FerryConnect

Canada (British Columbia)

Port McNeill → Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)

The ferry from Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, home of the ’Namgis First Nation and the U’mista Cultural Centre with its potlatch collection. The same ferry also serves Sointula on Malcolm Island.

⏱ 45m – 50m🚢 1 operator📅 About 5–6 sailings a day from Port McNeill🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) takes 45m – 50m across the Broughton Strait, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 5–6 sailings a day from Port McNeill.

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: Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) to Port McNeill

BC Ferries also sails Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) to Port McNeill, taking 45m – 50m.

Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

About 5–6 sailings a day from Port McNeill, from about 8:25am to 10:35pm

Schedule 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027; the 11:20am Tuesday sailing is dangerous-goods-only on alternate weeks.

Published departure times

  • 8:25am / 8:40am
  • 11:20am
  • 2:20pm
  • 5:10pm
  • 8:20pm
  • 10:35pm (via Sointula)

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 Port McNeill and Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)

📐 6 Nautical Miles
Port McNeill⇄Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)
⏱ 45m – 50m · 📐 6 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)?

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

Book with BC Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries45m – 50mCar ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

6 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Port McNeill terminal is in the town of Port McNeill off Highway 19
  • The late-evening sailing continues to Sointula on Malcolm Island

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingCampbell River → Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)About 10m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingPowell River (Westview) → Texada Island (Blubber Bay)About 40m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingBuckley Bay → Denman IslandAbout 10m · BC FerriesMore ferries in CanadaVancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)1h 35m · BC FerriesMore ferries in CanadaHorseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC FerriesMore ferries in CanadaNorth Sydney (Nova Scotia) → Port aux Basques (Newfoundland)6h – 7h · Marine Atlantic
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)?
The crossing typically takes 45m – 50m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) ferry sail?
About 5–6 sailings a day from Port McNeill, from about 8:25am to 10:35pm. Schedule 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027; the 11:20am Tuesday sailing is dangerous-goods-only on alternate weeks. 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 Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)?
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 Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) 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 Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) 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 Port McNeill to Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) 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 Port McNeill from Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 6 nautical miles (roughly 11 km).