Nanaimo Harbour ↔ Gabriola Island

Boarding is first come, first served. Nanaimo Harbour closes sales and check-in three minutes before departure, while Descanso Bay closes them 10 minutes before. Those are cutoffs, not arrival advice. Bring a healthy buffer with a vehicle, especially during commutes and summer weekends.

Pay on the charged leg and that fare covers your return. At staffed booths, BC Ferries accepts debit, major credit cards, mobile wallets, cash and the Experience Card. Check the current guide for the amount rather than trusting an old screenshot.

Yes, but parking is modest. Nanaimo Harbour lists limited paid parking nearby. Descanso Bay has 12 free spaces with a 24-hour limit and 40 limited paid spaces nearby. Read the signs and keep a taxi, bus or drop-off option handy when the lots are busy.

Yes. Pay the passenger fare and your bike rides free. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, tell check-in you're cycling, walk aboard through the vehicle deck, and secure the bike where the crew directs. Charge an e-bike before leaving because charging aboard isn't allowed.

No. Nanaimo Harbour–Gabriola loads first come, first served. The schedule shows when the ferry leaves, not whether your car will fit. Check current conditions and leave room to miss one sailing when an appointment matters.

The terminal is downtown at 160 Front Street. When traffic reaches the ticket booth, drivers must join from the south along Front Street. BC Ferries doesn't allow entry from another street or cutting into line, so follow the signs even if your navigation app suggests a shortcut.

Yes, at Nanaimo Harbour. BC Ferries says vehicles with low hitches, long overhangs, receiver-mounted bike racks, or low or long trailers should avoid sailings when the tide is below 1.5 metres or above 3.7 metres. Check the tide station before bringing that kind of setup to the ramp.

Open the live route page for sailing status, vessel tracking, terminal notices and any deck-space estimate. Vehicles waiting outside the booth aren't included in that estimate. Use it as a warning signal, not a boarding promise, especially when the Front Street line is growing.