Moving between Vancouver Island and the mainland adds unique complexity to your relocation. Between BC Ferries logistics, timing constraints, and the physical distance, proper planning is essential. Whether you're moving from Victoria to Vancouver, Nanaimo to Burnaby, or mainland to the Island, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Most Common Island-Mainland Routes
Swartz Bay ↔ Tsawwassen
- • Route: Victoria/Saanich to Vancouver/Lower Mainland
- • Crossing: 1 hour 35 minutes
- • Frequency: 8-12 sailings daily
- • Peak Times: Mornings & late afternoons
- • Best For: Victoria, Saanich, Sidney to Vancouver area
Departure Bay ↔ Horseshoe Bay
- • Route: Nanaimo to Vancouver/North Shore
- • Crossing: 1 hour 40 minutes
- • Frequency: 8 sailings daily
- • Peak Times: Rush hours, weekends
- • Best For: Mid-Island to Vancouver, shorter drive from ferry
Duke Point ↔ Tsawwassen
- • Route: Nanaimo to Vancouver/Lower Mainland
- • Crossing: 2 hours
- • Frequency: 4-6 sailings daily
- • Peak Times: Less busy than other routes
- • Best For: Commercial vehicles, larger moves, avoiding traffic
Other Routes
- • Comox to Powell River: Northern routes
- • Southern Gulf Islands: Multiple stops, longer travel
- • Note: We focus on major Victoria/Nanaimo routes
Complete Cost Breakdown
TruckNaGuy Long-Distance Moving Rates
Long-distance rate • 2 movers + truck • 4-hour minimum
Includes: travel time, ferry fare, loading/unloading, fuel, professional crew
Typical Island-Mainland Move Costs:
Includes: 2 hrs loading + 4 hrs travel/ferry + 2-3 hrs unloading
Includes: 3-4 hrs loading + 4 hrs travel/ferry + 3-4 hrs unloading
Includes: 5-6 hrs loading + 4 hrs travel/ferry + 4-5 hrs unloading
💡 What's Included in Our Rate:
- ✓ BC Ferries vehicle & driver fare
- ✓ All fuel and mileage
- ✓ Professional 2-person crew
- ✓ Moving truck and equipment
- ✓ Travel time to/from ferry terminals
- ✓ Ferry crossing time (1.5-2 hours)
- ✓ Loading and unloading at both locations
BC Ferries: Critical Planning Information
Book Ferry Reservations EARLY!
Moving trucks must have ferry reservations. Walk-on passengers can sail standby, but commercial vehicles and moving trucks cannot. Missing your sailing can delay your entire move by 2-4 hours or more.
Recommended Booking Timeline:
- • Peak Season (May-Sept): Book 4-6 weeks in advance
- • Weekends Year-Round: Book 2-4 weeks in advance
- • Weekdays (Oct-Apr): Book 1-2 weeks in advance
- • Holidays (Long Weekends): Book 6-8 weeks in advance
🕐 Best Sailing Times for Moves
- • Early Morning (6-8 AM): Arrive fresh, full day to unload
- • Mid-Day (10 AM-2 PM): Less traffic, more flexibility
- • Avoid: 5-7 PM sailings (rush hour on both ends)
- • Avoid: Last sailing (no backup if delayed)
📋 Ferry Day Checklist
- ✓ Arrive 30-45 min before sailing
- ✓ Have reservation confirmation ready
- ✓ Secure all items in truck (no loose objects)
- ✓ Bring snacks/water for crossing
- ✓ Check BC Ferries website for delays
- ✓ Have backup sailing plan if possible
Sample Moving Day Timeline
Example: 2-Bedroom Victoria to Vancouver Move
Meet at your current address, walkthrough, start loading
Pack truck with all furniture, boxes, and belongings
30 min drive from Victoria to ferry terminal
Check in, lineup for 10:00 AM sailing
1 hour 35 min crossing to Tsawwassen
Disembark and begin drive to Vancouver
45-60 min depending on destination and traffic
Unpack truck, set up furniture at new address
Total Time: 9.5 hours (Victoria to Vancouver, 2BR)
💰 Total Cost: 9.5 hours × $180/hour = $1,710
How to Save Money on Island-Mainland Moves
💰 Cost-Cutting Strategies
- 1.Purge Before Moving
Sell/donate items you don't need. Less stuff = faster loading = lower cost.
- 2.Pack Yourself
We provide the muscle and truck. You pack boxes to save hours of labor.
- 3.Move Mid-Week
Tuesday-Thursday have better ferry availability and less traffic.
- 4.Off-Peak Season
October-April has fewer ferry delays and more flexible scheduling.
⚡ Efficiency Tips
- 1.Have Everything Ready
All boxes packed, disassembled furniture, clear pathways = faster loading.
- 2.Early Morning Start
6-7 AM start = early ferry = full day at destination = no overtime.
- 3.Elevator Reservations
Book both origin and destination elevator times to avoid delays.
- 4.Clear Communication
Provide exact addresses, parking info, access codes ahead of time.
Why Choose TruckNaGuy for Island-Mainland Moves?
We Handle Ferries
We book and manage all ferry reservations as part of your service. No stress for you!
Island Experts
We know Victoria, Nanaimo, and mainland logistics inside and out.
One Simple Rate
$180/hour all-inclusive. No surprise fees, ferry fares, or fuel charges.
Island-Mainland Moving Checklist
6-8 Weeks Before
- ☐ Get moving quotes from TruckNaGuy
- ☐ Decide on moving date
- ☐ Start decluttering and selling items
- ☐ Research new neighborhood
- ☐ Notify landlord (if renting)
4-6 Weeks Before
- ☐ Book TruckNaGuy moving service
- ☐ We book BC Ferries reservations
- ☐ Secure housing at destination
- ☐ Start collecting moving boxes
- ☐ Update address (mail forward)
2-3 Weeks Before
- ☐ Pack non-essential items
- ☐ Arrange elevator reservations
- ☐ Transfer/cancel utilities
- ☐ Update ICBC, BC Services Card
- ☐ Notify employers, schools
1 Week Before
- ☐ Finish packing all boxes
- ☐ Label boxes clearly by room
- ☐ Confirm ferry times with us
- ☐ Pack essentials bag (first night)
- ☐ Clean current residence
Ready for Your Island-Mainland Move?
We handle the logistics, ferry bookings, and heavy lifting. You just focus on settling into your new home!
Or call us at (778) 700-6823