Construction updates to Vancouvers Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal are included in this article. New loading procedures in effect for the Horseshoe Bay Ferry to Snug Cove (Bowen Island).

Alternative Pages to Consider:

Bowen Island (Snug Cove) to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay)

Current Schedule To Bowen Island Ferry Times

This is active and correct between May 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026

5:45am
6:50am
8:05am
9:20am *Except Wednesday – Dangerous Goods Sailing Only
10:35am
11:55am
1:10pm
2:35pm
3:55pm
5:20pm
6:35pm
7:50pm
8:55pm *Except Saturday – Crew Training. Vessel is in Snug Cove.
10:00pm
11:00pm

Where is the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

Horseshoe Bay is West of Vancouver and west of West Vancouver. Head west on Highway two out of Vancouver, and you’ll see green signs for Horseshoe Bay, and blue signs for the ferry. Follow the blue signs for the Bowen Island Ferry.

Snug Cove = Bowen Island & Horseshoe Bay = West Vancouver.

Construction is happening at Horseshoe Bay

The upgrades to the Horseshoe Bay terminal will take several years to complete. Construction began in fall 2025, with major changes and construction phases expected to extend into 2030 and beyond. During this time, vehicle space at the terminal will remain reduced, and various infrastructure improvements—including the relocation of the control tower and the removal of elevated structures—will be carried out. BC Ferries refers to this as a multi-year project designed to support long-term growth and reliability for the terminal

Do not go under the tower midway down the ramp. The main area is under construction. — The old area for lining up for the ferry is no longer active, and not open to public.

Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal Map. You'll see the massive construction zone going on the right side of the map. This is why we are lining up in lane 2 for the Bowen Island Ferry. — The current Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal Map.

Driving up for the Bowen Island Ferry – New Procedure

a truck is in line for the bowen island ticket window to purchase a ticket from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island. — Lane 8 is the area you purchase your ferry ticket for a vehicle from Vancouver to Bowen Island

After you buy your ticket at the ticketing booth, proceed down lane 2 and wait.

How to get to bowen island by car, signs overhead at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal — Line up in lane 2. The signs are a bit misleading, but check when you purchase a ticket/ confirm it’s lane 2 that you wait in.

For Oversize Vehicles; you go down lane 1.

That’s it. It’s a much more simplified loading procedure than before.

How much is the ferry to Bowen Island?

Remember; coming back from Bowen Island is free & you do not need to keep your ticket once you’ve crossed.

With an experience card; it’s $7.25 for a 12year or older, otherwise it’s $11.95.

Passenger (Foot or Vehicle)

12 Years or Older = $11.95
5-11 Years Old = $6.00
Under 5 years old = free (Must still be declared)

Standard Vehicle

Vehicles excludes drivers & Passengers

Up to 20′ = $34.20
Extra Length over 20′ = $3.45/foot
Motorcycle = $17.10
Bus over 16passengers = $2.90/foot
Commercial over 5,500kg = $3.50/foot

Savings with BC Ferries Experience Card

12 years or older = save $4.70
5 – 11 years = save $2.35
Standard vehicle = save $12.05
Motorcycle = save $6.05

How to purchase an Experience card?

You must purchase an experience card from Terminal Staff at either the drive through or at the walk up counter. The pre-load amount will change if you are walking up or driving up (with driving up being more must be loaded at once).

We recommend this to all visitors planning on coming back or travelling on more ferries.

The experience card can be used to pay for many routes, but there are only discounts on smaller sailings like Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, or Horsehoe Bay to Bowen Island.

Visitor Clicks on the "Experience Card" option at a self serve terminal at BC Ferries. — While you must purchase an experience card from terminal staff; once you have one it is an option to pay at the self serve terminals when walking up to the ferry.

Walking on at Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Bowen Island

You can self serve on the right; or visit a terminal worker on the left.

After arriving before the ferry cutoff time, 10minutes before the sailing is set to go, you can either self serve or talk to ferry cashiers on the left. If you need an elevator, one is available behind the escalator inside.

For wheel chair service, they have a porter service that will get you to your ferry, BUT, keep in mind this option may take significantly longer than the roll from the elevator to your boarding gate. To get started talk with ferry staff on the left or customer service on the left behind the ticket booth.

Elevator to the walk way ramp after paying for your ticket.

The Bowen Island Ferry often leaves from Waiting Room A, but this may change for evening sailings.

Where are the washrooms at Horseshoe Bay Terminal?

Horseshoe Bay Terminal washrooms are in the waiting rooms, about a 7-10 minute walk down the ramp from the ticket window. For closer washrooms, there are some in the park left of the ferry terminal a 2-5 minute walk.

How Long is the ferry from Vancouver to Bowen Island?

The ferry from Vancouver to Bowen Island, specifically from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove on Bowen Island, takes about 20 minutes. This ferry ride covers a distance of approximately 3 nautical miles, and there are hourly sailings operated by BC Ferries on this route. The journey offers scenic views of Howe Sound and the North Shore mountains, making it a pleasant short trip.

Conclusion

If you need any more clarity, or information, email us at rentals@bowenebikes.ca and I’ll be sure to update this article.

You might also be interested in How to Leave Bowen Island once you’ve visited.