Ferries
Travelling by ferry via BC Ferries and Hullo Ferry is one of the most popular — and most relaxing — ways to travel to and from the eastern shore of Vancouver Island.
The journey itself is a peaceful one, as you comfortably cruise across the Strait of Georgia while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf Islands, distant mountains, coastal towns and local wildlife, including marine animals and birds.
NOTE: Available routes, schedules and other ferry services are subject to change at any time and may be impacted by weather or other circumstances. Visit BCFerries.com and Hullo.com for the latest information, including route schedules and current conditions.
BC Ferries
BC Ferries operates two sailing routes between Nanaimo, Vancouver Island — approximately a 30-minute drive from Parksville Qualicum Beach — and the terminals of Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen in Vancouver, with sailing times of 1.5 to 2 hours based on your mainland destination. The ferry service is able to accommodate both foot passengers and vehicles, and advanced reservations are recommended.
While onboard, passengers can enjoy amenities such as food and beverage service for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Coastal Cafe. Passengers can also shop at Passages, a gift, clothing and accessory store, visit the kids play area, or work at available work spaces. Washrooms are also available, as are dedicated areas for pets.
Change to Travel Starting October 15, 2025
Starting this fall, vehicle space on the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route will be reduced by 25% due to infrastructure upgrades. All vehicles, including motorcycles and tour operators, must be booked and paid for in advance.
This change is only one-way, from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay). Drive-up fares will no longer be available. For additional information, please visit the BC Ferries website.
Book your Prepaid and Saver fares now to secure your spot.
Horseshoe Bay (HSB) to Departure Bay (NAN)
The most popular choice to reach Parksville Qualicum Beach via BC Ferries is the route from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. Horseshoe Bay is about a 20 km and a 25-minute drive away from downtown Vancouver and easily accessible from Trans Canada Highway 1. Once you arrive on the island, it is about a 33 km or 30-minute drive from Departure Bay ferry terminal to Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Horseshoe Bay Terminal Departures
- Departures from Horseshoe Bay generally begin around 6:15-:30 a.m.
- Sailings continue approximately every 2 hours
- Final departures range from 8:00 to 10:40 p.m. depending on the season
The BC Ferries schedule changes throughout the year, with additional departures added during peak seasons. To view the most current schedule, click here.
The Departure Bay terminal is conveniently located just a five minute drive north from Nanaimo’s city centre.
Tsawwassen (TSA) to Duke Point (DUK)
BC Ferries service between the Tsawwassen terminal and Duke Point terminal is a convenient choice for those travelling from Washington State or Greater Vancouver's southern communities of Richmond and White Rock. The Duke Point ferry terminal in Nanaimo is about a 50 km or 45-minute drive from Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Tsawwassen Terminal Departures
- Departures from Tsawwassen generally begin around 5:15 a.m.
- Sailings continue approximately every 2 hours
- Final departures are at 10:45 p.m.
The BC Ferries schedule changes throughout the year, with additional departures added during peak seasons. To view the most current schedule, click here.
The Duke Point ferry terminal is located approximately 20 minutes south from downtown Nanaimo and connects via ferry with Vancouver’s Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
Hullo Ferries
Hullo Ferries operates one sailing route between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, with a sailing time of 70-minutes. The ferry service is able to accommodate foot passengers and small pets, and offers free Wi-Fi and reservable seats. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Vancouver to Nanaimo
Quick check-in process means you only need to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, but please be sure to board the vessel at least 5 minutes before departure.
Vancouver Terminal Departures
- Departures from Vancouver begin at 9:00 a.m.
- Additional departure times include 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Final departures are at 9:30 p.m.
- Late night departures may be available based on events, dates and more. Check the sailing schedule for more information.
Hullo Ferries service is subject to cancellation due to weather or other circumstances. Guests will be automatically refunded and an email will be sent to you with confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reservations necessary for BC Ferries?
Reservations are strongly encouraged for all BC Ferries routes. Travel for those arriving without an advanced reservation are at risk of extended wait times. As always, it is recommended travellers check current BC Ferries conditions prior to their trip.
When does booking check-in open and close for BC Ferries?
All travellers should check current BC Ferries conditions prior to their trip for the latest updates.
Booking check-in at Departure Bay, Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals for passengers and vehicles with advance reservations opens 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Check-in at the Duke Point terminal opens 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and closes 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
At Departure Bay, Duke Point, and Tsawwassen terminals, ticket sales and booking check-in for passengers and vehicles without reservations closes 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure for foot passengers and 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure for vehicles. At Horseshoe Bay, ticket sales and check-in closes 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure for both foot passengers and vehicles without reservations.
Note that services and amenities at several terminals are not centrally located near the vehicle line and instead require a long walk to reach.
How much does it cost to take a car on the ferry?
Car fees for BC Ferries are in addition to standard passenger fares. BC Ferries fares and fees are subject to change. Please check BC Ferries official website for the most up to date information and a convenient fare calculator.
For service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, as well as service between Duke Point and Tsawwassen, fees for standard vehicles such as cars, trucks and motorhomes up to 20 feet in length were $63.85, with $7.25 extra per additional foot over 20 feet. Motorcycle fees are $31.95, with additional fee rates for buses and commercial vehicles.
How do you pay for BC Ferries?
BC Ferries accepts payment via cash and debit (Debit Interac), credit (American Express, Visa and Mastercard), and the BC Ferries Experience Card. Booking may be done in advance on BCFerries.com or by contacting the Customer Service Centre.
Note that passengers must redeem their booking to get a boarding pass at a self-serve kiosk or with a ticket agent prior proceeding to the waiting rooms at Departure Bay, Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen terminals. For more information, click here.
Do seniors get a discount on BC Ferries?
BC residents ages 65 years and older are able to travel free on select routes, including those to and from Nanaimo, Monday through Thursday each week (excluding Statutory Holidays), and must present either a valid BC Services Card, BC Driver’s License, BC Identification Card or Birth Certificate (proof of BC residency is required). This discount only applies to passenger fares.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard BC Ferries?
As of 2021, less reliable Wi-Fi service was no longer available on certain BC Ferries routes, including service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Most passengers are able to use cellular service while onboard BC Ferries, though a spotty signal may be present mid-voyage. Complimentary Wi-Fi service is still available at the Departure Bay, Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen terminals.
What accessibility features are available onboard BC Ferries?
BC Ferries offers a range of accessibility options, both at their terminals and aboard their ferries. Terminals are equipped with accessible parking spaces, wheelchair access to all passenger areas and designated priority seating in waiting areas, while ferries feature designated priority seating, elevator access, induction loop hearing systems, accessible passenger areas and ramps to board and disembark the ferry. To learn more about BC Ferries’ accessibility offerings, click here.
What should I bring with me for the voyage?
In addition to your luggage and other travel essentials, it is also recommended that passengers bring their own food and water to help avoid potentially long wait times both at the terminal and onboard the ferry. Appropriate weather gear is also recommended, like a raincoat or umbrella.
Bringing games will help keep younger members of your party entertained while waiting to board or during the voyage. Of course, a camera is also recommended for those looking to document the stunning views along the way.
How long is the ferry ride between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo?
This route offers a shorter 1.5 hour sailing time to Nanaimo, compared with 2 hours when departing from Tsawwassen.
How long is the ferry ride between Nanaimo and Tsawwassen?
The journey is approximately 2 hours, slightly longer than the route from Horseshoe Bay.
How do I get to Parksville or Qualicum Beach from Nanaimo?
Once arriving in one of Nanaimo’s terminals, if you did not ferry your own vehicle, you may reach Parksville Qualicum Beach easily via taxi or, if arriving in Departure Bay, via BC Transit.
What are the parking options at the Vancouver terminals (Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen)?
Short parking is available at Horseshoe Bay, with short and long term options available at Tsawwassen. Parking at both terminals is operated by Impark.
Short term parking rates at Horseshoe Bay are $1 for 15 minutes, $4 for 1 hour, and $22 per each 24 hour period. Multiple day parking is allowed.
Long term parking requires a stall number to purchase and passengers will take their ticket with them. The rates are $12 for 6 hours, $19 for 24 hours, and $9.50 each additional 12 hour period following the initial 24 hours.
Short term parking rates at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal are $1 for 15 minutes with a 2 hour maximum, or $22 per each 24 hour period. Multiple day parking is allowed.
Long term parking requires a stall number to purchase and passengers will take their ticket with them. The rates are $12 for 6 hours, $19 for 24 hours, and $9.50 each additional 12 hour period following the initial 24 hours.
For the most up to date parking information and pricing for Horseshoe Bay, including current availability, click here. For the most up to date parking information for Tsawwassen, click here.
Can you take luggage on Hullo?
Guests are welcome to bring a carry-on sized bag and personal item at no additional cost.
Where do you park for the Hullo Ferry?
The Hullo Ferries' parking lot is next to the Nanaimo terminal. There are over 350 parking stalls available. Rates begin at $5 for 3 hours, $14 for the first day, and $25 for each additional 24 hour period after the first day.
How much does Hullo Ferry charge for pets?
Cats and small dogs (no more than 10 kg) are welcome on the ferry at no additional charge. All pets must be in a secure pet carrier and held on your lap or at your feet for the entire journey.
How long does the Hullo Ferry take?
Sailing from downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo is a quick 70-minute sailing.
