Route 1: Swartz Bay (Victoria) - Tsawwassen (Vancouver) Voyage distance: 44.4 km Voyage time: 95 minutes Ferries: Spirit of British Columbia Spirit of Vancouver Island Queen of Saanich Queen of Vancouver Frequency: Ranging from 8 to 16 departures from each side per day. Description: This was BC Ferries first route. The trip is very pleasant and is the busiest route in the system. From Tsawwassen, the ferry crosses Georgia Strait and reaches the scenic Active Pass halfway through the voyage. The last half of the voyage, from Active Pass to Swartz Bay, is through the beautiful Southern Gulf Islands. This is a very beautiful trip and the only problem with it is that it's often busy and crowded. Both Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen are ferry terminals and not much more. Tsawwassen is especially isolated being located on a 3 km causeway which itself is quite a distance from any place of interest. Buses leave the terminal just after the top of every hour and there is good highway access but there is little to do in Tsawwassen. Swartz Bay terminal is fairly close to the town of Sidney and also has regular bus service. History: BC Ferries first voyage took place between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen on June 14, 1960. The first two ferries, Tsawwassen and Sidney operated on this route. The Tsawwassen (now Queen of Tsawwassen) is still in service for BC Ferries but not on this route.

Route 2: Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) - Departure Bay (Nanaimo) Voyage distance: 57.4 km Voyage time: 95 minutes Ferries: Queen of Cowichan, Queen of Oak Bay Sometimes: Queen of Coquitlam or Queen of Esquimalt. Frequency: Ranging from 8 to 12 departures from each side per day. Description: Originally a Black Ball Line route, BC Ferries took it over in 1961. Most of the trip is across the open waters of Georgia Strait about half an hour of it is along Bowen Island and through part of scenic Howe Sound. A nice trip to go on the outside deck and enjoy the sun and fresh air. This route can be busy and the ferry can be crowded, especially if the weather is bad. Horseshoe Bay is a pretty little village located near the mouth of Howe Sound. It is connected to Vancouver by the Trans-Canada highway and to Squamish/Whistler by Highway 99. Ferries also leave Horseshoe Bay for the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island (Nanaimo). It is busy in the summer but very scenic all year round. Two beautiful parks are only a few minutes drive away (Whytecliff Park and Lighthouse Park). Departure Bay is a 5 minute drive north of downtown Nanaimo. The area is mainly residential but there is access to the Island Highway and downtown. Buses connect the terminal with different parts of Nanaimo. On a nice day it is easy enough to walk downtown or up the hill to some shopping centers. There are many nice parks in and near Nanaimo that are worth a visit and easily accessible by foot. History: This route was established around 1951 with the arrival of Captain Peabody's Black Ball Line. From 1951 until 1961, Black Ball ships operated between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay. In 1961 BC Ferries took over the Black Ball Line and has operated this route since then.

Route 3: Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) - Langdale (Gibsons/Sunshine Coast) Voyage distance: 19.4 km Voyage time: 40 minutes Ferries: Queen of Surrey Sometimes:Queen of Coquitlam or Queen of Esquimalt. Frequency: Ranging from 8 to 10 departures from each side per day. Description: Another ex-Black Ball route, this busy ferry trip crosses beautiful Howe Sound with views of the many mountains and islands. This route can be very busy during peak times with multiple sailing waits for vehicles sometimes. Langdale is not much more than a ferry terminal. The main town is Gibsons, about a 5-minute drive away. Langdale is the terminus for the passenger ferry service to Gambier and Keats Islands. There is bus service from Langdale to both Gibsons and Sechelt. The Sunshine Coast is known for its good weather and nice places to stay and camp. Horseshoe Bay is also the terminal for the Bowen Island ferry and the Nanaimo ferry. History: Like the Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay route, this route was begun in the early 1950's with the Black Ball Line. It was also taken over by BC Ferries in 1961 and has survived calls for a fixed link between Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.

Route 4: Swartz Bay (Victoria) - Fulford Harbour (Saltspring Island) Voyage distance: 10.2 km Voyage time: 35 minutes Ferries: Skeena Queen Frequency: Eight or nine round trips per day. Description: This is the main route connecting Saltspring Island with the Victoria area. The ferry passes between a few small islands and then travels up Fulford Harbour to the ferry terminal. Saltspring Island is the most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. Fulford Harbour is the closest ferry terminal to the two most popular parks on Saltspring Island: Ruckle Provincial Park and Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. History: Regular Gulf Islands ferry service dates back to 1930 when the Gulf Island Ferry Company was created. In September of 1961, BC Ferries took over the Gulf Island Ferry Company and became responsible for ferry service to the Gulf Islands since then.

