Where To Catch Ferry in Vancouver

Vancouver, with its stunning coastal landscapes and nearby islands, is a hub for ferry travel.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, or other scenic destinations, knowing where to catch a ferry is essential.

This guide will walk you through Vancouver’s main ferry terminals, providing all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Vancouver has two main ferry terminals: Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay. Operated by the Province of British Columbia as part of the provincial highway network, these terminals are crucial hubs, with 40 ferries serving 26 coastal routes across 42 ports.

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1. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Location: 1 Ferry Causeway, Delta, BC V4M 4G6, Canada
Distance from Vancouver: 38 km south of Vancouver
Ferry Rates: CAD 9 – 18
Contact: 1-888-223-3779
Book Tickets: BC Ferries Booking

Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, located at the southwest end of Highway 17 in Delta, is about 36 kilometers (an hour’s drive) from downtown Vancouver. It’s the largest ferry terminal on the continent and offers routes to Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands.

This terminal stands out for its size and variety, offering a wide selection of food vendors and retail options. If you find yourself with time to spare, the Tsawwassen Quay Market is worth a visit. This 15,000-square-foot facility features over 20 vendors, including clothing stores, bakeries, and restaurants.

Ferry Routes from Tsawwassen Terminal:

• Victoria and Nanaimo
  • Adult (12+): CAD 17.60
  • Children (5-11): CAD 8.80
  • Standard Vehicles: CAD 60.85
  • Vehicles longer than 20 feet: CAD 60.85 + CAD 1.80 – 6.75 per additional foot
  • Students: CAD 4.50 – 9
  • Seniors: CAD 4.50 – 9
  • Children ages 5 and younger: FREE
• Southern Gulf Islands
  • Adult (12+): CAD 18.10
  • Children (5-11): CAD 9.05
  • Standard Vehicles: CAD 68.55
  • Vehicles longer than 20 feet: CAD 68.55 + CAD 1.80 – 6.75 per additional foot
  • Students: FREE
  • Seniors: CAD 2.95 – 6
  • Children ages 5 and younger: FREE

2. Horseshoe Bay Terminal

Location: 6750 Keith Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2V1, Canada
Distance from Vancouver: 21.5 km west of Vancouver
Ferry Rates: CAD 7.15 – 14.30
Contact: 1-888-223-3779
Book Tickets: BC Ferries Booking

The Horseshoe Bay Terminal is located near the western endpoint of the Trans-Canada Highway, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. This terminal provides ferry services to Nanaimo, Bowen Island, and the Sunshine Coast. Horseshoe Bay is also the starting point of the scenic Sea to Sky highway, connecting Metro Vancouver to Whistler.

The terminal is situated in a picturesque seaside area, with the pier lined with a variety of eateries and shops. While waiting for your ferry, you can explore Horseshoe Bay Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ferries. The park features numerous benches and paved walkways, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.

Ferry Routes from Horseshoe Bay Terminal:

• Nanaimo
  • Adult (12+): CAD 18
  • Children (5-11): CAD 9
  • Standard Vehicles: CAD 62
  • Vehicles longer than 20 feet: CAD 62 + CAD 7.05 per additional foot
  • Students: CAD 4.50 – 9
  • Seniors: CAD 4.50 – 9
  • Children ages 5 and younger: FREE
• Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
  • Adult (12+): CAD 14.30
  • Children (5-11): CAD 7.15
  • Standard Vehicles: CAD 49
  • Vehicles longer than 20 feet: CAD 49 + CAD 6.35 per additional foot
  • Students: CAD 3.60 – 7.15
  • Seniors: CAD 3.60 – 7.15
  • Children ages 5 and younger: FREE
• Bowen Island
  • Adult (12+): CAD 10.95
  • Children (5-11): CAD 5.45
  • Standard Vehicles: CAD 31
  • Vehicles longer than 20 feet: CAD 31 + CAD 3.20 per additional foot
  • Students: FREE
  • Seniors: CAD 2.65 – 5.45
  • Children ages 5 and younger: FREE

Free Ferries in Vancouver

British Columbia operates a fleet of inland ferries that are free of charge. These ferries, run under private contracts with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, connect highways where no bridges exist. There are over 14 ferry terminals offering free travel, including Adam’s Lake, Arrow Park, Barnston, and more.

Payment Options for BC Ferries

BC Ferries accept cash at terminal ticket booths, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and the BC Ferries Experience™ Card. This card offers savings on fares and can be loaded with funds online, by phone, or in person at select terminals.

For more detailed fare information, check out the BC Ferries fare index.

Getting from Vancouver to Downtown by Ferry

To travel from Vancouver to downtown by ferry, take the Skytrain’s Canada Line from Downtown Vancouver to Bridgeport Station in Richmond. From there, board the #620 Tsawwassen Ferry via Ladner Exchange bus, which departs hourly from Bay 3 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

This guide should provide you with everything you need to know about catching a ferry from Vancouver, whether you’re a local or a visitor.