Riding BC Ferries: How to Get Your RV to Vancouver Island
If you’re wondering how to get your RV over to Vancouver Island, the answer is BC Ferries. Yes, you can haul your rig onto a ferry boat!
We drove our truck and fifth wheel trailer from Toronto, Ontario to Tofino, BC, and in order to get there we needed to ride the ferry to the island. While crossing the Strait of Georgia is a straightforward process, there are some important things to consider and plan for when doing so.
Read on for our tips and advice for smooth sailing (pun intended) with your RV.
How do I get my RV to Vancouver Island?
There is no bridge from the Canadian mainland to Vancouver Island, so you must use BC Ferries to get yourself and your RV to the island.
Can I take an RV on BC Ferries?
Yes! BC Ferries accepts all types of RVs and towable trailers. We brought our 28’ fifth wheel, towed by our GMC Sierra 2500, and there were many other RVs on the ferry with us.
Can I stay in my RV while on BC Ferries?
It depends on what deck you are loaded onto, and you don’t get to choose. Typically, large rigs are loaded onto the bottom deck where there is ample space to accommodate the height requirement.
However, this means that you must leave your vehicle behind and head to the upper deck. This is a Transport Canada rule for safety reasons.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?
Pets are welcome on BC Ferries. Pets can and – unless you bring them to the designated pet area, they must – stay in your vehicle or RV for the duration of the ferry ride. Pets are not allowed in any inside area unless you are using the designated pet stairwell to get to the outside pet area.
We left our pup, Stella, in her bed in the backseat of the truck while we went to the upper decks for some food, and she happily slept for the short trip. All decks of the ferry are climate controlled, so your pets are safe to remain inside your vehicle or RV.
How much does it cost to bring an RV on BC Ferries?
Okay, now brace yourself. It’s not cheap to get your RV over to Vancouver Island. Expect to spend about $300 CAD on a one way trip with your RV for two adults. The price varies depending on length; this was the cost for a truck and average sized fifth wheel.
More people than that and the fare goes up an additional $20 per adult, and $10 per child. Infants and toddlers under 6 are free.
Take advantage of Saver Fares. Select sailings are eligible for a discounted fare which can often save you over $100. It pays to be flexible! You must book ahead to get this discount, though we highly recommend you do that anyway.
You can check BC Ferries fare calculator before you book.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to the Island?
The ride from Vancouver to the Island takes about 1 hour 40 minutes for either route. You will need to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes ahead of departure time (60 minutes is our recommendation to ensure you don’t have to wait for the next sailing).
Do I have to book ahead?
We highly recommend that you do. There is only so much space for oversized vehicles on BC Ferries, and you will want to reserve that space for you and your rig.
Sailing without a reservation often results in additional wait time at the ferry terminal. If you opt not to book ahead, show up much earlier than your intended sailing time.
What is there to do on BC Ferries?
There are lots of things to do to occupy your time during your trip from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island.
There are many seated viewing areas on the inside decks, as well as outdoor viewing decks that wrap around the ferry. We highly recommend spending your time outside with the spectacular view of the mountains!
There is a full service cafeteria on board with food served dependent on time of sailing (i.e. Breakfast is served on morning trips). There is also plenty of prepared foods, desserts, and beverages available for purchase.
There is a gift shop on board and a section full of travel and tourism brochures. Get a head start on planning what you’ll do on the Island!
There is also a small kids area for little ones to play.
Getting our RV to Vancouver Island
There are two main options to get from the Canadian mainland over to Vancouver Island. The Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in Northwest Vancouver will take you to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), or the Tsawwassen ferry terminal in South Vancouver can take you to Nanaimo or Victoria (Swartz Bay).
Arriving at Vancouver Ferry Terminal
When taking our RV to Vancouver Island, our destination was Victoria but the only availability was from North Vancouver over to Nanaimo (believe us when we say to book early!).
BC Ferries recommends arriving 30-60 minutes before your sailing time to ensure you make it on the boat.
This was our first time to Vancouver Island. We had started our journey about a month prior in Ontario, so we very excitedly rolled up to the ticket booth at the terminal.
The woman at the ticket booth took our reservation info. She then stepped out of the booth and measured the total length of our truck and fifth wheel, to ensure it matched the length we listed it as when we booked our ticket. Your fare varies depending on length, so it’s important to get this right.
She confirmed that our propane tanks were either empty or turned off, and guided us into our lane.
Sailing to Vancouver Island
We were very lucky to be the very first ones to drive onto the ferry! It was a neat perspective to drive on before anyone else.
We were guided onto the ferry on the lower deck. We parked as others were loaded on around us, made sure Stella was settled in for a nap, and then headed upstairs for breakfast.
The line up during mealtime sailings can get pretty long, but it moved quickly. There is ample cafe seating, so we had no trouble finding somewhere to sit. We enjoyed their classic breakfast, and then wanted to check out the view outside.
Watching the mountains surrounding Vancouver fall away into the sea was incredible, as was seeing the approaching coast of the Island, with lush green snow capped mountains greeting us as we got closer. Make sure you spend some time outside during your journey, even in the rain!
Arriving in Nanaimo
An announcement comes overhead when we are 10 minutes out from Nanaimo. We made our way down to the lower deck and located the truck, with Stella still snoozing happily inside.
The beauty of being the first people on, means we are the first people off! As we docked, the doors were opened and we headed onto the pier. We were on the island and so excited to explore.
Vancouver Island is Worth Putting on Your Bucket List
Overall, getting us and our RV to Vancouver Island was a smooth, easy experience. Many folks spend the winter there as it is one of the only places in Canada mild enough to live in an RV without having to take extreme measures to stay warm.
BC Ferries has plenty of experience moving RVs to and from the Island, and it should never deter you from exploring the absolute beauty of its glaciers, mountains, and Canada’s temperate rainforest.
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