
Brentwood Bay Mill Bay Ferry
A charming, small ferry connecting Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, offering scenic views and a vital bypass for the Malahat Highway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend rush

Brentwood Bay Mill Bay Ferry
Best Time
Avoid weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, small ferry connecting Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, offering scenic views and a vital bypass for the Malahat Highway.
"A nice little ferry ride for locals and tourists alike, offering beautiful ocean views and a welcome alternative to the Malahat."

🚲 Bike to the Front
Cyclists get priority boarding! Breeze past car queues and enjoy the ride.
⏰ Plan for Queues
Especially on Fridays and holidays, expect significant car lines. Arrive early!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Ocean Views
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas and mountain backdrops during this short, picturesque ferry journey.

Orca Sightings
Keep an eye out for pods of orcas, a magical and unforgettable wildlife encounter during your crossing.

Malahat Bypass
A convenient and scenic alternative to driving the often-congested Malahat Highway 1.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Brentwood Bay Ferry
Ferry Logistics & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike to the Front
Cyclists get priority boarding! Breeze past car queues and enjoy the ride.
⏰ Plan for Queues
Especially on Fridays and holidays, expect significant car lines. Arrive early!
👀 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot orcas or other marine life during your crossing.
🏨 Nearby Amenities
No washrooms at the terminal, but the Brentwood Bay hotel pub is nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike to the Front
Cyclists get priority boarding! Breeze past car queues and enjoy the ride.
⏰ Plan for Queues
Especially on Fridays and holidays, expect significant car lines. Arrive early!
👀 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot orcas or other marine life during your crossing.
🏨 Nearby Amenities
No washrooms at the terminal, but the Brentwood Bay hotel pub is nearby.
✈️ Airport Access
A convenient route for accessing Victoria International Airport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay ferry for its scenic beauty and its role as a convenient bypass for the Malahat Highway. The friendly staff and the occasional thrill of spotting orcas are frequently mentioned highlights. However, the ferry's small capacity can lead to significant queues for vehicles during peak times, requiring advance planning.
"Very friendly staff. Nice little ferry ride for locals and tourists alike. Rare instances of seeing orcas. You go past the Malahat Skywalk which is a neat perspective."
Nadean F
"Brentwood Bay Ferry terminal is a busy location. To board you must line up on the main road. The ferry offers an alternative to driving over the Malahat, highway 1. The ferry is a mini sight see vacation of beautiful ocean views. If you're parked in the lineup on the Brentwood Bay side, and adjacent to the community mailboxes, you have a one sailing wait."
Donna
"Your standard small BCFerry terminal. No washrooms, but you can sneak into the Brentwood Bay hotel pub. This is a small capacity ferry, so plan ahead on busy times. Bicycles ride to the front of the line!"
Howie Outerbridge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Brentwood Bay ferry terminal is located on Vancouver Island. If you're driving from the south (e.g., Victoria), you'll typically take the ferry from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay. If coming from the north, you'd head towards Mill Bay. It's a popular alternative to the Malahat Highway.
Yes, the Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay ferry is a highly recommended way to bypass the often congested Malahat Highway 1, offering scenic views and a quicker journey for many.
The primary route from Brentwood Bay is to Mill Bay. This is a short, scenic crossing on Vancouver Island.
The ferry typically runs every hour, but it's a small capacity vessel, so planning ahead is crucial, especially during peak times.
Yes, the ferry accommodates vehicles, but it has a limited capacity of about 19 vehicles. Be prepared for potential waits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fares vary based on vehicle and passenger type. It's best to check the official BC Ferries website for current pricing. Payment is typically made before boarding.
For this smaller ferry, advance booking is generally not required or possible. However, arriving early is highly recommended, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
The terminal itself does not have washrooms. However, travelers can often use facilities at the nearby Brentwood Bay hotel pub.
The ferry operates on a regular schedule, typically hourly. It's advisable to check the BC Ferries schedule for specific times, as they can vary seasonally.
While specific pass details can change, it's always a good idea to check the BC Ferries website for any applicable discounts or passes that might cover this route.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry crossing is quite short and scenic, taking approximately 25 minutes to travel between Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay.
You'll enjoy beautiful ocean views, coastal landscapes, and potentially spot marine life like orcas. You'll also pass by the Malahat Skywalk for a unique perspective.
The ride is generally smooth, especially on calmer days. The short duration means any choppiness is usually brief.
This is a smaller ferry with a capacity of around 19 vehicles, which is why queues can form quickly on busy days.
The main activity is enjoying the scenic views and the fresh sea air. It's a short, functional crossing rather than a cruise.
📸 📸 Photography
The bow of the ferry offers unobstructed views, and the sides provide great vantage points for capturing the coastline and any wildlife.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive ocean views.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for dramatic coastal shots. Midday can be good for clear views of wildlife.
Generally, no. You're free to take photos of the scenery and surroundings. Be mindful of other passengers' privacy.
Absolutely! If you're lucky enough to see orcas, it's a prime opportunity for incredible wildlife photography. A telephoto lens can be helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long waits in the car. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities on the ferry are limited. The scenic views provide a great backdrop for photos, and the novelty of a ferry ride can be a highlight for younger travelers. It's also a convenient way to access areas near the Victoria International Airport for onward travel.
🚗 Road Trippers & Commuters
Key advice for road trippers: Be aware of the ferry's limited vehicle capacity. On busy days, expect queues and potential waits. Arriving early is crucial. For commuters, it's a reliable way to travel between the Cowichan Valley and the Saanich Peninsula, offering a pleasant start or end to the day with beautiful ocean views.
🚴♀️ Cyclists & Bikepackers
For bikepackers: This ferry is an excellent way to connect different regions of the island efficiently. The short, scenic ride is a pleasant part of any cycling adventure. Be ready to pay your fare as you board.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Brentwood Bay Ferry: A Traveler's Guide
Planning your trip is key due to the ferry's limited capacity. On weekends, holidays, and even Friday afternoons, car queues can become substantial, leading to a 'one sailing wait' or longer. Redditors advise that bicycles and foot passengers often get priority boarding, allowing them to bypass car lines and board quickly. If you're driving, arriving well in advance of your desired sailing is crucial. While the terminal itself is basic and lacks amenities like washrooms, the nearby Brentwood Bay hotel pub offers a place to wait or grab a refreshment.
The experience of the ferry ride itself is a highlight for many. It's a short, approximately 25-minute journey across the bay, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are rare but memorable instances of orca sightings, adding a touch of wild magic to the crossing. The ferry also provides a unique perspective of landmarks like the Malahat Skywalk. It's a simple, functional service that adds a pleasant interlude to any island journey.
Why Cyclists Love the Brentwood Bay Ferry
Beyond the practical benefits, the ferry ride itself is a delightful experience for cyclists. The short, scenic journey offers fresh sea air and beautiful views, making it a more enjoyable part of the cycling route. It allows riders to cover distance quickly and avoid the challenging inclines and traffic of the Malahat Highway. Many cyclists use this ferry as part of longer bike touring or bikepacking adventures across Vancouver Island.
Tips for cyclists include being prepared to pay your fare upon boarding and being aware of the ferry's capacity, though it's rarely an issue for bikes. The ease of access and the scenic nature of the crossing make it a highly recommended option for anyone exploring Vancouver Island on two wheels.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit