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Route 2
Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
Began: 1951 -- Sailing Time: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes -- Current Schedule
-- Current Conditions (Horseshoe Bay) -- Current Conditions (Departure Bay) Primary Ferries: Coastal Renaissance, Queen of Oak Bay -- Secondary Ferries: Queen of Cowichan, Queen of Coquitlam History: This route, one of BC Ferries' major routes started in 1951 under the operation of Blackball Ferries Ltd, along with 2 other routes along the Sunshine Coast. Vessels such as the Chinook II (Later Sechelt Queen) operated the route. In 1961, BC Ferries would take over the route and soon after would replace the vessels with the Queen of Sidney and Tsawwassen from by 1965, BC Ferries would build 3 "B" Class vessels for the route, The Queens of Nanaimo, New Westminster, and Burnaby. By the 70s traffic and demand would increase so to increase capacity on current ships from the late 60s to the early 70s platform ramps would be inserted on the "B" Class Vessels and the vessels were lenghtened to 84'. In 1974 the Government under the NDP would purchase the Stena Danica, later renamed Queen of Surrey from Stena Lines to help the increased traffic on the route. From 1976 to 1981, the 362 car "C" Class vessels, The Queens of Cowichan, Coquitlam, Alberni, Oak Bay, and Surrey were built for routes 1 and 2 but eventually the all the "C" Class would operate from Nanaimo or Horseshoe Bay on either route 2, 3 and eventually 30. Overloads on the route often happen at peak times or in the summer. The "C" Class vessels serve the route as the main vessels to this very day, often with 2 or three vessels on the route at one time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s the Infamous Pacificat fast ferries were built and entered service. Around the same time Horseshoe Bay underwent an expansion project. The Pacificat Explorer and Pacificat Discovery would run on the route up until 2002 when they were forced into retirement after much controvery. The Pacificat Voyager was to enter service too but never did. From 2005 until 2008 both terminals underwent improvements. First Horseshoe Bay, then Departure Bay. Departure Bay's improvements include widening of the berths, redone passenger areas, and other inprovements. In addition Departure Bay's holding area was expanded and the Nanaimo Quay Market similar to the one at Tsawwassen Terminal was built, it would open on July 4th, 2008. In 2008 the Coastal Renaissance entered service. Her sister, the Coastal Inspiration even though currently on the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route may join her on route 2 someday.
Route 3
Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) Langdale (Gibsons)
Began: 1951 -- Sailing Time: 40 Minutes -- Current Schedule
-- Current Conditions (Langdale) -- Current Conditions (Horseshoe Bay) Primary Ferry: Queen of Surrey -- Secondary Ferry: Queen of Coquitlam History: This route started in 1951 under the operation of Blackball Ferries Ltd. It was operated by ferries such as the Smokwa. In 1961, BC Ferries bought Blackball and took over this route. When newer vessels arrived for the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route, the Sechelt Queen (A.K.A. Chinook II) and Langdale Queen (A.K.A. Kahloke) mainly operated the route until 1967, when the Sunshine Coast Queen was purchased by BC Ferries and entered service. Since the 1980s, the route has mainly been operated by one of the 5 "C" Class vessels. Today the route is ran year-round by the Queen of Surrey. Additional service in the summer was provided by Queen of Esquimalt until 2008, when the Queen of Esquimalt was retired. It is likely that the Queen of Coquitlam will assume this position.
Route 7
Saltery Bay (Highway 101) Earls Cove (Sechelt Peninsula)
Began: 1954 -- Sailing Time: 50 Minutes -- Current Schedule -- Primary Ferry: Island Sky (January) -- Secondary Ferry: Queen of Chilliwack History: This was the 3rd of the 3 Blackball Ferries routes. This route started regular service to Vancouver for residents of Powell River. The first Vessel on this route was the Quillayute. In 1961, BC Ferries would buy out Blackball and acquire the routes and vessels that Blackball operated. The Quillayute would stay on route 7 until about 1963 when she would hit a dead-head that put a hole in her hull causing her to take on water. The captain then grounded her so she wouldn't sink. This forced BC Ferries to retire her and supposedly replace her with the Bainbridge (Renamed Jervis Queen). The Jervis Queen would be replaced by the Powell River Queen which ran the route until 1991, when the Queen of Capilano entered service. Mechanical problems with the Queen of Capilano would see her move to the Horseshoe Bay-Bowen Island route and Replaced with the Queen of Chilliwack. From the mid-90s to 2008, the route was operated year round by the Queen of Tsawwassen in the summer and the Queen of Chilliwack in the winter. As of 2009 the Island Sky is expected to take over operation of the route.