Route 5: Swartz Bay (Victoria) - Outer Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna Islands) Voyage distance: Varies with each island. Voyage time: Varies with each island. Ferries: Queen of Cumberland, Mayne Queen Frequency: Varies with each island. Check BC Ferries Southern Gulf Island Schedule page for detailed information. Description: The trips to and between Gulf Islands are very nice with some beautiful scenery. It's also interesting watching the ferry being loaded and unloaded as it stops at different islands. BC Ferries offers Day Trips from Swartz Bay on this route which allows passengers to stay on the ferry for the whole round trip from Swartz Bay as it visits between 2 to 4 of the Gulf Islands. One problem on this route is that the schedules depend on transfers between ferries so if one is late, they frequently make the rest of the ferries late too. The Gulf Islands are very beautiful, have many places to stay, and usually have very good weather. Mayne Island and the Pender Islands are the most easily accessible by ferry while Galiano and Saturna Islands generally have fewer sailings per day. History: Although not from Swartz Bay, there was ferry service to the Gulf Islands by the Gulf Island Ferry Company since 1930. The Gulf Island Ferry Company was taken over by BC Ferries in 1961.

Route 6: Crofton (Vancouver Island) - Vesuvius (Saltspring Island) Voyage distance: 4.6 km Voyage time: 20 minutes Ferries: Howe Sound Queen Frequency: Between 10-14 departures per day from each side. Description: I have never been on this route before. No doubt it is much like the other short routes in the system. The ferry crosses Stuart Channel between the two small towns of Crofton and Vesuvius. History: In the early 1960's this route was established when a ferry, the Lloyd Jones, became available from the Okanagan with the building of a bridge from Westbank to Kelowna. It was renamed Bowen Queen and then again, Vesuvius Queen. The Vesuvius Queen is no longer in service.

Route 7: Earls Bay (Sechelt) - Saltery Bay (Powell River) Voyage distance: 18.5 km Voyage time: 50 minutes Ferries: Queen of Tsawwassen (summer) Queen of Chilliwack (winter) Frequency: Between 6-8 departures per day from each side. Description: This is, in my opinion, the nicest ferry trip operated by BC Ferries. The voyage across Jervis Inlet has spectacular scenery of almost untouched coastline. From my knowledge, this route isn't usually overcrowded. Neither Saltery Bay or Earls Cove are much more than ferry terminals but they are close to some nice parks and other towns. Saltery Bay is 31 kilometers southeast of Powell River and Earls Cove is 54 kilometers north of Sechelt. History: Black Ball Line was the first company to provide regular ferry service between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay. The route and ferries were taken over by BC Ferries in 1961.

Route 8: Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) - Snug Cove (Bowen Island) Voyage distance: 5.6 km Voyage time: 20 minutes Ferries: Queen of Capilano Frequency: Usually 15 or 16 round trips per day. Description: This short trip connects the most populated island in Howe Sound to Vancouver. Although it is often used as a commuter ferry (and therefore busy in the morning and evening), it is a scenic trip and there are some nice parks on Bowen Island, close to the ferry terminal. Horseshoe Bay is also the terminal for the Langdale (Sunshine Coast) ferry and the Nanaimo ferry. Snug Cove on Bowen Island is a pleasant little village as well. Crippen Regional Park extends from Snug Cove to Killarney Lake, approximately 2 kilometers northwest. This park has lots of trails and viewpoints. History: Although there was ferry service between Bowen Island and Vancouver before 1921, the route to Horseshoe Bay began in 1921 with the Sannie Transportation Company (for more information on this, consult History of the Bowen Island Ferry by Peter Ommundsen). In 1956, the route was given to the Black Ball Line which was taken over by BC Ferries in 1961.

Route 9: Tsawwassen (Vancouver) - Outer Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saltspring Islands) Voyage distance: Varies with island. Voyage time: Varies with island. Ferries: Queen of Nanaimo (Summer) Queen of Tsawwassen (Winter) Frequency: Varies depending on island but generally 2 round trips per day. Description: Much like the Swartz Bay - Gulf Islands route, this trip visits several different islands and travels through Active Pass. Before (of after) going through Active Pass and the Gulf Islands, there is a 50 minute crossing of Georgia Strait. From my experience this route is frequently behind schedule but you still need to show up on time. The reason for this chronic lateness is the difficulty in loading one ferry for various destinations. The Gulf Islands are some of the nicest places in BC. There are several provincial and regional parks on the islands and it is a pleasant place to visit for a day or several days. History: If anyone has some information on the history of this route I'd be interested in hearing a little about it or where I could find out more about it. Before BC Ferries, the Gulf Islands were served by several ferry companies including the Union Steamship Company and the Canadian Pacific Railway, both of which had ships connecting towns and islands along the coast. As far as the route's history with BC Ferries, it is most likely that Gulf Island service to Tsawwassen began in 1961, after the takeover of the Gulf Islands Navigation Co.

