Transportation

Mainland connections for foot passenges - connections to the Gabriola Ferry

BC Ferries operates a route from downtown Nanaimo (behind the shopping centre) to the west end of Gabriola Island approximately every hour. The first Gabriola Island ferry the jollyboat will meet leaves Nanaimo at 12:45 PM on Friday. The jollyboat will also be on hand for pirates traveling on the 3:45 PM and 7:55 PM ferries. The last ferry leaves Nanaimo at 10:55 pm (schedule).

BC Ferries operates from Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver into Departure Bay in Nanaimo, and from Tswassen south of Vancouver to Duke Point just south of Nanaimo. Travelling on the ferry by car is expensive unless you carpool.

There is a bus service from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo via BC Ferries at Horseshoe Bay. From the bus terminal, a taxi to the Gabriola ferry terminal on Front Street is about $6 - $10.

The Nanaimo Seaporter Shuttle Bus 250-753-2118, provides bus service from or to the Departure Bay and Duke Point Ferry Terminals and the Gabriola ferry terminal. Fare is $7 for Departure Bay, $14.98 for Duke Point. Check on the Pirate Forum for Nanaimo Pirates who might give you a lift.

We strongly discourage private cars at the Pirate's Lair. Please talk to First Mate Fish before you consider displeasing her this way.

There are 12 unsecured parking spots at the Gabriola ferry terminal - the price is right at $1 per day but the chances of getting one of the spots is slim. Dont despair, there's plenty of parking on Front Steet, within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Ticket Office Parkade at #90 Front Street - $8.00 per day/24 hours. Driving North from Victoria or South from Campbell River take exit #18 Jingle Pot/City Centre. Follow the street straight, all the way to the end at Front Street. You will be directly in front of the Bastion Historic Landmark and on your right will be the Coast Bastion Hotel. Turn right onto Front Street and immediately left into the first driveway. Follow it down and to the lower level of the parkade. If this level is full, proceed back out to Front Street and turn right. Turn right again approximately 150 feet away onto Anchor Way. This will take you to the upper levels of the parkade.

Coast Bastion Hotel Secured Parking - $6.00 per day/24 hours. Driving North from Victoria or South from Campbell River take exit #18 Jingle Pot/City Centre. Follow the street straight, all the way to the end at Front Street. You will be directly in front of the Bastion Historic Landmark and on your right will be the Coast Bastion Hotel.

Bastion Street Parkade - $6.00 per day/24 hours. Driving North from Victoria or South from Campbell River take exit #18 Jingle Pot/City Centre. Follow the street straight through until you cross over a small bridge two blocks before the Bastion Historic Landmark and the Coast Bastion Hotel. Turn Left immediately following the bridge onto Skinner Street and then left again into the parkade.