferry schedule from Tsawwassen to Duke Point, from April 1 to June 22, 2023, is as follows:
| DAY | DEPARTURE TIMES | DURATION | SAILING DETAILS |
| Monday to Friday | 5:15 am, 7:45 am, 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 10:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
| Saturday | 5:15 am, 7:45 am, 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
| Sunday | 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 10:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
Note – times may be updated or vary due to sailing conditions. You should always check the BC Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing times between Vancouver Tsawwassen and Nanaimo Duke Point.
Ferries to Nanaimo Check-In Times
Like flying, you must check-in for the ferry within a certain time prior to departure. This is to allow enough time to organize vehicles, board all passengers, and so unused reservations can be resold.
Note – If you arrive before check-in opens, or after it closes, your reservation won’t be honoured. Whether you can board the ferry will then depend on your order of arrival, on a first come first served basis.
With a Reservation
For sailings to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal with a reservation, you should arrive at the Horseshoe Bay terminal 30 to 120 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
For sailings to Nanaimo’s Duke Point terminal with a reservation, you need to arrive at the Tsawwassen terminal 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
There is no guarantee you will be able to board outside of these times. Instead, the remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come first served basis.
Without a Reservation
If there are unsold tickets still available, you will be able to purchase your ticket at the ferry terminal prior to check-in closing. However, these tickets sell out quickly, so it is always recommended to book ahead.
If you haven’t been able to secure a ticket, you might still get lucky last minute. Additional tickets will be made available to passengers without a reservation 30 minutes prior to departure. The reserved tickets which were not checked in on time, are made available to passengers without a reservation.
For sailings to Departure Bay from Horseshoe Bay, last-minute ticket sales for vehicles close 5 minutes before departure. Whereas ticket sales for foot passengers close 10 minutes prior to departure.
For sailings to Duke Point from Tsawwassen, both vehicle and foot passenger ticket sales close 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Note – tickets are sold based on your order of arrival, so make sure to get there early!
Return Sailings from Nanaimo to Vancouver
Once you have finished your trip to Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, you will want to get the Ferry back to Vancouver.
The return journey to Vancouver is very similar to the outbound journey to Nanaimo, although the schedule is a little more complicated. Some of the regularly scheduled times are not available on certain days of the year. You should check the BC Ferries website to find out which days and times the regularly scheduled sailing won’t be operating.
Return Sailings from Departure Bay
The regular schedule from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, from May 18 to June 21, 2023, is as follows:
| DAY | DEPARTURE TIMES | DURATION | SAILING DETAILS |
| Monday to Thursday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Friday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 9:40 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Saturday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 1:25 pm, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:30 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
| Sunday | 6:25 am, 8:45 am, 11:05 am, 12:15 pm, 1:25 pm, 3:55 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:05 pm, 10:40 pm | 1 hour 40 minutes | Non-stop |
Return Sailings from Duke Point
The current schedule from Duke Point to Tsawwassen, from April 1 to June 22, 2023, is as follows:
| DAY | DEPARTURE TIMES | DURATION | SAILING DETAILS |
| Monday to Friday | 5:15 am, 7:45 am, 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 10:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
| Saturday | 5:15 am, 7:45 am, 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
| Sunday | 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 10:45 pm | 2 hours | Non-stop |
Note – Not all regular sailing times from Nanaimo are available every day of the year. The schedules can also vary based on sailing conditions. You should always check the BC Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing times.
Check-In Times For Return Sailings
For return sailings to Vancouver, if you have a reservation you must check-in between 30 to 120 minutes before departure.
It is also possible to buy last-minute return tickets to Vancouver from both the Nanaimo ferry terminals. These are available up to 5 minutes before departure for vehicles and 10 minutes before departure for foot passengers.
Ferry to Nanaimo Cost
So, how much does the ferry between Vancouver and Nanaimo cost?
