FerryConnect

Canada (British Columbia)

Prince Rupert → Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)

The only car ferry to Haida Gwaii, crossing the open Hecate Strait from Prince Rupert to Skidegate on Graham Island. It is the gateway to the Haida Heritage Centre and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

⏱ 6h 30m – 8h🚢 1 operator📅 About 3 sailings a week in fall and winter; 5–6 a week in summer🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) takes 6h 30m – 8h across the Hecate Strait, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 3 sailings a week in fall and winter; 5–6 a week in summer.

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: Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) to Prince Rupert

BC Ferries also sails Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) to Prince Rupert, taking 6h 30m – 8h. Several Skidegate departures are overnight (10:00pm, arriving 5–6am in Prince Rupert).

Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

About 3 sailings a week each way from Oct 2026 to Feb 2027, with overnight crossings Sunday and Monday nights

Summer 2026 (Jun–Sep): 10:30am day sailings from Prince Rupert on Wednesday to Sunday, plus a Monday overnight sailing.

Return: Several Skidegate departures are overnight (10:00pm, arriving 5–6am in Prince Rupert).

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. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Prince Rupert and Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)

📐 86 Nautical Miles
Prince Rupert⇄Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)
⏱ 6h 30m – 8h · 📐 86 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)?

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries6h 30m – 8hCar ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

86 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Prince Rupert terminal is at 2000 Park Avenue, a 10-minute drive south of the city at the end of Highway 16
  • Skidegate terminal (#1 Hwy 16, Skidegate Landing) also has the short ferry to Alliford Bay on Moresby Island; Eagle Transit serves the terminal

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Prince RupertPort Hardy → Prince RupertAbout 17h 30m – 22h · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingKetchikan → Metlakatla (Annette Island)About 45m · Alaska Marine Highway SystemNearby alternative crossingKetchikan → Hollis (Prince of Wales Island)About 3h · Inter-Island Ferry AuthorityNearby alternative crossingKetchikan → WrangellAbout 6h · Alaska Marine Highway SystemMore ferries in CanadaVancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)1h 35m · BC FerriesMore ferries in CanadaHorseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC Ferries
⚓ Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Skidegate Landing Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Prince Rupert🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)?
The crossing typically takes 6h 30m – 8h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) ferry sail?
About 3 sailings a week each way from Oct 2026 to Feb 2027, with overnight crossings Sunday and Monday nights. Summer 2026 (Jun–Sep): 10:30am day sailings from Prince Rupert on Wednesday to Sunday, plus a Monday overnight sailing. 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 Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii)?
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 Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) 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 Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) 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 Prince Rupert to Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) 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 Prince Rupert from Skidegate (Haida Gwaii) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 86 nautical miles (roughly 159 km).