Sailings of the Kwuna between Skidegate Landing and Alliford Bay were cancelled for much of Thursday afternoon, after the ferry grounded out at the terminal.
The vessel was caught by the outgoing tide on the ramp on the Skidegate side during loading for the 1:40 pm departure, the sailing that normally carries passengers to the airport.
A tug tried to refloat it shortly after 2:00 pm, but the tide was falling at it was unable to. Low tide was at 3:44 pm, with high tide just before 10:00 pm.
"There is no damage and no pollution to the environment," said BC Ferries.
The Kwuna is expected to be re-floated and back in service at 8:00 pm Thursday.
BC Ferries says it is sorry for any inconvenience as a result of the grounding.