Route 8
Snug Cove (Bowen Island) Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)
Began: 1920s -- Sailing Time: 20 Minutes -- Current Schedule -- Current Conditions (Horseshoe Bay) -- Primary Ferry: Queen of Capilano -- Secondary Ferry: Bowen Queen History: This Route started sometime in the 1920s as a privately owned passenger only route. In 1951 it was handed to Blackball Ferries Ltd. Who Made it into a Car Ferry Route. In 1961 BC Ferries bought Blackball and took over this Route, and has been ran by BC Ferries ever since. The route today is ran year round by the Queen of Capilano Since 1992. The MV Island Sky was originally Expected to be built and Placed on this Route, However Space Issues, Mainly Due to the Car Line-Up at Snug Cove (Which is on the Side of the Road) made BC Ferries move it to Route 7, The Saltery Bay-Earls Cove Route.
Route 17
Powell River (Westview) Little River (Courtenay/Comox)
Began: 1964 -- Sailing Time: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes -- Current Schedule -- Primary Ferry: Queen of Burnaby -- Secondary Ferry: Unknown History: In 1964, under the Ministry of Highways, the Comox Queen (renamed Tenaka) was built for the Comox-Powell River route. The Queen of the Islands, borrowed from BC Ferries would replace her in the winter months. In 1976, the Sechelt Queen would become the primary vessel. In the early 80s, she would be replaced by the Princess of Vancouver (A.K.A. Vancouver Island Princess). The route began being operated by BC Ferries in 1985; when the Ministry of Highways merged with BC Ferries. From the late 80s until the year 2000, The Queen of Sidney would run the route. Since 2000, this route has been operated year round by the Queen of Burnaby. Route 17 is one of the routes that BC Ferries’ may contract out to an alternative service provider.
Route 18
Powell River (Westview) Blubber Bay (Texada Island)
Began: 1955 -- Sailing Time: 35 Minutes -- Current Schedule -- Primary Ferry: North Island Princess -- Secondary Ferries: Bowen Queen, Tachek, Nimpkish History: Before the ferry, there were many different forms of transport to Texada. At one point there was a water taxi from Westview to Texada. The steamship, Princess Mary also made stops at Texada. Car ferry service on this route began with the Ministry of Highways in 1955. The ministry placed the Atrevida on the route; she held 5 cars and 40 passengers. It stayed there until 1969, when the 30 car Texada Queen (renamed Tachek) was built. Then in 1979 the North Island Princess took over and still operates year round on the route today. BC Ferries has stated that Route 18 is one of the routes BC Ferries’ may contract out to an alternative service provider.
Route 19
Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) Nanaimo Harbour
Began: 19?? -- Sailing Time: 20 Minutes --
Current Schedule -- Primary Ferry: Quinsam -- Secondary Ferries: Bowen Queen, Kahloke History:More information is needed. Please email to " c.simonetta92@gmail.com " if you have more information on this Route.
This route was started by the Ministry of Highways connecting Gabriola Island to Nanaimo. Since 1982 it has been ran by the Quinsam. In recent times, the idea of building a bridge to Gabriola Island to replace the ferry service has come up. But nothing since then has happened.
Route 21
Denman Island (Denman West) Buckley Bay (Highway 19A)
Began: 19?? -- Sailing Time: 10 Minutes -- Current Schedule -- Main Ferry: Quinitsa -- Secondary Ferries: Kahloke, Klitsa History:More information is needed. Please email to " c.simonetta92@gmail.com " if you have more information on this Route.This route was originally a Ministry of Highways route. That merged with BC Ferries in 1985. Today the route is ran year round by the Quinitsa.
