Ferry Info

Important Notices About the Ferry Operation

COVID-19 precautions are in place:

  • While on board the ferry all passengers age 2 and over must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose.
  • We are running at 50% of our normal capacity (maximum 20 passengers on our larger ferry, maximum 6 passengers on our smaller ferry) - this does result in line-ups for the ferry.

Click here for complete details about our COVID-19 policies.

Saysutshun Ferry Service

If you don’t have your own watercraft, then accessing the island by ferry is an easy, convenient and affordable alternative. The Saysutshun Ferry runs from Maffeo Sutton Park to the island dock.

The ferry ride provides a beautiful approach to the island and an excellent vantage point to see the sprawl of Nanaimo Harbour. Don’t forget your camera!

For general information regarding the Saysutshun Ferry please contact Mary:

Pets, Bikes & Camping Equipment

Your canine companion is most welcome on the island, but must stay on leash at all times. You are also encouraged to bring your pedal bike, or camping equipment. There is a very nominal charge for these additional items.

Note: For safety reasons we will not carry motorized Bikes, motorized Wheelchairs, E-Bikes, Scooters, Cargo-Bikes, Trikes or Tandem Bikes on either ferry. 

Reservations for Groups of 12 or More 

Ferry reservations are available for groups of 12 or more travelling at the same time.

If you do have a group of 12 or more travelling at the same time and would like to set up a reservation please contact Mary at ferrycoordinator@petroglyphdg.com .  Reservations must be made a minimum of 4 days prior to your event.

Ferry Fees

Category Price

  • Adult $7 Return
  • Senior $7 Return
  • Youth (13+) $7 Return
  • Child (12 and under) $5 Return
  • Toddler/Infant (2 and under) No Charge
  • Pets $1 each
  • Bicycle *(NO electric bikes allowed on Newcastle)* $2 each
  • Equipment & Supplies $1 each
  • Payment Types: Debit, Visa and MasterCard - No Cash at this time

Visa, MasterCard and Debit are accepted. We are not accepting cash at this time.

To make reservations* for the ferry (groups of 12 or more), please email Mary at ferrycoordinator@petroglyphdg.com.
* Reservations must be made a minimum of 4 days prior to the event.

Ferry Schedule

Friday, September 25th: Gale Warning in effect. The ferry cannot safely run in winds greater than 25 knots. If necessary we will tie up at the dock and wait for the wind to subside.

Peak Season Daily

The 2020 Peak Season is over. The schedule for the 2021 Season will be posted in April 2021

Maffeo Sutton Dock

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Dock

* Last sailing

Shoulder Season 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

September 8 to October 12, 2020
September 8 to October 12, 2020

Maffeo Sutton Dock

  • 10:00 am
  • 10:30 am
  • 11:00 am
  • 11:30 am
  • 12 noon
  • 12:30 pm
  • 1:00 pm
  • 1:30 pm NO SAILING
  • 2:00 pm
  • 2:30 pm (campers only)
  • 3:00 pm (campers only)
  • * 3:30 pm (campers only)
  • 4:00 pm Fri/Sat/Sun only (campers only)
  • * 4:30 pm Fri/Sat/Sun only (campers only)

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Dock

  • 10:15 am
  • 10:45 am
  • 11:15 am
  • 11:45 am
  • 12:15 pm
  • 12:45 pm
  • 1:15 pm
  • 1:45 pm NO SAILING
  • 2:15 pm
  • 2:45 pm
  • * 3:15 pm
  • 3:45 pm Fri/Sat/Sun only
  • * 4:15 pm Fri/Sat/Sun only

* Last sailing

Low Season 03/20/20

October 13 to December 31 2020

Maffeo Sutton Dock

  • The Saysutshun ferry will not be running during this time.

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Dock

  • The Saysutshun ferry will not be running during this time.

* Last sailing