Posted: Monday, November 18, 2024
We are actively following a rapidly intensifying storm that is expected to reach parts of British Columbia’s West Coast by Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The adverse weather conditions may impact travel through till Wednesday, November 20.
Travellers are advised to check our Service Notices page prior to travel for any possible service disruptions.
The safety of our passengers and crew is of primary importance to us, and we will continue to monitor this weather system and share information as it becomes available. For further information regarding any weather warnings in place, please visit Environment Canada.
For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our @BCFerries X Account, check Current Conditions or visit bcferries.com.
Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
Departure Bay terminal is located in Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The terminal is a 5 minute drive north of Nanaimo city centre. Sailings departing from Departure Bay provide service to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver). Visit the Nanaimo Market Quay for a range of food and shopping options.
Check-in times
With a reservation – Arrive at the terminal 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Your booking will not be honoured and travel will be based on your order of arrival at the terminal if you arrive before booking check-in has opened, or after booking check-in has closed.
- Booking check-in for foot passenger groups and vehicles opens 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
- Booking check-in for foot passenger groups and vehicles closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Without a reservation – Travel is based on your order of arrival at the terminal.
- Ticket sales and check-in for vehicles close 5 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing departure.
- Ticket sales and check-in for foot passengers close 10 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing departure.
Assured Loading – If you have an Assured Loading Card and plan to use it, arrive at the terminal 20 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and provide your card to the ticket agent.
Details
680 Trans-Canada Highway,
Nanaimo, V9S 5R1
Transit options
If you lost an item while travelling with us, you can:
- Report your lost item to the customer service desk at the terminal
- Call 250-722-0181 Ext. 4
Waiting room
Washroom
Baggage service
Parking at Departure Bay terminal is independently operated and managed by Robbins Parking.
Capacity: 526 spaces
Short term: 177
Long term: 349
Payment options: HONK App and the PayByPhone App (licence plate number required), Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Parking rates:
Meters required exact change or credit card payment.
Short term – Licence Plate Number required to purchase parking.
- $1.00 for 30 minutes, maximum 2 hours
- $23.00 for each 24 hour period
- Multiple day parking allowed
Long term – Licence Plate Number required to purchase parking. Take your ticket with you.
- $7.50 for 6 hours
- $15.00 for each 24 hours
- $7.50 for each additional 12 hour period after the first 24 hours
Note:
- Onsite parking meters
- If paying by credit card, enter your mobile phone number to receive a text notifying you that your parking is about to expire. You can then follow the text instructions to extend your parking up to 24 hours.
- Cash acceptance
- Meters accept coins only—no change given.
- One meter accepts bill/coins and provides change (yellow colour meter) located in long term lot. For long term parking only.
Towing:
Mid Island Towing
250-758-1728