Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) Ferry Schedule 2026

The Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry, operated by BC Ferries, provides year-round ferry service between Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver and Nanaimo (Departure Bay). Departure and arrival times for trips to and from these locations are below.

Departing Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)

Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay): Monday - Sunday Ferry Schedule - Schedule Effective June 11th - September 7th, 2026

Departing Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) Arrive Nanaimo (Departure Bay) Special Notes
6:15 AM7:57 AMN/A
8:40 AM10:22 AMN/A
10:55 AM12:37 AMN/A
1:20 PM3:02 PMN/A
4:00 PM5:42 PMN/A
6:20 PM8:02 PMN/A
8:30 PM10:12 PMN/A
10:40 PM12:22 AMN/A

Departing Nanaimo (Departure Bay)

Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay): Monday - Sunday Ferry Schedule - Schedule Effective June 11th - September 7th, 2026

Departing Nanaimo (Departure Bay) Arrive Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) Special Notes
6:15 AM7:57 AMN/A
8:40 AM10:22 AMN/A
10:55 AM12:37 AMN/A
1:20 PM3:02 PMN/A
4:00 PM5:42 PMN/A
6:20 PM8:02 PMN/A
8:30 PM10:12 PMN/A
10:40 PM12:22 AMN/A

FAQs

What time do the Ferries leave Horseshoe Bay for Nanaimo

The ferry schedule varies throughout the year, but genrally leaves every 2.5 hours. As of June 11th, it currently leaves at 6:15 AM, 8:35 AM, 11:05 AM, 1:25 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:20 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:40 PM.

Where Is The Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal Located?

The Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal is about a 30 minute drive northwest of downtown Vancouver, and is located at 6750 Keith Rd, West Vancouver, V7W 2V1, Canada. You can click here to map out directions to or from this ferry departure terminal.

Do You Need A Reservation for the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry?

If you are planning to drive your vehicle aboard the ferry at Horeshoe Bay, you must purchase a reservation in advance. Walk-on passengers can purchase a ticket without the need for a reservation. Reservation are not needed for return trips from Nanaimo.

How Early Should I Arrive for the Horseshoe Bay Ferry?

Check-in opens two hours prior and closes 30 minutes prior to each scheduled departure time, so you should arrive more than 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure time.

Does The Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry Provide Service On Holidays?

Yes. On most holidays you can still ride the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry, although the ferry schedule may be modified.

How Much Does the Ferry Cost from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo?

As of January 1st, 2026, one-way ticket prices for the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry are as low as $15 CAD for adults and children age 12 or older. Tickets for young children (age 5-11) are as low as $7.50 CAD, while seniors who are residents of British Columbia, and infants (ages 0-4) ride for FREE. For additional details on ticketing, as well as vehicle transit fees, be sure to check out our Horseshoe Bay Nanaimo Ferry Tickets & Fares page for the most up to date ticketing and fare information.

How Can I Track The Real-Time Location Of The Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry?

You can see the real-time location of the ferries traveling between Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver and Departure Bay in Nanaimo, as well as the traffic conditions at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal here. Be sure to click on the "Ferry Tracking" tab.

Where Does The Horseshoe Bay Ferry Drop Off In Nanaimo (Departure Bay)?

Passengers departing from Horseshoe Bay are dropped off in Nanaimo at the Departure Bay terminal which is located at 680 Trans-Canada Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5R1, Canada. You can click here to map out directions to or from this ferry terminal.

How Long Is The Ferry Trip Between Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver and Nanaimo (Departure Bay)?

The ferry ride between the Horseshoe Bay terminal and the Departure Bay terminal takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.