Travel advisory: Multiple advisories in effect⁠. Check before you travel.

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  1. All Routes Status - View details
  2. Cancelled Sailings - Northern Adventure - Prince Rupert - Skidegate - April 24-29, 2022 - View details
  3. Temporary Langdale Terminal Berth Closure for Maintenance April 25 - 28, 2022 - View details
  4. Alternate Service - Northern Sea Wolf Refit - April 4 - May 18, 2022 - View details
  5. Service Adjustments - Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay - Langdale & Earls Cove to Saltery Bay - January 28 - June 22 2022 - View details
  6. Parkade Closure - Horseshoe Bay Terminal - View details
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Important: Livestock bookings are only allowed one-way. If you need to make a return booking, book two one-way sailings.
 

Livestock defined

Livestock includes large animals such as: cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, mules, donkeys, game animals, llamas and alpacas. This definition also includes commercial quantities of live fish, shellfish, rabbits, rodents, birds of prey and poultry such as chickens, chicks, geese and turkeys. Commercial quantities of honey bees being transported to/from Vancouver Island are also defined as livestock and require advance prearrangements.  

Household pets such as cats, dogs, parrots and other birds, mice, rats, gerbils, rabbits and fish, are not considered livestock.

Livestock can only be transported if it is travelling in a vehicle.

Important boarding and vehicle information

  • Livestock bookings are guaranteed a maximum of one-sailing wait even during popular sailings times
  • Your booking will only be valid for the specific sailing you chose, and the size of vehicle you added to the booking
  • If your actual vehicle length differs by more than 5 ft. (1.5 m) from the length provided in your booking, your booking will not be honoured
  • Foot passengers and motorcyclists are not allowed to travel with livestock
  • If you travel without a booking, you will be loaded on the next available sailing based on deck space availability

It’s easy to book livestock travel on our website. After you’ve entered your vehicle details on the booking screen, select the option to add livestock to your booking. Book now.

More livestock information

Drop sheets
All vehicles carrying poultry and any non-self-contained livestock vehicles are required to spread drop sheets around the vehicle, both at the terminal and on board the ferry. If weather conditions make it difficult to put down drop sheets, please ask for assistance when you arrive at the terminal.
Livestock medical emergencies
If you have sick or injured animals requiring transportation from Vancouver Island to the mainland due to a medical emergency, you and your animal/s will be given priority loading on the next available sailing whether you have a booking or not.

Advise the ticket agent on arrival, or call 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) in advance. You will be required to produce verification as to the nature of the medical emergency from an appropriate medical authority at the terminal, i.e. a veterinarian.
Livestock shelter
To limit exposure to the sun or wind, some terminals have sheltered areas near the vehicle lanes that you can use while waiting to board the ferry. Ask the ticket agent when you arrive at the terminal to see if there is shelter space available.

Important: Some terminals have limited shaded areas or wind protection.
Livestock transport limitations on North Coast routes
Due to the length of sailings between Port Hardy (Bear Cove) and Prince Rupert, the only livestock that can be transported on these sailings is live fish.
Refrigerated vehicles

If you need to keep your vehicle powered during a sailing, the following ferries are equipped with (limited) electrical outlets:

Southern routes:

Northern routes (tie-downs also available):
  To request access to an electrical outlet on board these ferries, advise the ticket agent on arrival at the ticket booth.
Travelling with your pet on the ferry

Pets

Your small pets, including dogs, cats, birds and more, are welcome on our ferries and ride for free.

Find out more 
Driving your vehicle on board BC Ferries

Driving on board

What you need to know about travelling on our ferries with a vehicle.

Find out more 
Travelling with Dangerous Goods on BC Ferries

Dangerous goods

See what goods are classified as dangerous, and learn how to declare them before you travel.

Find out more 
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