Route 22
Hornby Island (Shingle Spit) Denman Island (Gravelly Bay)
Began: 19?? -- Sailing Time: 10 Minutes --
Current Schedule -- Main Ferries: Kahloke (Summer) Tachek (Winter) Secondary Ferry: Klitsa History:More information is needed. Please email to " c.simonetta92@gmail.com " if you have more information on this Route.Once a Ministry of Highways route, in the summer this route today is ran by the barge-like vessel, Kahloke. In the winter, the raised hull vessel, MV Tachek runs the route.
Route 23
Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove) Campbell River (Highway 19)
Began: 19?? -- Sailing Time: 10 Minutes --
Current Schedule -- Main Ferry: Powell River Queen -- Secondary Ferry: Bowen Queen History:More information is needed. Please email to " c.simonetta92@gmail.com " if you have more information on this Route.This route began car ferry service with the small Quadra Queen. (later the Cortes Queen and Nicola) in 1969 she was replaced by the Quadra Queen II. (Vessels between the QQII time and PR Queen are not known) Since 1991, this route has been operated year round by the Powell River Queen.
Route 24
Cortes Island (Whaletown) Quadra Island (Heriot Bay)
Began: 19?? -- Sailing Time: 45 Minutes --
Current Schedule -- Main Ferry: Tenaka -- Secondary Ferry: Nimpkish History:More information is needed. Please email to " c.simonetta92@gmail.com " if you have more information on this Route.
Terminals
Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) Specifications: Horseshoe Bay - Major Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951
Berths: 3 Double Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 1265
Routes: Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay -- Horseshoe Bay-Langdale -- Horseshoe Bay-Bowen Island
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Buildings/Washrooms,Vending Machines
Outside Terminal: Restaurants, Shops, Marina
Within 100 KM North: Squamish, Whistler
Within 100 KM South: Metro Vancouver
Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
(Pictured In Dock: Queen of Cowichan) Specifications: Departure Bay - Major Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951
Berths: 2 Double Ramped - 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 2000
Route: Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Nanaimo Quay Market, Foot Passenger Buildings/Washrooms,Vending Machines
Outside Terminal: Nothing
Within 100 KM North: Parksville, Buckley Bay Terminal, Courtnay/Comox, Little River Terminal
Within 100 KM South: Nanaimo Harbour Terminal, Duke Point Terminal, Cowichan Valley, Port Alberni
Langdale (Gibsons) Specifications: Langdale - Major Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951?
Berths: 1 Double Ramped - 1 Single Ramped - 1 Passenger Only
Holding Area Capacity: 985
Routes: Langdale-Horseshoe Bay -- Langdale-Gambier Island-Keats Island (Passenger Only Route)
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Building/Washrooms,Vending Machines, Marketplace (Summer), Outside Covered Seating Areas, Snack Shack
Within 100 KM: Port Mellon, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Egmont, Earls Cove Terminal
Saltery Bay (Highway 101)
(Pictured in Dock: Queen of Chilliwack) Specifications: Saltery Bay - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1954
Berths: 2 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 200
Route: Saltery Bay-Earls Cove
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Building/Washrooms, Vending Machines
Outside Terminal: Snack Shack
Within 100 KM: Powell River, Westview Terminal, Lund
Earls Cove (Sechelt Peninsula) Specifications: Earls Cove - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1954
Berths: 2 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 80
Route: Earls Cove-Saltery Bay
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Building/Washrooms, Outside Covered Seating Areas, Picnic Tables, Vending Machines, Restaurant
Outside Terminal: Nothing
Within 100 KM: Egmont, Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Gibsons, Langdale Terminal, Port Mellon
Westview (Powell River) Specifications: Westview - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in ????
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 127
Routes: Powell River-Comox -- Powell River-Texada Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Buildings/Washrooms, Vending Machines
Outside Terminal: Restaurants
Within 100 KM North: Lund
Within 100 KM South: Saltery Bay Terminal
Little River (Courtenay/Comox)
(Pictured In Dock: Queen of Tsawwassen) Specifications: Little River - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in ????
