You can assess the remote community of Bamfield, on the west coast of Vancouver Island by car, passenger ferry, public bus, or float plane.

Car

Getting to Bamfield driving from Vancouver

There are three major ferry routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay, Nanaimo is the closest route if you plan to drive direct to Bamfield, the route through Port Alberni is advisable. For schedules and prices visit BC Ferries

Getting to Bamfield driving from Nanaimo

Travel north on the #1 Island Highway. Turn right at the Highway #4 exit for Port Alberni/Bamfield. Approaching Port Alberni, follow signs for Bamfield and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After you leave Port Alberni you travel on an unpaved gravel logging road that is approximately 76 kms. Visit Western Forest Products Facebook page for current logging road conditions. Follow the signs to Bamfield. At the four way stop in Bamfield, turn left and drive on to the government dock to unload. Total travel time from Nanaimo is ~ 3 hours.

Getting to Bamfield driving from Victoria

Travel north on the #1 Island Highway to Nanaimo, then follow the directions as above. Total travel time from Victoria is ~ 4.5 hours.

Arriving in Bamfield by car

The government dock where you unload your car is in East Bamfield. Dragonfly vacation rentals is in West Bamfield. To cross the inlet use the radio at the floating house to call a water taxi to take you to the west government dock.

Passenger ferry

Getting to Bamfield from Port Alberni

M/V Frances Barkley offers a passenger and freight service to Bamfield three times a week. Leaving on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In July and August there is an extra sailing on Sundays.
This passenger ferry departs Port Alberni at 8am so unless you are already on Vancouver Island accommodation the night before in the Port Alberni area is required.

Arriving in Bamfield aboard the M/V Frances Barkley

You should disembark the passenger ferry on Bamfield's west government dock.

Bus

Getting to Bamfield by public bus (summer months only)

West Coast Trail Express runs a daily service from mid-May to the end of September. 

The bus from Nanaimo to Bamfield leaves at 9:00am. The bus from Victoria to Bamfield leaves at 6:45am. 

Reservations are recommended.

Arriving in Bamfield on the West Coast Trail Express bus

You will disembark the bus by the four way stop in Bamfield, near the East side general store. Walk to the East Bamfield government dock, about 200 meters. Dragonfly vacation rentals is in West Bamfield. To cross the inlet use the radio at the floating house to call a water taxi to take you to the west government dock. 

Float plane

Getting to Bamfield by float plane

Pacific Coastal Airlines and Pacific Seaplanes Inc offer scheduled float plane services to Bamfield.

Harbour Air, Seair, and Tofino Air can provide charter float plane services to Bamfield

Contact the operators direct for information about schedules and fares.

Arriving in Bamfield by float plane

You should disembark the float plane on Bamfield's west government dock.