BC Ferries is hoping to launch a unique cruise-style ferry trip up British Columbia's north coast as early as next summer.
Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said the service, which would depart from the Tsawwassen terminal every two weeks, could open up tourism in remote coastal communities.
"It's a tourism initiative all about driving traffic to the beautiful north coast," she told ctvbc.ca in a telephone interview.
BC Ferries pitched the idea to northern officials during public consultations Friday. Later this month the corporation will send up delegates to meet the public in Port Hardy and Prince Rupert.
Marshall said community interest has been very high and that BC Ferries is looking to make the route affordable.
The 30 hour ferry ride would stop over in Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island before taking Inside Passage to Prince Rupert.
It will share part of the voyage with the dozens of cruise liners that shuttle hordes of tourists from Vancouver and Washington State to Alaska and back each year.
The trip will be aboard the M.V. Northern Expedition, which sails daily along the Inside Passage route connecting Prince Rupert and Port Hardy. The ferry features three restaurants and cafes, a lounge with big-screen TV's and 55 staterooms.
Related: Take a virtual tour of the M.V. Northern Expedition
If the idea is approved, routes could be in place by summer 2011. No word on how much the trip will cost.
A one-way adult fare on the Prince Rupert-Port Hardy Inside Passage route is $125.
