Everything You Need To Know About Taking BC Ferries
First time taking BC Ferries and not sure what to expect? Need to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver and want to know all your options? As a local, I’ve traveled between Vancouver and the Island countless times and picked up plenty of insider tips that I’d like to share with you. This post covers everything you need to know about taking BC Ferries and planning your trip to Vancouver Island.
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BC Ferries
Taking BC Ferries from Vancouver offers one of the most scenic, stunning views of Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia. Not only is it a mode of transportation, but a scenic journey that provides incredible views and the chance to see whales or dolphins!
BC Ferries Routes to Vancouver Island
BC Ferries has routes all along the west coast of BC, getting you as far south as Victoria and as far north as Prince Rupert.
This post will specifically cover getting to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, primarily to either Victoria or Nanaimo.
To get to Victoria from Vancouver, there is one main route: Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. The sailing time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Once at Swartz Bay, it’s about a 45 minute drive to downtown Victoria.
To get to Nanaimo from Vancouver, the quickest route is from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, with a slower option including Tsawwassen to Duke Point or Departure Bay. The former takes 1 hour and 40 minutes while the latter takes 2 hours. I would only recommend Tsawwassen to Duke Point or Departure Bay if Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay is fully booked and there are no other options.
How To Book BC Ferries with a Vehicle
As of 2026, vehicle reservations and fare payments in full are required for all ferries. It used to be that you could make a reservation for $20 to guarantee a spot on the ferry, but due to a significant increase in ferry traffic, this is no longer the case.
It’s very easy to book your ferry online through their online reservation system. BC Ferries uses demand-based pricing, meaning sailings during quieter times are typically cheaper, while peak travel periods tend to have higher fares.
RVs and trailers are allowed on BC Ferries, but will be placed on the lower car deck.
How Much Does BC Ferries Cost?
Prices range for both walk-on passengers and for vehicle sizes, the route taken and the time of day. BC Ferries uses demand pricing, meaning you will pay more if you want to sail during peak times.
There are some deals to be made aware of, such as children under 5 years old travel for free and there are group discounts for 10 or more passengers traveling together. Senior discounts are only given to BC residents.
I recommend going to the BC Ferries website for an up-to-date list of ferry fares and to use the fare calculator.
When Should You Arrive at the Ferry Terminal?
You need to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes in advance to make your sailing. If you arrive any later than that, you may not be able to board the ferry. The staff are strict, and I arrived a couple of minutes past the 30 minute mark and they did not let us board.
I recommend arriving at the ferry terminal at least an hour before your scheduled departure time to improve your chances of being placed on the upper car deck. Passengers parked on the lower deck must leave their vehicles for the duration of the sailing, while those on the upper deck are able to access their cars during the trip.
PRO TIP
If you’re traveling via Horseshoe Bay, getting there early allows you some time to explore the small town. The views are epic, you can walk down to the ocean and spot wildlife, or even get a snack to eat before boarding the ferry. I recommend C-Lovers for some decent fish and chips or Goldie’s Donuts and Bakery for some mouthwatering, stuffed donuts.
Is BC Ferries Pet-Friendly?
Pets are allowed on BC Ferries. If you are driving, you are allowed to leave pets in your car. This goes without saying but please ensure adequate ventilation and do not leave them unattended if the temperature is too hot.
There are two pet-friendly areas located throughout the ship. On the P1 levels, there are pet rooms (which, unfortunately, are cramped, dirty and uncomfortable) and a pet-friendly area in the starfish section of the upper deck. Each staircase on a BC Ferries ship is designated by a sea creature. Look for the yellow starfish (either at the front or back end of the boat) and there are paw prints on the stairs which will lead you to the right area. Other than that, pets are not allowed in any other section of the boat.
On the Ferry
There are several food options available onboard BC Ferries, including hot meals served by White Spot. You’ll also find a variety of grab-and-go options such as salads, sandwiches, snacks, and other cold lunch items. If possible, I recommend bringing your own lunch or snacks onboard with you. During summertime, self soft-serve ice cream is available and popular as well.
