FerryConnect

Canada

Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)

The ferry from West Vancouver to Nanaimo, the best route to central and northern Vancouver Island: Tofino, Ucluelet, Parksville and Campbell River. It is also the closest terminal to Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

⏱ 1h 40m🚢 1 operator📅 Several sailings daily🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) takes 1h 40m across the Strait of Georgia, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: several sailings daily.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.

Sources: bcferries.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)

BC Ferries also sails Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver), taking 1h 40m. From Nanaimo (Departure Bay) sailings leave at about the same times (6:15am to 10:40pm), also taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

7 non-stop sailings most days from Horseshoe Bay (6:15am, 8:35am, 11:05am, 1:25pm, 4:00pm, 7:05pm or 8:30pm, 10:40pm on the 13 October – 16 December 2026 schedule), taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Schedule 13 October – 16 December 2026; from 2 to 12 October the 4:00pm runs Saturdays only and there is a 6:20pm sailing.

Published departure times

  • 6:15am
  • 8:35am
  • 11:05am
  • 1:25pm
  • 4:00pm
  • 10:40pm

Return: From Nanaimo (Departure Bay) sailings leave at about the same times (6:15am to 10:40pm), also taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official BC Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: BC Ferries printable route schedule (HSB-NAN). Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) and Nanaimo (Departure Bay)

📐 30 Nautical Miles
Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)⇄Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
⏱ 1h 40m · 📐 30 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay)?

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries1h 40mQueen of Oak Bay, Queen of Cowichan, Coastal Celebration

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

30 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Horseshoe Bay is served by TransLink buses from downtown Vancouver and sits on Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky)
  • Departure Bay connects to Highway 19 north to Parksville and west via Highway 4 to Tofino

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) → Sunshine Coast (Langdale)About 40m · BC FerriesAlso sails from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) → Bowen Island (Snug Cove)About 20m · BC FerriesOnward from Nanaimo (Departure Bay)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)About 2h · BC FerriesOnward from Nanaimo (Departure Bay)Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) → Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingCrofton → Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingVancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)1h 25m – 3h · BC Ferries
⛴ All ferries from Nanaimo🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ferries a day from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo?
About 7 non-stop sailings a day, from 6:15am to 10:40pm, on BC Ferries’ autumn 2026 schedule. The crossing takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
What time is the last ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay?
The last sailing from Departure Bay leaves at 10:40pm on most days, arriving in Horseshoe Bay at about 12:20am (autumn 2026 schedule).
How long is the ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay)?
The crossing typically takes 1h 40m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry sail?
7 non-stop sailings most days from Horseshoe Bay (6:15am, 8:35am, 11:05am, 1:25pm, 4:00pm, 7:05pm or 8:30pm, 10:40pm on the 13 October – 16 December 2026 schedule), taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. Schedule 13 October – 16 December 2026; from 2 to 12 October the 4:00pm runs Saturdays only and there is a 6:20pm sailing. This is the pattern published in the BC Ferries printable route schedule (HSB-NAN) (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay)?
BC Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 30 nautical miles (roughly 56 km).