Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay route resumes next week

BC Ferries is planning to resume ferry 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.

From Horseshoe Bay, the ferry will depart at 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:50 pm, 6:50 pm. From Departure Bay, it will depart at 10:30 am, 12:50 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:50 pm.

Bookings on the route between June 3 and July 1 will be cancelled and the reservation fee refunded as sailing times have changed.

The sailing will also operate at a 50 per cent passenger capacity according to Transport Canada guidelines to help support physical distancing.

BC Ferries said it will strictly adhere to provincial and federal guidelines during this gradual resumption of service.

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.

BC Ferries strongly recommends customers to make an advanced booking to guarantee travel and to arrive at the terminal at least an hour before your sailing.

Foot passengers should arrive well in advance because passenger capacity is limited, and customers should travel on an alternative route if possible, such as the Tsawwassen – Duke Point or Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay routes.

“In order to support coastal B.C. and respond to the need of British Columbians, we are gradually and safely restoring our service,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.

“Demand has increased such that resuming service on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay route better serves the needs of customers.”