The short answer
Taking an RV on a BC Ferry is straightforward once you know three things: fares are based on length and height, you should reserve, and your propane has to be off before you board.
Check current fares and rules. BC Ferries changes fares, fuel surcharges, and policies, and sailings can be cancelled. Use the fare calculator for a current quote.
How fares work for RVs
- Length. The standard vehicle fare covers up to 20 feet. Above 20 feet, an extra rate applies for each foot.
- Height. Vehicles over 7 feet tall are booked in a separate height category and pay a higher fare. Most RVs are over. BC Ferries sometimes runs promotions for over-height vehicles on less busy sailings.
- Towing. Your total length counts, so a truck and a trailer are measured together, and so is anything that sticks out, like a bike rack or cargo carrier.
- Passengers are charged separately, and taxes and a fuel surcharge are added.
A long rig can cost a lot more than a car on the same sailing. The cost is one reason some island residents use other routes. Use the fare calculator to get real numbers before you choose a route and date.
Booking a reservation
Reservations are the safest choice for an RV, particularly in summer. Ferries are busiest from Thursday afternoon to Sunday and on statutory holidays, and large vehicles take more deck space than cars. Without a reservation you can end up waiting for a later sailing.
- Measure your rig carefully, and then add a little for things you may have forgotten.
- If your booked height is different at check-in, the booking is not honoured. If the length is more than 5 feet off, it is not honoured either.
- Different fare types, such as reservation-only, prepaid, and saver fares, have different change and cancellation rules and fees. Read them before you book.
- BC Ferries sometimes runs promotions for over-height or oversize vehicles. Check the promotions page.
Propane and the fridge
BC Ferries requires all propane tanks to be closed and tagged before boarding. An RV can carry up to two cylinders, each no larger than 46 litres and no more than 65 litres combined, plus one barbecue-size cylinder of 18.9 litres or less, all upright and secured. With the valves closed a propane fridge cannot run, so switch it to electric or off beforehand. You may be asked to do this at short notice, so know where every valve is and practise. See our propane rules guide for more.
On the day
- Arrive at the time your booking asks for, since late arrivals can lose their spot
- Propane off, fridge off, and valves closed
- Secure loose items, slide-outs in, antenna down, and awning stowed
- Fold in side mirrors if the deckhands ask
- Follow the deckhands' directions in tight lanes and stay in your assigned lane
- Have your reservation and ID ready
- Expect to leave the vehicle during the crossing, since you cannot stay on the car deck
Choosing a route
- Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay lands near Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula.
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point lands near Nanaimo, and suits trips to central Vancouver Island.
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay also lands in Nanaimo, and is convenient from West Vancouver, the North Shore, and the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Traffic on the approach roads and terminal waits can be long in summer. Check DriveBC and the schedule, and leave extra time for the terminal.
Vancouver Island driving and camping
- Parksville and Qualicum have beaches and campgrounds. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a popular choice on the east coast.
- Victoria area. Goldstream Provincial Park is near the city, and there are private RV parks in the area.
- Tofino and Ucluelet. Highway 4 crosses the island with steep, winding sections. Check the road advice for long rigs and trailers before you go.
- Book early. BC Parks reservations generally open several months ahead, and summer campgrounds fill fast.
- Return ferry. Book your return sailing at the same time as your outbound trip, since it is the more stressful one if you are stuck.
Tips that save money and stress
- Travel mid-week or off-peak if you can, because sailings are less full and sometimes cheaper.
- Take the shortest rig you can. If you can leave a tow vehicle or trailer behind, compare the cost, or consider renting on the island.
- Keep a printed or saved copy of your booking in case your phone fails.
- Check the service alerts on the morning of your sailing.
More route guides: Vancouver to Tofino by RV, Vancouver to Calgary by RV, Calgary to Vancouver by RV, Vancouver to Whistler to Kamloops by RV and Vancouver to Kelowna by RV.
Frequently asked questions
Do RVs pay extra on BC Ferries?
Yes, in two ways. The standard fare covers up to 20 feet, and each foot beyond that is charged at an extra rate. Vehicles taller than 7 feet also pay a higher fare. Use the BC Ferries fare calculator for current prices.
Do I need a reservation?
Not always, but for an RV it is wise, especially for summer and holiday weekends. Ferries are busiest from Thursday afternoon through Sunday and on statutory holidays.
What if my RV is a different size than I booked?
BC Ferries says your booking will not be honoured if your vehicle height differs from what you booked, or if the length differs by more than 5 feet. Measure carefully, including bike racks and ladders.
What do I do with my propane?
Close it. BC Ferries requires all propane tanks to be closed and tagged before boarding, and limits an RV to two cylinders (each up to 46 litres, 65 litres combined). A propane fridge cannot run with the valve closed, so switch it to electric or off.
Which routes take RVs from the mainland?
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria), Tsawwassen to Duke Point (near Nanaimo), and Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) are the main mainland to Vancouver Island crossings.
Official sources
Rules, fees, and services change. Check these directly before you travel.