British Columbia · BC Ferries
Buckley Bay (Vancouver Island) ↔ Denman Island (West)
Timing, tickets, parking, bikes, and the details that matter before you board.
See live departures →Photo: Snowy Ferries
Photo details: The Baynes Sound Connector at Buckley Bay, ready for the short pull to Denman.Original ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Changes: Resized for web.Commuter guide
Questions riders ask before this trip
The Baynes Sound Connector is a short, unreserved cable-ferry hop to Denman. The ride is easy. Parking takes forethought, and anyone continuing to Hornby still has to cross Denman for a second ferry.
How early should I arrive for Buckley Bay–Denman Island?
Both terminals load in order of arrival, with ticket sales and check-in closing three minutes before departure. Don't aim for that cutoff. Cars can miss a full deck, and the route may switch from printed times to shuttle service when demand peaks.
Source: Official Buckley Bay terminal guidance ↗Source: Official Denman West terminal guidance ↗How do I pay for the Buckley Bay–Denman ferry?
Pay on the charged leg and that fare covers the return. Staffed booths accept debit, major credit cards, mobile wallets, cash and the Experience Card. Check the current fare guide before travelling because prices and card discounts can change.
Source: Official BC Ferries fare guide ↗Can I park and walk on at Buckley Bay or Denman West?
Buckley Bay has no terminal parking. Denman West has nine free spaces with a 48-hour limit and no public transportation. You can walk on, but don't arrive expecting to stash a car somewhere. Arrange a lift or confirm a legal option before you leave.
Source: Official Buckley Bay and Denman West parking details ↗Source: Official Buckley Bay parking details ↗Can I take a bicycle on Buckley Bay–Denman Island?
Yes. Pay the passenger fare and the bicycle rides free. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, tell the agent you have a bike, walk aboard through the vehicle deck, and secure it as directed. Denman West has a rack, but you'll need your own lock.
Source: Official BC Ferries bicycle guidance ↗Can I reserve the Baynes Sound Connector?
No. Vehicles and walk-ons load first come, first served, and a busy queue can fill the next deck. The route may also switch from printed times to continuous shuttle service. Check current conditions instead of relying on a saved timetable.
Source: Official Denman West boarding and shuttle guidance ↗How does this route connect to Hornby Island?
This ferry lands at Denman West, not Hornby. Drive about 15 minutes across Denman to Gravelly Bay, then join a separate queue for Shingle Spit. There is no public transport at Denman West, so walk-ons need an onward ride arranged before leaving Buckley Bay.
Source: Official Buckley Bay Hornby connection guidance ↗Is every listed sailing open to ordinary passengers?
No. The live board may show a dangerous-goods-only sailing that doesn't carry ordinary passengers. Read the note beside each departure. Missing that label can wreck a two-ferry Hornby connection.
Source: Official Buckley Bay–Denman current conditions ↗What makes this ferry different from a normal vessel?
It's BC Ferries' only cable ferry, running on a cable more than two kilometres long. Your job is simple: stay in marked areas, follow the crew, and check the route page when weather or an operational notice changes the shuttle pattern.
Source: Official Baynes Sound Connector vessel profile ↗