British Columbia · BC Ferries
Prince Rupert ↔ Skidegate (Graham Island)
Timing, tickets, parking, bikes, and the details that matter before you board.
See live departures →Photo: Extemporalist
Photo details: Northern Adventure at the Prince Rupert ferry terminal.Original ↗ · CC0 1.0 ↗Changes: Resized for web.Commuter guide
Questions riders ask before this trip
Prince Rupert–Skidegate is the threshold to Haida Gwaii, and it deserves more thought than an ordinary ferry commute. Book early, protect the terminal cutoffs and decide whether a cabin makes sense for your departure. Once aboard, the long open-water crossing becomes part of the trip rather than dead time.
How early should I arrive for Prince Rupert–Skidegate?
Booked travellers should arrive 90 to 120 minutes before departure at both terminals and complete check-in at least 90 minutes before sailing. Check-in opens 120 minutes ahead. Treat that as a firm part of the itinerary, especially when a long drive, hotel checkout or island pickup comes first.
Source: Official Prince Rupert check-in details ↗Source: Official Skidegate check-in details ↗How do I pay for Prince Rupert–Skidegate, and is the return included?
This route is priced one way, so budget separately for the return. Book and prepay when you reserve; BC Ferries strongly recommends reservations. The current fare guide lists Visa, Mastercard and American Express for terminal and online payment on this northern route. Check its effective date before travel.
Source: Official BC Ferries fare guide ↗Can I park at Prince Rupert or Skidegate and walk on?
Prince Rupert offers limited paid foot-passenger parking from October through May. Skidegate has limited paid parking at $2 per day or $10 per week, with a one-week maximum; vehicles left longer may be towed. Follow the current signs and keep a backup because neither lot is unlimited.
Source: Official Prince Rupert parking details ↗Source: Official Skidegate parking details ↗Can I bring a bicycle to Haida Gwaii on the ferry?
Yes. Bicycles travel free with the passenger fare. Tell the agent at check-in, walk the bike aboard when directed and secure it on the vehicle deck. Pack lights and repair supplies, and settle your island route and accommodation before trusting the bike as your only onward plan.
Source: Official BC Ferries bicycle guidance ↗Should I book a cabin for Prince Rupert–Skidegate?
A cabin is optional, but it can be valuable on an overnight or late sailing. The fare guide lists cabin options on this route; availability and vessel assignments vary. Check the actual departure, reserve early if sleep matters and do not assume you can add a berth at check-in.
Source: Official BC Ferries fare guide ↗Is food available during the Haida Gwaii crossing?
Food depends on the assigned vessel. BC Ferries' North Coast options include Coastal Cafe and Canoe Cafe, but the setup is not identical on every ferry or sailing. Check the actual vessel and amenities for your departure, and carry water plus a backup meal, especially for an overnight crossing.
Source: Official North Coast onboard dining overview ↗Is this usually a day crossing or an overnight ferry?
It can be either. Departure times and elapsed journeys change across the seasonal schedule, so inspect the exact sailing rather than planning from a traveller's old report. Match your hotel, cabin and island pickup to the published arrival time, then recheck close to travel.
Source: Official Prince Rupert–Skidegate schedule ↗How do I continue from Skidegate without a car?
BC Ferries lists Eagle Transit and Gwaii Taxi at Skidegate. That is a starting point, not a promise that a vehicle meets every ferry. Confirm current service or pre-arrange your ride, especially for a late arrival. The terminal has a waiting room, Wi-Fi and baggage service while you wait.
Source: Official Skidegate transportation details ↗