Prices vary depending on the ticket type. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you will need to purchase a ticket per passenger and pay a vehicle fare. Depending on the sailing time, saver fares are sometimes available for a discounted price, if booked in advance.
The standard fares for travel one way to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Duke Point are:
| Adult (12+ years) | $18.00 |
| Child (5 to 11 years) | $9.00 |
| Under 5 years old | FREE |
| Senior (65+ years, Monday to Thursday) | FREE |
| Standard Vehicle (up to 20 ft / 6.1 m) | $62.00 |
| Oversized Vehicle (per additional foot) | $7.05 |
| Motorcycle | $31.05 |
Discounted fares are also available for group fares and passengers through the BC Resident Assistance Program.
When planning your trip, use the BC Ferries fare calculator, to calculate the total cost and select the cheapest fare. Click here to view use the BC Ferries fare calculator and view the full list of fares.
What to Do Onboard the Ferry
With sailing times taking up to 2 hours, you might be wondering what there is to do onboard the ferry to Nanaimo?
The first thing I recommend doing is exploring the ship and taking in the view!
To see the most on your journey, the deck is the best place to be. However, if you prefer to be inside, there are plenty of comfortable seats and big windows so you can enjoy the view in comfort.
When exploring the ferry, you will find a range of amenities on board, including a children’s play area, workstations, and a pet area. The ferries are also accessibility friendly, with accessible washrooms and elevators.
If you want an all-inclusive experience, on select sailings between Tsawwassen and Duke Point, you can access the Seawest Lounge. For $14 CAD per person, you can enjoy some quiet comfort and a range of fresh snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Is There a Meal Service on The Ferry?
Yes, there is food available on board the Ferry to Nanaimo!
The Coastal Café is a cafeteria-style restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks. This self-service style restaurant has both hot and cold food options. You can also get hot drinks (including Starbucks coffee) fruit juices and a selection of alcoholic beverages.
Their menu includes meals like eggs, salads, burgers, curries, and sandwiches. Or, for something quick, you can pick up some pastries, yogurt or fresh fruit.
As an alternative option for a lighter meal on board, you can try Sitka Coffee Place. They offer a rotating menu which includes sandwiches, salads, sushi, baked goods and Starbucks coffee and tea. They also have ice cream, which is ideal to enjoy onboard on a hot day!
Please note that the menus and prices are subject to change. So please check the BC Ferries website for up-to-date information on meal services.
NEW Hullo Passenger Ferry To Nanaimo
In addition to the regular BC Ferries sailings to Nanaimo, a new ferry operator, Hullo, is due to start sailings between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo this summer. Hullo is a fast and convenient ferry which will operate between the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre and the Nanaimo Port Authority.
This new ferry service will be a practical option for day-trippers, who want a convenient and fast option to travel between the city centres. However, as these ferries are smaller, they do not accommodate cars, and can only take a limited number of bicycles on board.
Reservations are recommended for Hullo sailings, especially if you’re looking to bring a bike, due to the limited availability. Tickets prices are for one-way travel and are as follows:
There will be up to 7 daily sailings each-way, 7 days a week. Sailings from Nanaimo will start at 6:00 am, with the last sailing at 7:30 pm. Whereas sailings departing Vancouver will start at 8:00 am until 9:30 pm.
Keep an eye out on Hullo’s website for updates on when sailings will start this summer!
Once You Arrive at Nanaimo
If you’re planning on spending some time exploring Nanaimo, read on for information on what to do and how to get around.
How Do I Get from the Ferry Terminal to Downtown Nanaimo?
Once you arrive at Departure Bay or Duke Point, there are several options to get to downtown Nanaimo.
Note – There is no public transit available from Duke Point!
From Departure Bay
The Departure Bay terminal is located just 3.7 kilometres from the centre of Nanaimo. The quickest way to get there is by driving, which you can do by taking Highway 1. If there isn’t much traffic, the drive takes about 8 minutes.
