BC Ferries resumes service on Nanaimo – Vancouver
Four daily roundtrips available as of June 3 – Reservations Strongly Recommended
BC Ferries is actively working on plans to resume service throughout the fleet and is starting by resuming service on the Nanaimo (Departure Bay) – Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) route on June, 3. The route will start with four round trips per day to support the movement of goods and people to coastal communities.
Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO, said:
“In order to support coastal B.C. and respond to the need of British Columbians, we are gradually and safely restoring our service. Demand has increased such that resuming service on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay route better serves the needs of customers.”
The daily schedule on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay route will be:
- From Horseshoe Bay: 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:50 pm, 6:50 pm
- From Departure Bay: 10:30 am, 12:50 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:50 pm
The company is following the directives and guidance provided by the Province of B.C. and Transport Canada. Safety measures in place include limiting passenger capacity by 50 per cent to support physical distancing, allowing customers to remain in their vehicles during the sailing on all car decks, enhanced cleaning and screening of travellers.
The Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay sailings will operate at a 50 per cent passenger capacity as per Transport Canada guidelines to help support physical distancing. BC Ferries strongly recommends customers intending to travel on that route consider the following:
- Due to reduced capacity on the route, make an advanced booking to guarantee your travel.
- Arrive at the terminal at least an hour before your sailing. Check-in processing is currently longer due to the need to screen customers prior to travel.
- Foot passengers should arrive well in advance because passenger capacity is limited.
- Travel on an alternative route if possible, such as the Tsawwassen – Duke Point or Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay routes.
The resumption of service on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay route brings back three routes operating out of Horseshoe Bay. As of June 3, schedules on the Horseshoe Bay – Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes will be adjusted to reduce the possibility of berth congestion. Some sailings are earlier or later than the previous schedules. The schedule on the Earls Cove – Saltery Bay route will also be adjusted to ensure connectivity for customers.
