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

'Deeply hurtful': Polish ambassador condemns Nazi veteran’s invitation to Canada’s Parliament
Polish ambassador to Canada says House Speaker Anthony Rota's apology doesn’t go far enough after a Nazi veteran was honoured in the House of Commons last Friday.
Speaker's Nazi veteran invite 'profoundly embarrassing' Trudeau says, as Rota faces calls to resign
Tensions flared in the Commons on Monday over opposition calls for House Speaker Anthony Rota to resign after apologizing to Parliament for inviting, recognizing and leading the chamber in a standing ovation for a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.
Poster advertising 'whites-only' children's playtime sparks outrage in B.C. community
Police have launched an investigation into a poster inviting "proud parents of European children" to participate in racially segregated playtime in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
Canadian air force investigating 'inappropriate and unapproved' call sign broadcast on U.K. flight
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is investigating an ‘inappropriate and unapproved’ call sign that was transmitted electronically from one of its aircraft on Monday.
Vaccination during pregnancy safe, effective and recommended, CMAJ says
The most up-to-date guidelines from the Canadian Medical Association Journal recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who is pregnant in order to reduce the risk of serious illness to themselves and the children they carry.
Canadian Sikhs stage protests against Indian government over murder
Canadian Sikhs staged small protests outside India's diplomatic missions on Monday, a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there may be a link between New Delhi and the murder of a Sikh separatist advocate in British Columbia.
Canada approves Ebola virus vaccine for adults exposed to the deadly disease
Canada has approved a vaccine to prevent Ebola in non-pregnant and otherwise healthy adults aged 18 and older.
We carry DNA from extinct cousins like Neanderthals. Science is now revealing their genetic legacy
Using the new and rapidly improving ability to piece together fragments of ancient DNA, scientists are finding that traits inherited from Neanderthals are still with us now, affecting our fertility, our immune systems, even how our bodies handled the COVID-19 virus.
Toronto woman hospitalized overseas with botulism
A Toronto woman has been hospitalized in France with a severe case of botulism after eating improperly preserved sardines at a Bordeaux wine bar.