FerryConnect

Canada (British Columbia)

Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) → Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)

The commuter ferry from downtown Nanaimo to Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island, the northernmost of the Southern Gulf Islands, known for the Malaspina Galleries sandstone formations.

⏱ About 25m🚢 1 operator📅 Frequent daily service, with departures every 35–75 minutes from 5:45am on weekdays🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book with BC Ferries→

Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) takes About 25m across the Northumberland Channel, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: frequent daily service, with departures every 35–75 minutes from 5:45am on weekdays.

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 2026-09-29.

Sources: bcferries.com · bcferries.com · bcferries.com · bcferries.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)

BC Ferries also sails Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour), taking About 25m. The first boat from Descanso Bay leaves at 5:15am Monday to Friday.

Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Frequent sailings all day, starting 5:45am on weekdays (8:10am Sundays)

Schedule 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027; the 10:35am Wednesday sailing carries dangerous goods only.

Return: The first boat from Descanso Bay leaves at 5:15am Monday to Friday.

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 BC Ferries →

Source: BC Ferries printable route schedule. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) and Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)

📐 3 Nautical Miles
Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)⇄Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)
⏱ About 25m · 📐 3 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?

Book your crossing with BC Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with BC Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC FerriesAbout 25mCar ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

3 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Nanaimo Harbour terminal is on the downtown Nanaimo waterfront, separate from the Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals
  • Descanso Bay terminal is on Gabriola’s west side, close to Descanso Bay Regional Park

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC FerriesAlso sails from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)About 2h · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingCrofton → Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingVancouver (Horseshoe Bay) → Bowen Island (Snug Cove)About 20m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingVancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)1h 25m – 3h · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingVancouver (Tsawwassen) → Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay)About 55m · BC Ferries
📘 BC Ferries: Routes from Vancouver, Times & Tips⛴ All ferries from Nanaimo🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)?
The crossing typically takes About 25m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) ferry sail?
Frequent sailings all day, starting 5:45am on weekdays (8:10am Sundays). Schedule 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027; the 10:35am Wednesday sailing carries dangerous goods only. This is the pattern published in the BC Ferries printable route schedule (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso 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 Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso 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 Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso 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 Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso 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 Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) from Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 3 nautical miles (roughly 6 km).