Travel advisory: Busy weekend expected View ×

Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2026

Busy weekend expected

BC Day long weekend is the busiest weekend of the year for ferry travel on the coast. Our major routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are expected to be at or near capacity for vehicles during peak times.

Be prepared for sailing waits if a booking has not been made in advance of travel. Depending on when you arrive, there may be limited or no space available for drive-up vehicles. Check Current Conditions before leaving for the terminal for the latest sailing and capacity information, and check Service Notices for operational updates.

If your plans are flexible, consider taking transit and travel as a foot passenger. Walk-on bookings are available on our major routes at no additional cost and are recommended to help secure your preferred sailing. BC Day long weekend travel tips can be found here.

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Cortes Island (Whaletown)

Whaletown terminal is located on the west side of Cortes Island, and is a 30 minute drive from Smelt Bay. Sailings departing from Whaletown provide service to Quadra Island (Heriot Bay).

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

Details

Whaletown,
Cortes Island, V0P 1Z0

Get directions ❯

Transit options

No public transportation options.

Terminal accessibility
Lost and found

If you lost an item while travelling with us, call:

  • 1-888 BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)

View lost and found policy

Terminal amenities
All gender washroom

Waiting room

Wi-Fi

Bike rack

Parking     

Limited parking available (10 spaces).

Service notices

Find a terminal

 

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