If you don’t have your own car, you can get a taxi on arrival. There is a taxi rank to the right when you exit the terminal. You should expect to pay between $15 to $20.
There is also the Ferry Shuttle bus service which operates between Departure Bay and downtown Nanaimo. The closest bus stop is Stewart at Cypress and the journey will cost around $2.50.
As a final option, as the Departure Bay terminal is so close to downtown Nanaimo, you can also walk there! The walk will take about 45 minutes.
From Duke Point
Duke Point is around 15 kilometres from the centre of Nanaimo. To drive downtown, follow the Duke Point Highway until it turns onto Highway 1, and then continue to Nanaimo. The drive will take around 18 minutes if there isn’t much traffic.
There is no public transit available at Duke Point. If you aren’t coming by car, the best option is to arrange to be collected by a private vehicle or taxi.
Taxis at Duke point aren’t as common as at Departure Bay, so it is best to book in advance or call a cab upon arrival. Several local taxi companies operate in the area, including AC Taxi and Yellow Cab.
Where to Stay Near the Nanaimo Ferry Terminals?
If you’re looking for accommodations near the Nanaimo Ferry terminals, there are several hotels and motels in close proximity.
For Duke Point, try the Cranberry Arms Hotel Inn on Cedar Road. This quaint hotel and pub is less than a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal. It’s an ideal place to stay before an early departure or after a late arrival.
You will find more accommodation options near Departure Bay – the closest being the Buccaneer Inn on Stewart Avenue. However, if you’re looking to explore Nanaimo during your stay, there are plenty of hotels in central Nanaimo to choose from!
What Are Some Things to do in Nanaimo?
As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of things to do in Nanaimo!
Whether you’re interested in exploring nature or checking out the local arts scene, some popular attractions include:
- Walk along the Harbourfront walkway
- Take a whale-watching tour (with guaranteed whale sightings!)
- Go on a seal-snorkelling adventure
- Eat fresh local food and wild seafood at one of Nanaimo’s many restaurants
- Take a self-guided tour of the Nanaimo Bar Trail, to try the city’s signature sweet treat
- Explore interesting boutiques and retail stores
- Visit the Nanaimo Museum to learn about the history of the area
- Learn about Canada’s military at the Vancouver Island Military Museum
- Take a seaplane flight to see the Strait of Georgia
- View marine life and go swimming at Neck Point Park
- Explore the walking trails at Pipers Lagoon Park
Do You Need a Car to See Nanaimo and Vancouver Island?
While it is possible to get around with public transport on Vancouver Island, having a car will give you much more freedom to explore. This is especially true if you’re planning on visiting multiple locations. And this is why taking the Ferry is the best way to travel to Vancouver Island!
If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one on Vancouver Island. There are multiple car rental locations in downtown Nanaimo and at Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
Can You Explore Nanaimo by Bike?
Cycling is a great way to get around Nanaimo!
Nanaimo has 3 paved trails which are separated from cars: The Parkway Trail, E&N Trail and Trans Canada Trail. These trails connect various points of the city, making it easy to get around by bike.
Navigating Nanaimo by bike is made even easier by the public transit system. Buses in Nanaimo are equipped with bike racks so you can get even further to explore by bike.
Reminder – Bus bike racks are limited to 2 bikes and are self-service!
If you have your own bike, you can even bring it with you to Nanaimo. BC Ferries allows you to bring your bicycle onboard for Free! Although for safety reasons, they require you to walk your bike when boarding and disembarking.
If you don’t have your own bike don’t worry, as there are plenty of bike rental shops in Nanaimo.
Final Thoughts on Getting the Ferry to Nanaimo
The Ferry to Nanaimo is one of the best ways to travel to Vancouver Island and is also incredibly scenic!
To make sure your trip with BC Ferries goes as smoothly as possible, make sure you plan ahead. And don’t forget to enjoy the view, onboard amenities, and everything Nanaimo has to offer (even if you’re just passing through).
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