Route

Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) to Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)

  • This is a non-bookable route. Fares are paid at the terminal at the time of travel.

Mondays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:15 am
5:40 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

7:05 am
7:30 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

Tuesdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:15 am
5:40 am 25m

Non-stop

6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

7:05 am
7:30 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

Wednesdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:15 am
5:40 am 25m

Non-stop

6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

7:05 am
7:30 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

No passengers permitted - DG Sailing only.

Dangerous goods only

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

Thursdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:15 am
5:40 am 25m

Non-stop

6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

7:05 am
7:30 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

Fridays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:15 am
5:40 am 25m

Non-stop

6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

7:05 am
7:30 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

Saturdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

Sundays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
6:20 am
6:45 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:40 pm
6:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:50 pm
7:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

8:00 pm
8:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:40 pm
10:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:30 pm
10:55 pm 25m

Non-stop



Descanso Bay terminal is located on the northwest side of Gabriola Island. Sailings departing from Descanso Bay provide service to Nanaimo Harbour on Vancouver Island.

Boarding is based on order of arrival at the terminal. Check-in closes 10 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing for foot passengers and vehicles.


Note: Schedules subject to change without notice.

Last updated:  Mar 28, 2024.

Route

Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)

Check Nanaimo Harbour tidal restrictions

This is a non-bookable route. Fares are paid at the terminal at the time of travel.


Mondays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:45 am
6:10 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Except on Dec 25 & Jan 1

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Tuesdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:45 am
6:10 am 25m

Non-stop

6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Wednesdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:45 am
6:10 am 25m

Non-stop

6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

No passengers permitted - DG Sailing only.

Dangerous goods only

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Thursdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:45 am
6:10 am 25m

Non-stop

6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Fridays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
5:45 am
6:10 am 25m

Non-stop

6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Saturdays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
6:55 am
7:20 am 25m

Non-stop

7:35 am
8:00 am 25m

Non-stop

8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

Sundays

Depart
Arrive DURATION STOP DETAILS
8:10 am
8:35 am 25m

Non-stop

8:45 am
9:10 am 25m

Non-stop

9:20 am
9:45 am 25m

Non-stop

9:55 am
10:20 am 25m

Non-stop

10:30 am
10:55 am 25m

Non-stop

11:05 am
11:30 am 25m

Non-stop

11:40 am
12:05 pm 25m

Non-stop

12:55 pm
1:20 pm 25m

Non-stop

1:30 pm
1:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:15 pm
2:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

2:50 pm
3:15 pm 25m

Non-stop

3:25 pm
3:50 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:00 pm
4:25 pm 25m

Non-stop

4:35 pm
5:00 pm 25m

Non-stop

5:05 pm
5:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

6:15 pm
6:40 pm 25m

Non-stop

7:30 pm
7:55 pm 25m

Non-stop

9:10 pm
9:35 pm 25m

Non-stop

10:05 pm
10:30 pm 25m

Non-stop

11:00 pm
11:25 pm 25m

Non-stop



Nanaimo Harbour terminal is located in downtown Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Sailings departing from Nanaimo Harbour terminal provide service to Gabriola Island.

Boarding is based on order of arrival at the terminal. Check-in and ticket sales close three minutes prior to the scheduled sailing for foot passengers and vehicles.

Nanaimo Harbour Tidal Restrictions
The following tidal restrictions are in effect to prevent vehicles from scraping or getting caught on the loading ramps.

Private vehicles 
Avoid travel on sailings where the tide* is below 1.5m (5ft) or above 3.7m (12ft)

Includes: 

  • RVs- significant overhang or low hitches 
  • Receiver Mount Bicycle Racks 
  • Low/Long Utility Trailers 
  • Low/Long Horse Trailers 
  • Large Under Mount Hitches 

Commercial vehicles
Long loads: avoid travel on sailings where the tide* is below 1.5 m (5ft) or above 3.7 m (12ft)
Low-bed or low-overhang: avoid travel on sailings if the tide* is below 2.1 m (7ft) or above 3.4 m (11ft)

*For tide information see: https://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/en/stations/7917 


Note: Schedules subject to change without notice.

Last updated:  Mar 28, 2024.

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