Changes coming to BC Ferries route between Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo
Changes are coming to ferry routes between Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo starting next month in an attempt to ensure smoother sailing over the busy summer season.
In a move meant to help reduce traffic chaos and lengthy lineups at Horseshoe Bay this summer, BC Ferries will be relocating one if of its vessels.
From June 25 to Sept, 4, one ferry that usually sails on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route will be added to the fleet that runs between Tsawwassen and Duke Point.
BC Ferries said in a statement that the decision would allow for more space to safely and efficiently handle traffic.
"It's approximately 14 sailings per week; two round trips a day will be added," said spokesperson Deborah Marshall.
Two boats will continue to provide service between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, but BC Ferries is recommending passengers book in advance for that route.
Starting July 5, in an attempt to encourage customers to use the Tsawwassen – Duke Point route, BC Ferries will offer fares starting at $39 for a standard vehicle and driver.
"In addition, reservation space is being increased, making the Tsawwassen – Duke Point route the better way to travel to Nanaimo," wrote BC Ferries.
"Promotions for overheight vehicles as well as a 33 per cent discount for commercial vehicles at select times will also be offered on this route."
Marian Hof has been a BC Ferries customer for several decades and travels between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay multiple times a year.
She says she will not be venturing out to Tsawwassen for her next trip because it takes an additional 40 minutes.
"For anybody who lives on this side of the Lion's Gate Bridge, it's just so much easier to come here," said Hof, sitting on a bench outside of the Horseshoe Bay terminal.
BC Ferries says if sailings are sold out between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, it recommends travel between Tsawwassen and Duke Point to reduce the chances of sailing waits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.