Taking Your RV on a Ferry

Planning to take your RV on a ferry in Canada this summer? You will find plenty of choices, including:

• • • • BC Ferries in the west.
      • Northwest Territories ferries on the Dempster Highway.
      • Owen Sound Transportation Company in Ontario.
      • Société des traversiers du Quebec in Québec.
      • Marine Atlantic Ferries between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

  Canada has a unique place in the history of motor vehicle ferries. The Motor Princess, the first purpose-built RO-RO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) for motor vehicles in North America was launched 102 years ago, carrying vehicles between the BC mainland and Vancouver Island.

  We’ve had the opportunity to take our RV on five different ferry systems in Canada:

  • • • Across the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers in the Arctic.
      • Through the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert BC to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island.
      • From Sidney BC to Vancouver BC.
      • From Manitoulin Island to Tobermory ON.
      • From Matane QC to Baie-Comeau QC.

  Each one of these ferry trips was unique, delightful, and showcased the breadth and diversity of Canada.

  Here are a few tips that have helped make our ferry travelling so enjoyable and may also help you with your planning:

  

  Crossing the Peel River, NWT

  Do your research when booking a ferry for your RV

  Check out the websites for the ferry operators and familiarize yourself with their rules and regulations about RVs, including:

  • • • limits to height and weight,
      • restrictions on generators, propane tanks, and fuel cans.

  Due to restrictions by BC Ferries on the number of extra fuel cans allowed, we emptied the contents into our tank a day or two before boarding – and gave the two (now empty) jerry cans to a fellow RVer in Prince Rupert.

  Know your RV’s configuration

  Be ready to provide the ferry operator with the details of your RV’s:

  • • • length,
      • width,
      • height,
      • size of propane tank,
      • type of refrigerator (residential or propane),
      • and type of RV (e.g., Class A, B, C, or trailer, etc.)

  Although our Class C is 24 feet long, we reported 27 feet because of our basket attached to our rear bumper. The fees charged by the ferry carrier are based on your RV’s configuration and they will conduct an in-person validation of your RV’s specifications, to ensure safe loading of the ferry.

  Practise turning off your propane tanks and your propane fridge

  Know how to turn your propane tanks and propane fridge on and off, quickly, and comfortably. It is essential for a smooth pre-boarding experience. We found we needed to be ready to do this at a moment’s notice at one ferry loading, nearly an hour before we boarded.

  Follow the directions of the deckhands when you drive on off the ferry

  Stick to your assigned lanes and bring in your side mirrors if asked. Maneuvering within the ferry’s tight quarters requires patience and attention to the directions of the deckhands. In some cases, the deck crew may decide to chock your wheels for safety during transit.

  

  Book your RV spot on the ferry in Advance!

  RV spaces on ferries can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

  Book amenities for the ride

  If your spending plan allows cabins and reserved seating in the lounges can be booked ahead, for a fee.

  For the 15-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy, we booked an outside cabin as well as seating in the Aurora Lounge. The cabin was well equipped with bedding and a bathroom with a shower. Priceless!

  

  Allow plenty of time to get to the ferry terminal

  Many ferry carriers will let you stay overnight in their parking lots, some for a minimal fee and some at no charge.

  This is especially valuable if you have an early morning sailing. We would recommend an easy travel day the day before your ferry trip, to accommodate any last-minute delays and enable you to arrive at the terminal as relaxed as possible, ready to enjoy the experience!

  Be prepared for potential delays

  Ferries can be subject to weather delays, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Allow for flexibility in your schedule and plan for an easy travel day after you have off boarded the ferry. After the long ferry ride from Prince Rupert, we were happy pulling into a nearby RV park in Port Hardy, one that accommodated after-dark ferry arrivals.

  Pack a day-pack for your time on the ferry

  For safety reasons, most ferry carriers will not allow you to stay in your RV during the trip. They will, however, allow you to go below periodically to check your pets or retrieve belongings.

  Pack a day pack for the things you will want to use during your time onboard like:

  • • ✓ medications
    • ✓ toiletries
    • ✓ reading materials
    • ✓ phone chargers
      ✓ water and snacks

Plan for your pets

Check with the ferry carrier in advance about travelling with your cat or dog. Some carriers provide a kennel-boarding space below deck for animals that would be comfortable doing so. Regardless, regular “pet breaks” are provided by the carrier during the trip for you to take your companion for a short walk, giving new meaning to a ship’s poop deck!

We are looking forward to another ferry trip this summer, this time to Newfoundland (Blanc Sablon to St Barbe, via Labrador Marine) outbound and from Argentia to North Sydney via Marine Atlantic inbound.

Wherever your ferry adventures take you this season, enjoy!