BC Ferries Information & Tips

🚗 Vehicle Ferry Service

This is primarily a vehicle and passenger ferry with 47-vehicle capacity. Walk-on passengers are accommodated, though most travelers bring vehicles.

The ferry operates year-round with multiple daily sailings, providing essential transportation between Quadra Island and Campbell River. The 10-minute crossing serves both residents and visitors.

⚠️ Tuesday Dangerous Goods Sailings

Two Tuesday-only sailings each week are reserved for commercial vehicles carrying hazardous cargo. No passengers or general vehicles are permitted on these sailings.

• 9:30 AM — Campbell River → Quadra Island (Tuesday only, DG)
• 4:30 PM — Quadra Island → Campbell River (Tuesday only, DG)

If you're traveling Tuesday, check the daily schedule or tomorrow's schedule and plan around these slots. Walk-ons and standard vehicles should board the sailing immediately before or after.

🌊 Tidal Conditions Notice

Campbell River terminal is affected by tidal conditions. During extreme tides (below 1.2m or above 3.7m), certain vehicles may experience delays:

• RVs and buses with low ground clearance
• Vehicles towing trailers - especially low-bed trailers
• Large trucks and semis - depending on wheelbase and overhang
• Lowered or modified vehicles - custom suspensions may cause issues

Planning tip: Check current BC Ferries tidal conditions before travel, especially if you're driving one of the vehicle types above. Consider traveling during mid-tide periods for the smoothest experience.

Contact BC Ferries: If your vehicle dimensions fall within affected ranges, call 1-888-223-3779 in advance to review conditions.

💳 Save with BC Ferries Experience Card™

Frequent travelers can save money with prepaid travel credits. The Experience Card offers discounted fares when you pre-load funds:

Minimum Load Amounts (effective April 1, 2025):

• Passenger only: Load minimum $50 for discounted fares
• Vehicle + Passenger: Load minimum $130 for savings — applies to standard vehicles up to 20 ft (6.10 m) long

Key Benefits:

• ✅ Funds never expire when card is registered
• ✅ Loss protection available with registration
• ✅ Auto-reload option - automatically load when balance runs low
• ✅ Easy to manage online or by phone

How to Get Your Card:

• Available at any BC Ferries terminal (free)
• Call: 1-888-223-3779 (card mailed to you)
• Load online after receiving your card

Important Notes:

• ⚠️ Cannot be used for online reservations
• ⚠️ Cannot be used for onboard purchases
• ⚠️ Funds are non-refundable once loaded
• ⚠️ Must reload full minimum amount each time

Learn more: BC Ferries Experience Card Details

🕰️ Standard Departure Times

While daily schedules may vary (especially on holidays), these are the standard departure times used for this route.

* Note: The 10:20 PM (Quadra) and 10:40 PM (Campbell River) sailings typically run every day. The latest sailings — 11:05 PM (Quadra) and 11:30 PM (Campbell River) — typically run Fridays & Saturdays only. On December 25 and January 1, the first two sailings from both terminals are not available. Check the daily schedule for exact confirmation.

📝 Additional Travel Tips

• Arrive early: We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before departure, especially during summer months
• Peak times: Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (4-6 PM) see the highest traffic
• Reservations: Not available for this route - boarding is first-come, first-served
• Vehicle spacing: Ferry crew will direct you - maintain safe following distance
• Stay with vehicle: Passengers typically remain in vehicles during the 10-minute crossing
• Service updates: Check bcferries.com for service alerts
• Holiday service: On Dec 25 and Jan 1, the first two morning sailings from both terminals do not operate