What is the Departure Bay ferry schedule today?

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Departure Bay has 7 departures (Pacific Time): 7 to Horseshoe Bay (6:15 AM to 9:25 PM). Times follow the published timetable; delays and cancellations show live on this page.

What time is the next ferry from Departure Bay?

As of 9:47 AM Pacific Time on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the next departure from Departure Bay is at 10:55 AM to Horseshoe Bay. The boards on this page refresh about every 30 seconds from AIS vessel positions matched to the published timetable.

What ferry routes depart from Departure Bay?

Departure Bay is served by crossings to Horseshoe Bay. Each destination links to its route page with the full timetable.

Is there parking at Departure Bay?

The operator reports the holding lot as moderate right now. Arrive early when the lot is busy or full, or when the next sailings report no deck space.

Which lane do I join at Departure Bay?

A ticket agent assigns your lane when you check in, and the number is printed on your ticket. The operator publishes no lane map and lanes can change (typically during terminal construction), so follow the signage at the terminal.

How do I know if my sailing from Departure Bay is delayed or cancelled?

This page shows delays measured from AIS vessel positions against the published schedule, alongside the operator's own notices. In the FerryFetch app you can save your sailing and get a push alert when it slips or is cancelled, often before the operator posts the official notice.

Departure Bay ferry terminal

Nanaimo, Canada · BC Ferries · 9:47 AM PDT · Mainly clear · 10°C

Running late

At Departure Bay, sailings to Horseshoe Bay are leaving about 6 min late. Next departure 10:55 AM to Horseshoe Bay.

Holding lot moderate · 7 min agoWind 4 km/h ENE

Ferries from Departure Bay

To Vancouver
Horseshoe Bay
1h 40m · 7 sailings today
~6 min late
Departs in 1h 7m
10:55 AM → 12:35 PM
27% space
Queen of Cowichanexpected
Later
- 1:20 PM35%
- 4:00 PM44%
- 6:20 PM25%
- 9:25 PM44%
Full schedule →Live map →

Today at Departure Bay

All departures →

2left so far
1late, avg 6 min
5still to go

Left on timeLeft late, the line is the minutes late× CancelledStill to runNo deck spaceWind from the Open-Meteo forecast, gusts up to 24 km/h. Cancellations are the operator’s call.

Every departure from Departure Bay today
6:15 AM to Horseshoe Bay: ran, no delay we can state
8:40 AM to Horseshoe Bay: 6 min late
10:55 AM to Horseshoe Bay: still to run
1:20 PM to Horseshoe Bay: still to run
4:00 PM to Horseshoe Bay: still to run
6:20 PM to Horseshoe Bay: still to run
9:25 PM to Horseshoe Bay: still to run

Arriving at Departure Bay

Live map →All arrivals →

Queen of Cowichanexpected

From Horseshoe Bay · left 8:34 AM

Horseshoe Bay74% acrossDeparture Bay

Docks here~10:14 AM

12:47 PM from Horseshoe BayQueen of Oak Bayexpected
3:05 PM from Horseshoe BayQueen of Cowichanexpected

Weather

10°C

Mainly clear

Wind: 4km/h ENE
Gusts: 5km/h
Visibility: 12.2km
Chance of precipitation: 0%

Forecast for 9:00 AM from Open-Meteo. Cancellations are the operator’s call, not this forecast.

Terminal cameras

Frames come from the operator on its own refresh schedule. This is not a live feed.

Getting to the Departure Bay terminal

Address and parking

680 Trans-Canada Highway, Nanaimo, V9S 5R1

Get directions to Departure Bay

Service notices

No active notice for Departure Bay in the operator’s feed right now.

Check-in and boarding

A ticket agent assigns each vehicle a lane at check-in. Check the lane number on your ticket and follow staff direction. (verified Sep 14, 2026 · BC Ferries)
Without a booking, vehicles load in order of arrival at the terminal for the next available sailing. (verified Sep 14, 2026 · BC Ferries)