What is it like to cruise BC’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries?

Hop aboard the BC Ferries Inside Passage trip for a 507-kilometre (274-nautical-mile) journey through dramatic fjords and coastal rainforests, past waterfalls and historic sites. This 16-hour voyage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (Bear Cove) isn’t just transportation—it’s a travel experience that feels more like a scenic cruise.

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Man with binoculars on the upper deck of a ferry vessel, overlooking forested coastline

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Riding the Inside Passage with BC Ferries

This trip had been on my bucket list for years.

I’ve taken countless rides on BC Ferries since childhood, from Quadra Island to the Vancouver Island routes. But the Inside Passage ferry? This trip is in a league of its own. The journey winds through channels carved into the coast, past remote lighthouses and mist-shrouded cliffs, deep into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.

It’s a big commitment—16 hours at sea, plus travel time to and from the ferry terminals. But checking it off the list? Absolutely worth it.

This spring, we finally booked the ferry adventure. Our road trip across British Columbia had few fixed plans – Ashcroft and Hat Creek Ranch? Never been so now’s the time! – but the Inside Passage was one segment we reserved in advance.

Inside Passage ferry experience

We arrived at the Prince Rupert ferry terminal around 6:00 a.m., queued up in the early light, and were onboard the Northern Expedition by 7:30 a.m. From that moment on, it was nothing but scenery, slow travel, and story-rich coastline.

Highlights and tips from our trip

Public announcements provided interpretive information about points of interest as we passed.
A large onboard map helped us track our location and when to step out to view not-to-miss landmarks.
Kayaking to Klemtu was in the theater but we took advantage of the good weather and spent time walking around the decks and soaking up the scenery and countless waterfalls and whale sightings.
Reserved seats or cabins are available but not necessary unless you’re seeking quiet time or a nap
The onboard cafe serves solid meals; we brought sandwiches and snacks from our cooler during car deck access times for everything but dinner.

Man standing near top of stair on a boat. — Spend time wandering the decks to get the full picture. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Man's hand holding cell phone with map on it. — Spend time wandering the decks to get the full picture. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

The day began under low cloud and mist but cleared by midday, giving us blue skies for much of the afternoon. We alternated between relaxing indoors and wandering the outer decks. Our route today include a stop in Klemtu to let off a couple of vehicles and pick up a couple of passengers.

First Nations traditional canoe on top of sign reading: Welcome to Klemtu. — The Klemtu Ferry Landing is a work of art! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Did you know? There are 2 BC Ferries that operate along the Inside Passage to and from Prince Rupert and Port Hardy: Northern Expedition and Northern Adventure. Northern Expedition – the one we travelled on – was built in 2009. It is 151.75 m (498 ft) long, can carry up to 115 vehicles, has a passenger and crew capacity of 638 and can reach a maximum speed of 20.5 knots (about 38 kmh or 24 mph). Built in 2004, the Northern Adventure travel at the same speed but it is smaller at 117 m (384 ft) in length and holds only 87 vehicles and 500 passengers and crew.

Key points of interest along the B.C. Inside Passage

These are the scenic and historical highlights worth stepping out for:

Grenville Channel
Approximately 4 hours in
This 70 km stretch is one of the most dramatic parts of the route, with towering cliffs on both sides and depths up to 494 metres (1,620 ft).

Small fishing boat in narrow ocean passage lined with tall mountains. — Grenville Channel was all about the waterfalls on our late spring adventure! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Butedale
Approximately 5 hours in
Once a thriving cannery town with hydro power and 400 summer residents, Butedale now stands in picturesque ruins on Princess Royal Island.

Large, rundown building on shore. — Cannery ruins. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Swanson Bay
Approximately 5.5 hours in
Now marked only by a chimney, Swanson Bay was once home to one of the first pulp mills on the coast.

Boat Bluff Lighthouse
Approximately 7.5 hours in
Established in 1907, this lighthouse marks the entrance to Tolmie Channel and is one of the most scenic stops.

Red and white buildings perching on bluff overlooking water. — One of the many lighthouses dotting the BC Ferries Inside Passage route.

Ivory Island
Approximately 10 hours in
This light guides vessels through Milbanke Sound. The keeper’s wife once requested soil for a garden, which still blooms today.

Small lighthouse on ocean island with distant mountains. — This was one of my favourite views along the ferry journey. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Dryad Point
Approximately 10 hours in
This red-and-white lighthouse marks the narrow northern entrance to Lama Passage, one of the tightest channels on the route.

Lighthouse on narrow point of land in front surrounded by water. — Around the corner is Bella Bella – truly a spectacular area worth a visit on its own! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Bella Bella
Approximately 10 hours in
A vibrant Heiltsuk First Nation community and one of the coast’s major cultural and economic hubs.

Namu
Approximately 11.5 hours in
A former cannery site and one of the oldest archaeological sites on the coast, with evidence of habitation dating back 10,000 years.

What to know before you go: Inside Passage travel tips

What to Pack

Layers for all weather conditions
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Snacks, sandwiches, and drinks
Camera with backup battery
Motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive
Books, games, or headphones
Phone with GPS to track route or a copy of Alaska & Canada’s Inside Passage map

Man sitting at table with tile game in front and view of ocean out window. — Qwirkle is a great travel game – can be played indoors or outside (even in wind). (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Food Onboard
There is a full-service Canoe Cafe offering hot meals and snacks, but many travelers bring a cooler for variety. Vehicle deck access is restricted to specific times, so plan accordingly.

Reserved Seating and Cabins
You can pay extra for recliner seating in the Aurora lounge or a private cabin. These aren’t essential but can offer comfort on long journeys or for those who prefer a quiet nap.

Where to stay before and after your ferry ride

In Prince Rupert (Night Before Departure)

Prince Rupert RV Campground: Just minutes from the terminal
Pioneer Inn: A practical, clean option with private rooms or hostel dorms, a kitchen and walkable location

Small table and 2 tall chairs in front of a window. — We choose to spend a night at Pioneer Inn the night before rather than pack up at 5:30 am to catch the ferry! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

In Port Hardy (Night After Arrival)

Quatse River Regional Park: Book ahead if camping
Port Hardy Airport Inn: Older and a little worn in places but affordable and functional with friendly staff, kitchenettes, and comfortable beds. Good for late-night arrivals

What’s it like to Cruise BC’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries?

Awesome!

True, it’s long. Yes, it requires planning. But traveling the B.C. Inside Passage by ferry offers a rare, up-close experience of British Columbia’s remote coastline—one you simply can’t get from a road or the air.

It’s a slow, scenic, story-filled day that feels like a floating national park. Whether you are road-tripping, exploring Northern B.C., or checking off your Canadian travel bucket list, this journey deserves a spot.

📌 Previous post in this BC Road Trip series: A Tale of BC’s Fishing Heritage: North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
📌 Next up: Fun Things to do in North Vancouver Island

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