Tidal conditions
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 | Overhang | Wheelbase | |
| Coach bus | 30 cm (12 in.) | 2.4 m–25 cm (8 ft.–10 in.) | 8 m–15 cm (26 ft.–6 in.) |
| RV trailer | 41 cm (16 in.) | 2.7 m–28 cm (9 ft.–11 in.) | 6 m–18 cm (20 ft.–7 in.) |
| Low bed | 30 cm (12 in.) | Minimal | 97 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 Coola | Bella Coola |
| Texada Island (Blubber Bay) | Blubber Bay |
| Brentwood Bay | Brentwood Bay |
| Buckley Bay | Denman Island |
| Campbell River | Campbell River |
| Chemainus | Chemainus |
| Comox (Little River) | Little River |
| Crofton | Crofton |
| Denman Island West | Denman 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 |
| Klemtu | Klemtu |
| Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) | Ganges |
| Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour) | Samuel Island |
| Mill Bay | Brentwood Bay |
| Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) | Nanaimo |
| Ocean Falls | Ocean Falls |
| Pender Island (Otter Bay) | Village Bay |
| Port McNeill | Port McNeill |
| Prince Rupert | Fairview 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 |
| Shearwater | Bella 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 |