Ferries Canada
Hereโs your guide to all the ferry routes in and out of Canada
Canada ferry guides
Get ready to set sail; Here, you can find all guides for ferry routes in and to Canada!
The #1 Ferry Map Canada
Your map to all the ferry routes in and out of Canada
West Coast ferry map
British Columbia forms the west coast of Canada and has an extensive ferry network. The ferry routes in this part of Canada are centered around the cities of Vancouver (to Victoria, for instance) and Wellington. BC Ferries is the largest ferry operator in the area.
Using the Alaska Marine Highway System, you can also take a ferry to Alaska (from Bellingham or Ketchikan). In the south, you will find various connections with the United States, including Vancouver – Seattle connections.
East Coast Ferry Map
The ferries in eastern Canada operate in Quรฉbec,ย Newfoundland, and Labrador. There are also connections from Nova Scotia to or from the US.
Canada ferry connections
Trending ferries
Information for ferry tourists
About the ferry routes in and around Canada
Canada has over 180 different ferry routes with a route presently operating in each province and the majority of the territories.[1]Ferries in Canada, canadianferry.caย
BC Ferries is one of Canadaโs major ferry operators. Another major ferry operator in Canada is Bay Ferries which operates in eastern Canada, the US, and the Caribbean Sea.
Key Ferry Routes in Canada ๐จ๐ฆ โ What You Need to Know
Canadaโs ferry routes are as diverse as its landscapesโranging from quick commuter crossings in Quebec to multi-day sea voyages to Newfoundland. But without a doubt, the British Columbia coast is where ferry travel is most essential and widespread.
Here, you'll find the busiest and most frequently used ferry routes in the country, especially within the BC Ferries network. We've gathered the most relevant details per route to help you decide which crossings best suit your trip, whether you're a tourist, road-tripper, cyclist, or a local navigating the coast.
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) โ Victoria (Swartz Bay)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~1.5 hours
- Distance: ~24 nautical miles
- Frequency: Up to 16 sailings per day (summer)
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Booking tip: Reserve earlyโthis is Canadaโs busiest ferry route, especially in summer and on weekends
- Experience highlight: Sail through Active Pass, a narrow channel known for strong currents and orca sightings.
- Why it matters: Itโs the main connection between Vancouver and British Columbiaโs capital, Victoria, which is used by commuters, tourists, and freight alike.
- Guide ๐ Vancouver (Tsawwassen) โ Victoria (Swartz Bay)
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) โ Nanaimo (Duke Point)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~2 hours
- Frequency: Frequent daily service
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Best for: RVs, commercial vehicles, and travelers heading to mid- or northern Vancouver Island
- Notes: Less scenic than the Horseshoe Bay route, but efficient and direct
- Guide ๐ Vancouver – Nanaimo
Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) โ Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~1.5 hours
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Highlights: Mountain and ocean views make this one of the most scenic BC crossings
- Ideal for: Travelers staying in North Vancouver or West Vancouver
- Guide ๐ Ferries to Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay โ Langdale (Sunshine Coast)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~40 minutes
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Booking tip: Weekend sailings can fill up fastโbook early
- Why it matters: Essential connection for locals and visitors heading to the Sunshine Coast communities like Gibsons and Sechelt
- Guide ๐ Ferries to Horseshoe Bay
Powell River โ Comox (Little River)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~1.5 hours
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Ideal for: Crossing between Vancouver Island and the northern Sunshine Coast without going through Vancouver
- Notes: A peaceful and practical inter-island connection
Tsawwassen โ Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~1h 35m (direct)
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Best for: Tourists looking to visit Salt Springโs artisan communities, markets, and hiking trails
- Tip: Some sailings stop at other Gulf Islandsโcheck schedules for direct options
Nanaimo (Departure Bay) โ Gabriola Island
- Province: British Columbia
- Operator: BC Ferries
- Travel time: ~20 minutes
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Best for: Day trips and short getaways to Gabriolaโs peaceful coastline and forested trails
- Notes: Short but essential link for residents and weekend visitors
North Sydney โ Port aux Basques (Newfoundland)
- Province: Nova Scotia โ Newfoundland
- Operator: Marine Atlantic
- Travel time: ~6โ8 hours
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Tip: Book well in advance for summer and holidays
- Why it matters: Itโs the primary entry point to Newfoundland by ferry, especially for road-trippers with vehicles.
North Sydney โ Argentia (Newfoundland)
- Province: Nova Scotia โ Newfoundland
- Operator: Marine Atlantic
- Travel time: ~16 hours (overnight)
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Notes: Seasonal route connecting directly to eastern Newfoundland: ideal if you want to skip long island drives
- Cabins available: Yes โ recommended for overnight sailings
Saint John โ Digby (Bay of Fundy)
- Province: New Brunswick โ Nova Scotia
- Operator: Bay Ferries
- Travel time: ~2.5 hours
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Highlights: Sail across the worldโs highest tides in the Bay of Fundy
- Ideal for: Crossing quickly between southern NB and the Annapolis Valley
- Guide ๐ Saint Joh-Digbyย
Caribou โ Wood Islands (PEI โ Nova Scotia)
- Province: Prince Edward Island โ Nova Scotia
- Operator: Northumberland Ferries
- Travel time: ~75 minutes
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Seasonal: Operates MayโDecember
- Best for: Tourists entering PEI via ferry instead of the Confederation Bridge
- Notes: Offers fantastic views and a slower, nice approach to the island
Quรฉbec City โ Lรฉvis
- Province: Quรฉbec
- Operator: Traversiers Quรฉbec
- Travel time: ~12 minutes
- Vehicle access: โ Yes
- Type: Short, urban commuter ferry
- Highlights: Spectacular views of Old Quรฉbec and Chรขteau Frontenac from the water
- Best for: Daily commuters, cyclists, and tourists doing a day trip
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References
| ↑1 | Ferries in Canada, canadianferry.ca |
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You miss out on a lot of Canadian ferries, when are you going to add them?
You don't even have a fraction of the ferries on the east coast. You missed Wood Islands to Caribou, Souris to Magdalen Islands, Sydney to Newfoundland x2, and three routes across the St Lawrence River.