Port McNeill ↔ Alert Bay

Give yourself 20 to 30 minutes on a quiet trip and more when missing the sailing would unravel the day. Both terminals load by order of arrival, and check-in closes five minutes before departure for vehicles and foot passengers. That is a hard cutoff, not a sensible arrival target.

The current fare guide marks the Port McNeill–Alert Bay–Sointula route as a return fare, so the fare collected for the trip covers the return journey. Check the live calculator before travel; island-route prices do change. BC Ferries lists cash, debit, major credit cards and the Experience Card at terminals.

Port McNeill lists limited paid parking nearby. Alert Bay lists no parking at the terminal. On Cormorant Island, arrange a drop-off or onward plan instead of circling the ferry ramp. For a walk-on trip, Port McNeill is the workable place to leave a car, provided a space is actually open.

Yes, bring the bike. Your bicycle travels free with the passenger fare. E-bike charging isn't allowed aboard, so charge before reaching the north-island terminal. BC Ferries asks cyclists to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, check in with the agent, walk the bike aboard and secure it where crew direct.

No. Cars board in arrival order, and a ticket gets you into the queue rather than saving space on one sailing. Check conditions before leaving. For an event or holiday weekend, show up early enough that missing this boat won't wreck the day.

No. Don't assume every boat calls at both islands in the same order; read that day's itinerary before building a connection. Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Sointula share one operating loop, but the useful connection for your trip is the terminal pair and time printed in the current schedule.

Port McNeill lists BC Transit, the Vancouver Island Connector and a local taxi. Walking on is easy enough at the ramp; getting to Port McNeill and around Cormorant Island is the part to solve before sailing, especially with luggage. Alert Bay lists no public transportation.

Expect a comfortable little ferry, not a floating restaurant. Island Aurora has a passenger lounge, heated solarium, outer deck, vending machines, pet area, accessible washrooms and a stair lift. Bring the snack you actually want, then head outside for the view.