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 117
Route: Comox-Powell River
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Building/Washrooms, Vending Machines, Beach Access
Outside Terminal: Nothing
Within 100 KM North: Campbell River, Campbell River Terminal
Within 100 KM South: Cumberland, Buckley Bay Terminal, Parksville, Nanaimo, Departure Bay Terminal, Nanaimo Harbour Terminal
Nanaimo Harbour Specifications: Nanaimo Harbour - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Routes: Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island
Holding Area Capacity: 80
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Within 100 KM North: Departure Bay Terminal, Parksville, Buckley Bay Terminal, Courtenay/Comox, Little River Terminal
Within 100 KM South: Duke Point Terminal, Cowichan Valley, Chemainus Terminal, Port Alberni, Crofton Terminal, Mill Bay Terminal
Campbell River (Highway 19A) Specifications: Campbell River - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 145
Routes: Campbell River-Quadra Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Within 250 KM North: Port McNeil, Port McNeil Terminal, Port Hardy, Bear Cove Terminal
Within 100 KM South: Courtenay/Comox, Little River Terminal, Buckley Bay Terminal
Buckley Bay (Highway 19A)
(Pictured in Dock: Quinitsa and Kahloke) Specifications: Buckley Bay - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capacity: 70
Routes: Buckley Bay-Denman Island
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Outside Terminal: Gas Station
Within 100 KM North: Courtenay/Comox, Little River Terminal, Campbell River
Within 100 KM South: Parksville, Nanaimo, Departure Bay
Snug Cove (Bowen Island) Specifications: Snug Cove - Minor-Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951?
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: Unknown
Route: Bowen Island-Horseshoe Bay
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Around Terminal: Restaurants and Shops
Descanso Bay (Gabriola Island) Specifications: Descanso Bay - Minor-Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 75
Routes: Gabriola Island-Nanaimo Harbour
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) Specifications: Quathiaski Cove - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Holding Area Capcity: 98
Routes: Quadra Island-Campbell River
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Places on Island: Heriot Bay Terminal
Denman West (Denman Island) Specifications: Denman Island West - Minor Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 20
Routes: Denman Island-Buckley Bay
Parking: Yes
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Places on Island: Gravelly Bay Terminal
Blubber Bay (Texada Island) Specifications: Blubber Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal - Built in 1955?
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 45
Route: Texada Island-Powell River
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Foot Passenger Building/Washrooms, Picnic Tables
Outside Terminal: Holtenwood Gallery, Texada Museum, Blubber Bay Quarry
Places On Island: Van Anda, Gillies Bay, Shelter Point
Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)
(Pictued in Dock: Kahloke) Specifications: Gravelly Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 20
Routes: Denman Island-Hornby Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Places on Island: Denman West Terminal
Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) Specifications: Heriot Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 26
Routes: Quadra Island-Cortes Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Places on Island: Quathiaski Cove Terminal
Shingle Spit (Hornby Island) Specifications: Shingle Spit - Minor Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: 20
Routes: Hornby Island-Denman Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Whaletown (Cortes Island) Specifications: Whaletown - Minor Ferry Terminal
Berths: 1 Single Ramped
Line-Up Capacity: Unknown
Routes: Cortes Island-Quadra Island
Parking: No
Terminal Amenities: Waiting Room
Specifications: Departure Bay - Major Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951
Specifications: Langdale - Major Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951?
Specifications: Saltery Bay - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1954
Specifications: Earls Cove - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1954
Specifications: Westview - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in ????
Specifications: Little River - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in ????
Specifications: Nanaimo Harbour - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Campbell River - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Buckley Bay - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Snug Cove - Minor-Intermidiate Ferry Terminal - Built in 1951?
Specifications: Descanso Bay - Minor-Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Quathiaski Cove - Intermidiate Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Denman Island West - Minor Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Blubber Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal - Built in 1955?
Specifications: Gravelly Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Heriot Bay - Minor Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Shingle Spit - Minor Ferry Terminal
Specifications: Whaletown - Minor Ferry Terminal.bmp)
2007-2011