FerryConnect

Canada (British Columbia)

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)

BC Ferries’ second Vancouver–Nanaimo route, running from Tsawwassen south of Vancouver to the Duke Point terminal south of Nanaimo. It suits drivers and trucks heading up-island who want to avoid Horseshoe Bay and downtown Vancouver traffic.

⏱ About 2h🚢 1 operator📅 8–10 sailings a day each way, from 5:15am to 10:45pm🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) takes About 2h across the Strait of Georgia, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: 8–10 sailings a day each way, from 5:15am to 10:45pm.

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: Nanaimo (Duke Point) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)

BC Ferries also sails Nanaimo (Duke Point) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen), taking About 2h. Duke Point departures mirror the Tsawwassen timings, from 5:15am to 10:45pm.

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

The timetable below ended on 12 October 2026; check the official timetable (BC Ferries) for current times before you travel. BC Ferries’ fall and winter schedules started on 13 October 2026; the times below are from the schedule that ended on 12 October. BC Ferries’ schedule pages could not be read automatically, so check the current schedule before you travel.

8–10 non-stop sailings a day each way, every 2h 30m or so from 5:15am to 10:45pm

Schedule for 28 Sep – 12 Oct 2026; extra sailings run Sunday to Friday.

Departure times from the timetable that ended

  • 5:15am (Mon–Sat)
  • 7:45am (Mon–Sat)
  • 10:15am
  • 12:45pm
  • 3:15pm
  • 5:45pm
  • 8:15pm
  • 10:45pm

Return: Duke Point departures mirror the Tsawwassen timings, from 5:15am to 10:45pm.

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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Nanaimo (Duke Point)

📐 31 Nautical Miles
Vancouver (Tsawwassen)⇄Nanaimo (Duke Point)
⏱ About 2h · 📐 31 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)?

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

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC FerriesAbout 2hLarge car ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

31 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Tsawwassen terminal is at the south-west end of Highway 17 in Delta, a 36 km drive from downtown Vancouver
  • Duke Point terminal is a 20-minute drive south of Nanaimo at 400 Duke Point Highway

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)1h 35m · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)1h 25m – 3h · BC FerriesAlso sails from Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay)About 55m · BC FerriesOnward from Nanaimo (Duke Point)Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC FerriesOnward from Nanaimo (Duke Point)Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) → Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)About 25m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingCrofton → Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)About 25m · BC Ferries
📘 BC Ferries: Routes from Vancouver, Times & Tips⚓ Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Vancouver🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)?
The crossing typically takes About 2h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) ferry sail?
The timetable below ended on 12 October 2026; check the official timetable (BC Ferries) for current times before you travel. 8–10 non-stop sailings a day each way, every 2h 30m or so from 5:15am to 10:45pm. Schedule for 28 Sep – 12 Oct 2026; extra sailings run Sunday to Friday. 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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)?
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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) 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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) 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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point) 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 Vancouver (Tsawwassen) from Nanaimo (Duke Point) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 31 nautical miles (roughly 57 km).