The way across is the BC Ferries sailing from Port McNeill to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Check the BC Ferries schedule for the day you travel, because sailings are limited and the timetable changes by season.
How the Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Sointula route works
BC Ferries runs a circular route linking Port McNeill on Vancouver Island, Alert Bay on Cormorant Island and Sointula on Malcolm Island. The Port McNeill to Alert Bay leg is 7.5 nautical miles and takes about 45 minutes. Alert Bay to Sointula takes about 35 minutes, and Sointula to Port McNeill about 25.
Because the route is a loop, check the schedule for your date and confirm that the sailing you pick goes from Port McNeill to Alert Bay in the way you expect, before you plan around a departure time.
Cutoffs at the terminal
Ticket sales and loading end 3 minutes before the scheduled departure for vehicles and 5 minutes before for walk on passengers. Arriving well ahead of those times is sensible, particularly if you are driving on.
- Look up the sailing on the BC Ferries site before you set out.
- Fares, reservation options and vehicle rates are listed there too.
- Watch for service notices if the weather is poor.
Getting to Port McNeill and moving around on Cormorant Island
Port McNeill is on the north end of Vancouver Island, a long way from the main population centres. Driving is the usual way to reach it, so give yourself a generous margin on the day of your sailing, and plan fuel and rest stops with that in mind. If you arrive by another route, check intercity bus options with the operators directly, as services in the north island change.
Alert Bay is a small community and many visitors explore it on foot after leaving the dock. If you need a ride on either side of the crossing, ask a local taxi company ahead of time, since the north island is a small market. The Campbell River taxi page covers the nearest larger centre on the island.
Sailings can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather, so keep your plans flexible if you have a connection or a booking waiting on the other side.