Ferries, Borders and Vehicle Size

Marine Atlantic runs two routes: North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basques, NL and North Sydney, NS to Argentia, NL. Argentia is the longer, costlier route and has a limited season, while Port aux Basques is the shorter, more commonly used crossing. Details change, so check Marine Atlantic’s schedule page for sailings and the season on the Argentia route.

• Pet kennel space on the Port aux Basques route is $16.75 one way. Pet carriers are not provided, and kennel size and availability vary by vessel.
• Accommodation types are not available on all vessels. Adult passenger fare on the Port aux Basques route is $21.92 one way, with a lower senior rate.
• Full payment is due at booking. If you change a booking, the change is charged at the rate at the time of the change.

On a guided tour, ask how the operator books the group: a block of reservations, individual reservations in your name, or each traveller booking separately. Also ask who pays if your length is above what the "base fee" assumed, and who pays for cabin changes.

The major routes from the mainland are Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria), Tsawwassen to Duke Point (near Nanaimo) and Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo). BC Ferries prices vehicles by length and height and sets higher fares for "over-height" vehicles, which includes most RVs and anything towing a trailer over a certain height.

BC Ferries has promoted discounted over-height "Saver" fares on select Metro Vancouver–Vancouver Island sailings, with fares from about $59 and a discount of up to 50% on each foot over 20 ft. Promotions vary by season and sailing, and conditions apply, so check current rules for your date and rig. Reservations are strongly advisable in summer. See the Vancouver Island guide.

• PEI. The Confederation Bridge links New Brunswick and PEI, and Northumberland Ferries link Nova Scotia and PEI in season. Bridge tolls and ferry fares depend on your vehicle.
• Bay of Fundy. A ferry operates between Saint John, NB and Digby, NS, which can shorten a loop.
• Québec. Société des traversiers du Québec ferries cross the St. Lawrence at several points and are used on Gaspé and North Shore routes. Fares and reservations depend on the crossing.
• Short river and lake ferries exist across Canada. Ask whether any are on your route.

Several guided tours cross the Canada–US border: the Alaska Highway tours, Glacier National Park trips and some eastern routes. Make sure your tour clearly states where the crossings are and what the operator handles. For your own preparation, see our border crossing guide, and check the official CBSA and U.S. CBP pages for current rules.

• Everyone needs valid passports, and anyone under legal age should carry proper documentation. Check the current rules for your citizenship.
• Carry your RV registration, proof of insurance and a rental agreement if applicable.
• Dogs and cats entering Canada may need vaccination documentation. Check the current requirements for your animal.
• Food, plants, firearms, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are subject to limits and restrictions. Do not guess. Read the official pages before packing the fridge.
• If you are a U.S. traveller, check that your auto and RV insurance applies in Canada, and carry a Canadian non-resident insurance card if your insurer provides one. If you are a Canadian travelling to Alaska, check your coverage in the U.S.
• Your provincial or home health plan may not cover you outside your home province or country. Buy medical travel insurance.

Ferry lines have their own rules for propane. Typical requirements include closing the tank valves and turning off appliances, and some lines have limits on tank sizes or require extra steps. Rules vary by ferry line and sometimes by sailing. Check each ferry line’s dangerous goods page for your date, and plan your fridge and furnace around it. For general propane safety, see our propane guides.