FAQ | 1-877-334-946-5977
Plan Your Trip
When getting here is half the fun!
To discover Alert Bay and Cormorant Island’s rich blend of natural beauty, Indigenous culture and coastal wildlife you can:
Drive onto the local BC Ferry and take the short but scenic trip from Port McNeill to Alert Bay
Fly in on the 900 meter paved airstrip
Moor at the well protected Small Craft Boat Harbour
Anchor out in the Bay
Traveling by car?
Once you’ve arrived at the Port McNeill Ferry Terminal, BC Ferries will deliver you to Alert Bay. The Seine Boat Inn is only a short 3 minute walk from the dock.​
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Our ferry accommodates both foot and vehicle passengers. Everything in Alert Bay is within walking distance so some guests choose to leave their vehicle in the Port McNeill paid parking lot. If you decide to bring your car to Alert Bay, we have a small parking lot across the street that you are welcome to use. Please keep in mind that spaces are limited.
Getting Here​
​Most guests travel to Alert Bay via BC Ferries. The ferry departs for Alert Bay from the Port McNeill Ferry Terminal.
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Sailing time is approximately 40 minutes
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This ferry is a non-reservable route
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The ferry accommodates both foot passengers and vehicle passengers
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Your ferry ticket includes round trip fare. As such, no tickets are required to travel back to Port McNeill from Alert Bay
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The Seine Boat Inn is a short 3-minute walk from the Alert Bay ferry terminal
Ferry Schedule
Port McNeill to Alert Bay
​8:25am or 8:40am (Mon & Thurs)
11:20am
2:20pm
5:10pm
8:20pm
10:35pm
Alert Bay to Port McNeill
6:20am
9:15am or 9:25am (Mon & Thurs)
12:15pm
3:15pm
6:05pm
9:15pm
Note: On Sunday mornings the ferry will depart Alert Bay at 6:20am and travel to Sointula first. It will depart Sointula at 7:00am for Port McNeill
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Please check with BC ferries for a list of scheduled dangerous cargo sailings. No passengers are permitted onboard these scheduled sailings.
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You can check the current sailing status of our ferry here
Port McNeill - Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) Status | BC Ferries
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Save on BC Ferries
If your travel plans involve taking more than one smaller ferry route, it would be to your benefit to purchase a BC Ferries Experience Card. You can also use it on the big runs(to and from the mainland), but with no savings.
On the smaller routes, such as ours, it can be a great way to save on cost
http://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/cards/experience-card.html
Road Conditions:
In summer, roads are generally clear, but wildlife crossings and ferry wait times should be considered when planning travel. In winter, travellers may encounter snow, ice, and slippery sections. During heavy rainfall, roads can become slick, and visibility may be reduced. For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit DriveBC for real-time updates, webcams, and alerts. BC Ferries schedules and advisories can be checked at BC Ferries. Weather conditions that may impact driving can be found on Environment Canada. Safe travels!
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Weather Reports:
Weather conditions in Alert Bay, BC, can change quickly throughout the year. Winters are typically cool and wet, with rain, wind, and occasional snowfall, making road conditions slippery. Spring and fall bring variable weather, including rain and fog, which can impact visibility. Summers are mild and pleasant, though coastal breezes and occasional storms can occur. Travelers should always check the latest weather forecasts before their trip. For up-to-date weather conditions, visit Environment Canada for forecasts and alerts. Marine weather updates, including wind and tide conditions, can be found on Canadian Coast Guard Marine Weather.
