
The ferry schedule from BC Nanaimo is a vital part of traveling to and from the mainland.
The main routes from Nanaimo are the Duke Point to Tsawwassen route and the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route.
The Duke Point to Tsawwassen route is the most popular route, with multiple sailings per day and a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route is a bit longer, taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete, but still offers multiple sailings per day.
It's essential to check the ferry schedule in advance to plan your trip accordingly, as sailings can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
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Ferry Schedule Information
Ferry schedules to Victoria are mostly every hour, which is convenient for travelers.
You can review the BC ferry schedules to find a departure time that fits your plans.
Ferries to the Gulf Islands are a bit more unpredictable, with no fixed schedule.
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The Transit app can help you stay informed about any disruptions to the West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry schedule.
You can use the app to see active disruptions, such as trip cancellations or engine issues, and even subscribe to receive notifications about future disruptions.
BC Ferries has a corner on the market when it comes to transporting people and cars to Vancouver Island by sea.
3. Schedules
The BC Ferries schedule is quite convenient, with multiple departures daily. You can catch a ferry from West Vancouver to Nanaimo at Departure Bay or from Vancouver to Nanaimo at Duke Point.
Ferries to various destinations, including Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Gulf Islands, operate at different frequencies. Ferries to Victoria depart mostly every hour.
You can find the full ferry schedule, including real-time departures, in the Transit app. This is especially helpful when planning your trip.
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Route and Frequency
The BC Ferries route map is a super helpful tool for planning your trip. You can find the West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry route map, which shows all the terminals served by the route.
You can see the location of ferries in real-time on the route map, so you know when the West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry is approaching your terminal. This is especially useful for keeping track of ferry schedules and any potential delays.
The next Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry leaves Duke Point (Nanaimo) at 10:15 AM, and arrives at Vancouver (Tsawwassen) at 12:15 PM.
Route Map
The route map is a fantastic tool to help you plan your trip on BC Ferries. It shows an overview of all the terminals served by the BC Ferries West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry.
You can open the app to see more detailed information about the route on a map, including terminal specific alerts. These alerts can warn you about terminals that are closed, elevator or escalator outages, and more.
The route map also allows you to see the location of ferries in real-time, so you know when the West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry is approaching your terminal. This is super helpful in planning your trip and making the most of your time.
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Main Routes to Island

The main routes to Vancouver Island from the mainland are via Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and Tsawwassen ferry terminal. If you're near West/North Vancouver, the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal is a great option, taking you to downtown Nanaimo in just a short 10-minute ride.
The Tsawwassen ferry terminal is located 40 minutes outside of downtown Vancouver, making it a convenient option for those traveling from the city. It's also the largest of all BC ferry terminals, serving multiple destinations including Nanaimo, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands.
The Tsawwassen ferry terminal offers direct sailings to Victoria (Swartz Bay), Nanaimo (Duke Point), and the Southern Gulf Islands. This makes it a key transportation hub for travelers heading to various parts of Vancouver Island.
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Service Frequency
The BC Ferries West Vancouver - Nanaimo route is a popular one, and knowing the service frequency is crucial for planning your trip.
You can see the frequency of upcoming trips and the exact departure times by opening the Transit app.

The next Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry leaves Duke Point (Nanaimo) at 10:15 AM, and arrives at Vancouver (Tsawwassen) at 12:15 PM, so be sure to check the app for the latest schedule.
For those heading to Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island, the Tsawwassen to Duke Point ferry offers a convenient option.
The Tsawwassen to Duke Point ferry is a direct sailing, making it a great choice for travelers who want to get to Nanaimo quickly.
You can also see the location of ferries in real-time on the route map, so you know when the West Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry is approaching your terminal.
On Time Performance
If you're wondering whether the BC Ferries Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry arrives on time, there's a way to check.
You can open the Transit app and view user-generated on-time performance reports for the Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry.
These reports can give you an idea of how reliable the ferry service is, but keep in mind that they may differ from official BC Ferries metrics.
You can also contribute your own reports on whether your trip arrived on time, late or early, to help others make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
Saver fares start at $49 one-way for ferry travel from Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
Can I still get on BC ferry without a reservation?
Vehicles without a reservation are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis on the next available sailing. Not all routes offer advance booking, so check the ferry schedule for more information
How long is the ferry ride from Nanaimo to Vancouver?
The ferry ride from Nanaimo to Vancouver takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your mainland destination.
Sources
- https://transitapp.com/en/region/british-columbia/bc-ferries/ferry-west-vancouver-nanaimo
- https://vancouverisland.com/plan-your-trip/transportation-in-british-columbia/bc-ferry-nanaimo-departure-bay/
- https://transitapp.com/en/region/british-columbia/bc-ferries/ferry-vancouver-nanaimo
- https://www.travelingislanders.com/getting-to-vancouver-island/sea-%E2%80%A2-bc-ferries-vancouver-island/
- https://www.vancouverferryguide.com/tsawwassen-ferry/
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