Ferries to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)

About the ferries to Horseshoe bay from Departure Bay and Langdale

Horseshoe Bay is a key ferry hub on BC’s mainland coast, with daily crossings from both Nanaimo (Departure Bay) and the Sunshine Coast (Langdale). Whether you're heading to Vancouver Island or coming back from a weekend on the coast, these ferries are fast, reliable, and offer great views along the way.

Departure Bay (Nanaimo) ↔ Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)

• Province: British Columbia
• Operator: BC Ferries
• Travel time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
• Sailings: Up to 8 times per day
• Distance: ~37 nautical miles
• Vehicle access: ✅ Yes
• Estimated cost (2 passengers + car, return): ~$100
• Walk-on fare range: $19–$63

Why this route?
This is a good alternative to the Duke Point route. It’s ideal for travelers staying in North or West Vancouver and offers incredible ocean and mountain views across the Strait of Georgia.

Booking tip: This is a popular tourist route—reserve early, especially in summer or at weekends.

Terminal Info:

• Departure Bay Terminal (Nanaimo): Minutes from Nanaimo city centre
• Horseshoe Bay Terminal: Located in West Vancouver; ~30 mins from downtown Vancouver

Langdale (Sunshine Coast) ↔ Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)

• Province: British Columbia
• Operator: BC Ferries
• Travel time: ~40 minutes
• Sailings: Hourly during peak periods
• Distance: ~9 nautical miles
• Vehicle access: ✅ Yes
• Estimated cost (2 passengers + car, return): ~$80
• Walk-on fare range: $18–$45

Why this route?
This is the primary connection to the Sunshine Coast, linking communities like Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek to the Lower Mainland. Many commuters and weekend travelers use this crossing regularly.

Booking tip: This route gets very busy on summer weekends with locals and tourists – book ahead and arrive early.

Terminal Info:

• Langdale Terminal: Near Gibsons, BC
• Horseshoe Bay Terminal: In West Vancouver, with direct access to Hwy 1 (Sea-to-Sky)

Getting to Horseshoe Bay Terminal

Located off Highway 1, Horseshoe Bay is about:

• 25–30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver
• 90 minutes from the US border (Peace Arch)
• Served by public buses from Vancouver

All ferries to Horseshoe Bay accommodate vehicles, foot passengers, bicycles, and pets.