Travel tips for foot passengers

How do I redeem the booking at the terminal?

When you arrive at the terminal, you must redeem your booking at a self-serve kiosk or with a ticket agent before proceeding to the waiting room. To redeem at a self-serve kiosk, select “Redeem” and follow the instructions. You will need to enter your booking reference number to confirm your booking.

At the Powell River (Westview), Comox (Little River), Port Hardy (Bear Cove), Prince Rupert, Bella Bella and Southern Gulf Island terminals, you can only redeem your foot passenger booking with a ticket agent. These terminals have signage to guide you when you arrive.

Note: discounted fares such as BC Senior, Accessibility or Student are currently not redeemable at kiosks because identification or documentation is required for check-in.

 

How far in advance can I check in using the kiosk?

If you are travelling as a foot passenger and booked in advance, you can check in and redeem your booking for the next upcoming sailing only (between 60 to 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled departure).

Note: If you arrive earlier than your booked sailing, you may travel on the next available sailing, subject to space availability. Applicable only for the same day, route and direction of travel as booked.

If you miss your sailing, you can use your fare towards another sailing that day.

 

The kiosk shows the foot passenger fare I’m redeeming is not redeemable at the kiosk, what does that mean?

Most foot passenger bookings are redeemable through kiosks. For the small number of bookings that are unredeemable by kiosks, bookings for sailings other than the next upcoming sailing, or bookings with discounted fares such as BC Senior, Accessibility or student—messaging will appear on the kiosk screen directing you to see a ticket agent to check in.

Note: Powell River (Westview), Comox (Little River), Port Hardy (Bear Cove), Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay), Ocean Falls, Bella Coola and Shearwater terminals do not have self-serve kiosks and all bookings must be redeemed with a ticket agent.

Can I change or cancel my foot passenger booking in advance?

Yes, you can change your booking online or through the Customer Service Centre at no charge, up to two hours in advance of the scheduled departure. You are unable to change your booking within two hours of the scheduled departure.

If you miss the sailing you booked, you can use the cost of the fare towards another sailing on the same day. There are no refunds for cancellations.

 

I want to make changes to my booking. Can I do that at a kiosk?

You are unable to make changes to your booking at a kiosk, but you can add more passengers to your booking in a separate transaction. If you need further assistance, see a ticket agent at the terminal. 

The website shows there are no foot passenger bookings available. Does this mean there is no more space on the ferry?

No, it does not mean there is no space available on the ferry. We limit the amount of space available for foot passengers to book in advance. You can still arrive at the terminal and purchase a foot passenger fare without booking in advance.

 

Will you expand to include booking in advance for foot passengers on other routes?

At this time, booking in advance as a foot passenger is available for the following routes:

• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands
• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
• Powell River (Westview) – Comox (Little River)
• Port Hardy (Bear Cove) – Prince Rupert*
• Port Hardy (Bear Cove) – Bella Coola*
• Central Coast Connector Service – Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay), Ocean Falls, Bella Coola and Shearwater*

We will update customers if we expand to other routes.

*Booking in advance is highly recommended on these routes as foot passenger space is fully reservable.

 

Are the foot passenger prices changing?

Customers can find up-to-date information on pricing on our fares and fees page. Saver fares are available on select sailings. 

Can a child under 12 travel alone when transferring between parents or guardians?

For safety reasons, children under 12 years can't travel alone unless they are going to and from school or school-sponsored events on designated commuter routes. An adult must accompany the child on the vessel in order to travel. The escorting passenger may purchase a return ticket in the gift shop on board the vessel where applicable. On routes where it is not possible to purchase a return ticket on board, the escorting passenger will need to purchase a ticket at the booth upon arrival at the terminal.

Note: Children under 12 travelling to or from school or for a school-sponsored event will need to show valid student ID at the terminal

 

What is the process for an adult picking up the child upon arrival?

Another adult may use a visitor’s pass to pick up the child upon arrival. The escort is required to sign in at the Customer Service Office or Foot Passenger Ticket Agent and will be asked to provide government-approved picture ID and a contact number. A Visitor’s Pass will be provided and should be worn at all times while at the terminal. The escort will need to return the Visitor’s Pass and sign out to receive their ID when leaving the terminal.  

Once the escorting passenger and child arrive at the destination, the escorting passenger will disembark with the child to meet the other adult in the waiting room. The escorting passenger may present their ticket purchased on board and re-board the vessel. If they were not able to purchase a ticket on board, they will proceed to the ticket booth. 

 

How do I purchase a ticket for a child under 12 years old?

When purchasing a ticket for a child under 12 years old, the escorting passenger must be present at the ticket booth or self-serve kiosk.
 

What is the procedure for travelling as a foot passenger with a kayak, canoe or bicycle?

Check in with a ticket agent at the foot passenger entrance. You will then board the ferry via the vehicle deck, where you will be able to securely stow your gear during the sailing. If your departure terminal does not have a ticket agent or foot passenger entrance, board the ferry at the direction of the crew.

 

Do I have to pay to bring a kayak, canoe or bicycle?

There is no fee for your bicycle and a $2 fee applied for a kayak or canoe. Learn more about travelling with a bicycle.

Important: For your safety, please walk your bicycle when boarding and disembarking