Travel advisory: Busy Weekend Expected View ×

Issued on: Friday, April 18, 2025

Easter Long Weekend
April 18 – April 21, 2025

Easter long weekend is a popular time for travel on the coast. Busy travel days are expected from Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21 on the following routes:


•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands
•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
•    Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
•    Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
•    Vancouver Island - Gulf Islands

Historically, the most popular day to travel from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast is Friday, from our Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Monday is typically the most popular day for travel back to the Lower Mainland.

Customers planning to travel with a vehicle without a reservation should be prepared for sailing waits during popular times to travel. If reservations are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times, typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings, or walk on board.

Click here to view Travel Tips and here for Service Notices.

We look forward to welcoming you on board this Easter Long Weekend.

For schedule information and bookings, visit bcferries.com. For up-to-date travel information, check Current Conditions and follow @BCFerries on Twitter.

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Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)

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 

Details

160 Front Street,
Nanaimo, V9S 5R1

Get directions >


Transit options

Terminal accessibility
  • Accessible washroom
  • Wheelchairs available for boarding
  • Boarding assistance available

Learn more about accessibility at our terminals.

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
Parking     

Limited pay parking nearby.

Service notices

Find a terminal

 

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