Sail direct from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay

What is changing this holiday season?

From December 19 to 28, BC Ferries is offering a direct, one-way sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay, departing Tsawwassen at 4:30 pm.
 

Why is this change happening?

This sailing from the Lower Mainland to Departure Bay will provide more travel options, balance ferry traffic during the busy season and improve overall ferry reliability. This change also supports operational efficiency by better enabling the ship docking overnight at Departure Bay.
 

How does this benefit customers?

Expanding service to Departure Bay in central Nanaimo provides a new option for customers travelling to Vancouver Island during the busy holiday season. Shifting some demand to Tsawwassen and Departure Bay also helps balance ferry traffic, reducing wait times and easing congestion at other terminals, such as Horseshoe Bay and Duke Point.
 

What’s the difference between Duke Point and Departure Bay?

Both terminals are in Nanaimo, but they are in different locations with different transportation options:

• Duke Point (400 Duke Point Hwy.) is located in south Nanaimo, about a 15-minute drive from downtown. There are no public transit options at Duke Point, so foot passengers must arrange for a taxi, rideshare, private pickup, or use short and long-term parking.
• Departure Bay (680 Trans Canada Hwy.) is located in central Nanaimo, where there are frequent transit connections to downtown Nanaimo, North Nanaimo, and beyond. This is the better choice for foot passengers who rely on public transit.

When making reservations, it’s critical travellers ensure they book their preferred destination. If customers are booking an afternoon sailing from Tsawwassen, they’re urged to pay close attention to the arrival terminal. This new sailing will go directly to Departure Bay, while existing Tsawwassen-Nanaimo sailings go to the Duke Point terminal.
 

If this route is popular this season, will you keep the sailing year-round? Or will there be more sailings added in the future?

We continuously monitor travel demand and will assess this route and future schedule adjustments as needed. Our goal is to provide reliable and flexible service options for all travelers, while maintaining our operational requirements.
 

Where can I view this schedule and status of this new sailing?

All schedules, including for this new route, can be found at bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules. Simply click on the down arrow beside Metro Vancouver, click the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) heading for drop-down options, and then select Departure Bay. Current conditions on this and other routes can be checked here: bcferries.com/current-conditions.
 

How do I book the new Tsawwassen—Departure Bay route?

The new, one-way Tsawwassen to Departure Bay route can be booked at bcferries.com. For this route, it’s critical that travellers ensure they select Tsawwassen in the ‘Leave from’ field and Departure Bay in the ‘Going to’ field.

IMPORTANT: This route is one way only. Travellers will not be able to book a return trip on this route as there is no ferry service from Departure Bay to Tsawwassen. If you are returning to the Lower Mainland, you will need to book a second one-way trip separately. Options include sailings from Duke Point to Tsawwassen or Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay.

If I park at Duke Point and travel to the Lower Mainland, but return to Departure Bay (or vice versa), how do I get back to my car?

If you park and walk on the ferry at Duke Point when leaving Vancouver Island but sail into Departure Bay upon your return (or vice versa), you’ll need to arrange transportation back to the terminal to retrieve your vehicle. The terminals are about 20 km apart and there is no direct transit link between the two terminals. We strongly recommend travelers confirm their arrival terminal before parking to avoid extra travel time and inconvenience. If you require assistance with booking, there are many ways to contact us: www.bcferries.com/contact-us.
 

What if I accidentally booked the wrong terminal?

If you’ve booked a sailing to Duke Point but meant to book to Departure Bay (or vice versa), you may be able to modify your booking online or through the Customer Service Centre prior to arrival at the terminal, subject to availability and the terms and conditions associated with your booking. Visit www.bcferries.com/contact-us if you need assistance.
 

Can I change my booking to a different route if my plans change well ahead of my travel day?

Travellers can modify their bookings online, prior to arriving at the terminal, using the BC Ferries App or through the Customer Service Centre. Modifications will be dependent on availability, and the terms and conditions associated with your booking. Customer care can be reached at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
 

If I am at the Tsawwassen terminal with a booking to Departure Bay and realize it would be better timing to travel via Duke Point (or vice versa), can I change my destination at the ticket booth?

No, our terminal ticket agents do not have access to make changes in the booking system. If you want to change your booking destination last-minute, you will not be able to do so at the terminal ticket booth and will need to make any changes on the BC Ferries App, website or through the Customer Service Centre prior to your arrival. Ensuring plans are in place prior to arriving at the terminal prevents prolonged lineups and service disruptions for foot and vehicle passengers.

Does Duke Point have the same services and transit options as Departure Bay?

No. Duke Point has no public transit options, so foot passengers will need to arrange private transportation in advance. Departure Bay is the better option for foot passengers as it has regular bus service.
 

Is parking available at Duke Point and Departure Bay?

Yes, parking is available, but space may be limited during peak travel periods. If leaving a vehicle at Duke Point or Departure Bay, ensure you return to the same terminal when travelling back to Vancouver Island from the Lower Mainland.
 

I’m a foot passenger—what do I need to know?

Departure Bay has frequent bus service to downtown Nanaimo and beyond. If you rely on transit, this is the better option. Duke Point does not have public transit options, meaning foot passengers must arrange for a taxi, rideshare or private pickup, or use the short- or long-term parking options. Always double-check which terminal you are sailing to and plan accordingly.

How do I know which route is best for me?

Choosing the right route to Nanaimo depends on where you need to go and how you're traveling.

Tsawwassen–Duke Point (South Nanaimo) is best if:

• You need direct access to south Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Victoria or other destinations on the southern end of Vancouver Island.
• You are driving and want quick access to the highway (Hwy 1) for onward travel.
• You are traveling with a commercial or oversized vehicle—this route has better highway access.
• You want to avoid the higher traffic volume at Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay during peak travel times.

Tsawwassen–Departure Bay (Central Nanaimo) is best if:

• You are heading to Downtown Nanaimo or Northern Nanaimo.
• You are a foot passenger and need frequent transit connections to downtown Nanaimo and surrounding areas.
• You are heading north toward Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, or Campbell River—Departure Bay is a more convenient starting point.

If booking an afternoon sailing from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, double-check that your arrival terminal matches your desired destination.