Tides have an effect on sailing conditions. To reduce the risk of damage to vehicles, vessels and the environment, crew may ask some vehicles to board at a time when tides allow them to load on and off the vessel safely.

Minimum vehicle dimensions for low tides

These dimensions are subject to confirmation by the vessel and terminal crews at the time of travel. If the dimensions of your vehicle fall within these ranges, please contact our Customer Service Centre (1-888-223-3799) in advance of booking or travel to review the conditions and vehicle you wish to travel with.

 Minimum dimensions to transition a 1.2 m (4 ft.) tide
 Ground clearance OverhangWheelbase
Coach bus30 cm (12 in.)2.4 m–25 cm (8 ft.–10 in.)8 m–15 cm (26 ft.–6 in.)
RV trailer41 cm (16 in.)2.7 m–28 cm (9 ft.–11 in.)6 m–18 cm (20 ft.–7 in.)
Low bed30 cm (12 in.)Minimal97 cm (38 in.)

Terminal tide stations

Tides that are below 1.2 metres (4 feet) or higher than 3.7 metres (12 feet) change the angle the ferry can approach the loading ramp and can affect sailings. During this time, vehicles are likely to get stuck on the ramp. The following vehicle types may be asked to wait for a later sailing to ensure the safety of the vehicle and passengers during low tide:
 
  • Buses and RVs with low ground clearance
  • Larger trucks and semis
  • Vehicles towing a trailer
  • Lowered vehicles

Use the table below to check conditions for the day you plan to travel.

Note: Langdale, Horseshoe Bay and Campbell River terminals are particularly affected by tides. Customers travelling on these routes should check tidal conditions before travel. 
Terminal
Nearest tide station
Nanaimo (Duke Point)Nanaimo
Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay)Point Atkinson
Sunshine Coast (Langdale)Gibsons
Nanaimo (Departure Bay)Nanaimo
Victoria (Swartz Bay)Swartz Bay
Vancouver (Tsawwassen)Tsawwassen
Cormorant Island (Alert Bay)Alert Bay
Moresby Island (Alliford Bay)Daajing Giids
Port Hardy (Bear Cove)Port Hardy
Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay)Bella Bella
Bella CoolaBella Coola
Texada Island (Blubber Bay)Blubber Bay
Brentwood BayBrentwood Bay
Buckley BayDenman Island
Campbell RiverCampbell River
ChemainusChemainus
Comox (Little River)Little River
CroftonCrofton
Denman Island WestDenman Island
Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)Harmac
Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove)Egmont
Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)Fulford Harbour
Denman Island East (Gravelly Bay)Hornby Island
Quadra Island (Heriot Bay)Heriot Bay
KlemtuKlemtu
Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)Ganges
Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour)Samuel Island
Mill BayBrentwood Bay
Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)Nanaimo
Ocean FallsOcean Falls
Pender Island (Otter Bay)Village Bay
Port McNeillPort McNeill
Prince RupertFairview Terminal
Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour)Preedy Harbour
Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)Preedy Harbour
Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)Quathiaski Cove
Powell River (Saltery Bay)Saltery Bay
ShearwaterBella Bella
Hornby Island (Shingle Spit)Hornby Island
Graham Island (Skidegate)Daajing Giids
Bowen Island (Snug Cove)Point Atkinson
Malcolm Island (Sointula)Port McNeill
Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay)Whaler Bay
Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)Crofton
Mayne Island (Village Bay)Village Bay
Powell River (Westview)Powell River
Cortes Island (Whaletown)Whaletown 
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