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

Minimum wage rises in six provinces, but is it enough?
Amid a cost-of-living crisis driving up food bank visits and economic anxiety, the minimum wage increased in six provinces today – but both advocates and critics fear it may not be enough to tackle the overarching problem.
Half of millennials and Gen Z living paycheque-to-paycheque in Canada while stressing about climate crisis: survey
Struggling under the rising cost of living and an ever mounting fear of the climate crisis, young Canadians don’t see a positive future for themselves right now, according to a recent national survey.
Couple and dog killed by bear at Banff National Park
Two people are dead after a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park.
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
Taylor Swift watches Travis Kelce's Chiefs take on the Jets at MetLife Stadium
Taylor Swift couldn't just shake off another chance to watch Travis Kelce on the football field. The 12-time Grammy Award winner arrived at MetLife Stadium about 40 minutes before kickoff Sunday night to watch Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets.
Federal prisoner with terminal illness granted parole on compassionate grounds to die outside of jail
A terminally ill federal prisoner, who has been fighting for a compassionate release to die outside of jail, has been granted day parole.
'A giant in life': Saskatchewan Roughriders icon George Reed passes away, aged 83
George Reed, one of the most prolific running backs in Canadian Football League (CFL) history and a legend of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has passed away. He was 83.
5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people in western Manitoba Saturday afternoon.
Tim Wakefield, who revived his career and Red Sox trophy case with knuckleball, has died at 57
Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help Boston win its curse-busting World Series title the following year, has died. He was 57.