BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Bay Ferries, Northumberland Ferries, and more.
Reaching Vancouver Island means crossing on BC Ferries, one of the world's largest ferry operators. Three key routes serve RV travellers, with reservations strongly recommended in summer.
The busiest route — serves Victoria and the south island. Year-round, frequent sailings. Book vehicle reservations at bcferries.com — essential in July and August.
Serves Nanaimo and central/north island; used heavily by commercial trucks.
Ideal for RVers approaching from North Shore or Whistler corridor. Connects to Nanaimo and the central island. Also serves Bowen Island and Sunshine Coast routes.
The primary Newfoundland ferry route — operating year-round. A 6-7 hour crossing on the Cabot Strait. The most practical option for travellers arriving from the Maritimes or coming from the US/Ontario through Nova Scotia. Federal fare reductions in August 2025 cut passenger and vehicle fares roughly in half — reaching Newfoundland by RV is now significantly cheaper.
The overnight ferry to the Avalon Peninsula — arriving near St. John's. 14-17 hours with cabin accommodations available. Book as early as possible for July and August. Cabins and meals are available onboard. Runs mid-June to early October (2026: June 19 to October 3).
BC's busiest ferry route — the main connection between Metro Vancouver and Victoria. 95-minute crossing. For RV travellers heading to Vancouver Island for Tofino, Pacific Rim, and the north island. Essential to reserve in advance for summer sailings; reservations open well in advance — book as soon as your dates are firm at bcferries.com. Departs from Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, or Horseshoe Bay (alternate route via Nanaimo).
Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): 1 hour 40 minutes. Also connects to Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast (Langdale). Popular with RVers heading to Campbell River and the north island.
International passenger and vehicle ferry connecting Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine. Seasonal service (May–October). 3.5-hour crossing. Vehicle reservations are required. 2026 season: May 14 to October 14; service beyond 2026 depends on a new provincial contract.
The 12.9 km Confederation Bridge is the primary year-round link between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island — and for most RV travellers, the fastest and most practical way to reach PEI.
All Canadian ferry operators categorize vehicles by length — so knowing your exact overall length is essential. For a motorhome, this is the total length of the vehicle. For a trailer combination, this is the combined length of the tow vehicle plus trailer with any hitch tongue included.
Factor ferry crossing times into your daily driving calculations. A BC Ferries crossing adds 2+ hours (including loading, crossing, and unloading time) to any Vancouver Island trip. A Marine Atlantic crossing adds half a day or a full day to your Newfoundland arrival. Build buffer time — weather delays, mechanical issues, and high-demand sailings can push departure times back.