Definitely keep an eye out on the ocean during your sailing as it’s common to spot whales, orcas or even dolphins in the Strait of Georgia! Listen out for the announcements made on the ferry because they will typically announce it.
There’s minimal risk of sea sickness, so if you are prone, like me, you probably don’t need to worry. I have only experienced sea sickness when I sailed during an intense storm which made the water incredibly choppy. If you are visiting during summer months, this type of weather is rare. Gravol sells ginger chews which can help with motion sickness if you’re worried.
Other Ways to Get to Vancouver Island
Hullo Ferry
Hullo Ferries is a passenger-only fast ferry connecting downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, offering a convenient alternative to driving and taking BC Ferries. The sailing takes approximately 70 minutes which is significantly faster than BC Ferries.
Pricing and Fares
Hullo offers three tiers of seats, Comfort, Premium and Business.
Comfort – $39.99 is the standard and most affordable option, located on the main deck. It includes seat selection for an additional fee, complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Premium – $49.99 is located on the upper deck and includes upgraded reclining seats with more space, free seat selection, high-speed streaming Wi-Fi, personal charging ports, and priority boarding and off-boarding privileges.
Business – $59.99 includes everything offered in Premium, but with larger fully reclining seats at the front of the vessel, along with a complimentary snack and beverage during the sailing.
Passengers should be aware that additional fees apply for oversized luggage, bicycles, and other large items brought onboard, so it’s worth reviewing Hullo’s baggage policies before traveling.
Cancellation Policy
Hullo Ferries tickets can typically be changed or cancelled up to 24 hours before departure, though fees and refund eligibility may vary depending on the fare type purchased.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome onboard Hullo Ferries, but they must remain in an approved carrier for the duration of the sailing. The carrier can be placed on the ground by your feet or on your lap. Not that comfortable for your pet, and possibly impossible for larger dogs. Taking BC Ferries is a better alternative if you are travelling with a pet.
Float Plane
Taking a float plane to Vancouver Island is not only an exciting way to travel, but very time efficient as you can get to downtown Nanaimo in 20 minutes or Victoria in 35 minutes!
The two main options are Harbour Air and Seair. I’ve flown with both companies many times and my main recommendation would be Harbour Air for their punctuality and superior pricing.
If you’re traveling light, you can sometimes find fares for $60 from Vancouver to Nanaimo which is an incredible deal. Normally, expect prices to be around the $119-$139 range. Prices are based on weight, so the more luggage you have, the more expensive your ticket will be.
Float Plane flights depart from 2 main terminals; Vancouver Harbour (located in downtown Vancouver) and YVR Airport South.
Both Harbour Air and Seair are pet-friendly! I recommend reading through their policies before booking your pet on the flight.
Harbour Air flights offer direct service to several destinations across Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands, including Tofino, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Comox, and Salt Spring Island.
If you’re looking to go directly to one of the Gulf Islands, Gulf Island Seaplanes can be another option, with direct flights from Vancouver Airport South to Decourcy, Hornby, Ruxton, Gabriola and Thetis and Maple Bay (Duncan) on Vancouver Island.
PRO TIP
The planes are really small and tight on space. Try to be one of the first people on the plane so you can choose a single seat, otherwise you will getting very cozy with a stranger. Sometimes, if the planes are full, they allow a passenger to sit up front with the captain. Headset for communication included!
Helijet
The most unique way (and who are we kidding, the coolest) to get to Vancouver Island is by helicopter. Helijet operates two main routes: Vancouver – Nanaimo and Vancouver – Victoria. The terminals are slightly inconvenient as they are not centrally located like the seaplane terminals are. You will most likely need a taxi for transportation.
I’ve only flown with Helijet once, mostly because the seaplanes are usually cheaper and have more flexible departure times.
Expect to pay between $150 to $270 one-way.
Helijet does come with some nice perks: free complimentary parking for 7 days with round-trip travel, free baggage up to 50 lbs included in your ticket and kids under 12 fly for free. So depending on if you’re flying with kids and baggage, Helijet might actually come out cheaper than seaplane travel. Plus you get to tell all your friends you flew in via helicopter.
Unfortunately, Helijet is not pet-friendly.