Route 10: Bear Cove (Port Hardy) - Prince Rupert (Inside Passage Route) Voyage distance: 503.7 km Voyage time: Approx. 15 hours. Ferries: Queen of the North (Summer) Queen of Prince Rupert (Winter) Frequency: Depends on season. Every other day from each end in the summer. Description:I was quite young when I went on this trip but it is one of the most spectacular trips BC Ferries has. The voyage takes you through the beautiful Inside Passage and through the many islands along the north coast of BC. If you plan to take this trip, you need to reserve a place. Cabins are available on board both ferries that operate on this route. Prince Rupert is the main city and port on BC's north coast. Some cruise ships stop here and it is the BC port for Alaska State Ferries. BC Ferries operates to the Queen Charlotte Islands out of Prince Rupert and there is a road (Highway 16) and rail link to the rest of the province. Located across Port Hardy Bay from the town of Port Hardy, Bear Cove is the southern terminus for the Inside Passage cruise and the Discovery Coast trip. Port Hardy is about 235 km north of Campbell River and can be accessed by bus. History: The Inside Passage route began in May 1966 with the Queen of Prince Rupert running between Kesley Bay on Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert. With the completion of the Island Highway, the southern terminus for the route was moved north to Bear Cove (Port Hardy) in 1979.

Route 11: Skidegate (Queen Charlotte Islands) - Prince Rupert Voyage distance: 172.2 km Voyage time: Approx. 6 1/2 hours. Ferries: Queen of Prince Rupert Frequency: Between 3 and 6 departures per week from each side. Description:This is another route I have never been on. It crosses the most open ocean of any other BC Ferry route and for that reason it can be very rough during storms. The ferry crosses Hectate Strait and is the major link to the beautiful Queen Charlotte Islands. I would really like to take this trip someday (when it's windy:). The Queen Charlotte Islands are made up of two main islands: Graham Island and Moresby Island. Skidegate is on Graham Island and the town of Masset is 100 km north. There is a short ferry ride from Skidegate to connect with Moresby Island. Prince Rupert is BC's major northern port. It is also the BC terminus for Alaska State Ferries and the terminus for the BC Ferries Inside Passage route. From Prince Rupert there is highway and rail access to the rest of B.C. History: With the Queen of Prince Rupert (then named Victoria Princess)being freed up from a Victoria - Seattle run, BC Ferries began a route between Prince Rupert and Skidegate in 1980.

Route 12: Mill Bay - Brentwood Bay Voyage distance: 4.5 km Voyage time: 25 minutes Ferries: Mill Bay Frequency: Nine round trips per day (eight on Sundays). Description: "Vancouver Island's Most Beautiful Shortcut," is the motto of the route. It really is a nice shortcut across Saanich Inlet with some pretty scenery. Some consider it the oldest ferry route in British Columbia (see below). By taking this ferry drivers can avoid some mountainous driving and get to Victoria or Swartz Bay much quicker. Brentwood Bay is home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. It is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria and 20 minutes from Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Mill Bay is located a few minutes off the Island Highway about 20 minutes south of Duncan. History: This route was begun in the early 1920's by Cascade Freight and Trading Company to bypass the rugged Malahat road to Victoria. This was taken over by Coast Ferries in 1945 which was taken over by BC Ferries in 1969.

Route 13: Langdale (Gibsons/Sunshine Coast) - Gambier Island (New Brighton) - Keats Island (Keats Landing and Eastbourne) Operated under contract by Kona Winds Yacht Charters Ltd. Voyage distance: Varies with island. Voyage time: Varies with island. Ferry: MV Stormaway Previous Ferry: Dogwood Princess II Frequency: Thirteen departures from Langdale per day. Description: This was BC Ferries only passenger-only ferry route. This route visits two of the more populated islands in Howe Sound (Gambier and Keats). There is some very beautiful scenery in this area. History: This route began in 1969 with the Dogwood Princess, which was replaced by the Dogwood Princess II in 1979. In May of 2003, the Dogwood Princess II was replaced by MV Stormaway, which is operated under a BC Ferries contract to Kona Winds Yacht Charters Ltd.

Route 17: Powell River (Westview) - Little River (Comox) Voyage distance: 30.7 km Voyage time: 75 minutes Ferries: Queen of Burnaby Frequency: Four round trips per day. Description: This is the relaxed way from the Mainland to the Island. Although your sailing times are fairly limited, the traffic isn't very heavy usually and it's a pleasant trip across mostly open water. There is beautiful scenery on clear days on both sides with the Coast and Vancouver Island Mountains usually visible. BC Ferries offers a Sunshine Coast Circlepac which offers travelers a discount to travel up the Sunshine Coast to Powell River, across to Comox, and then back to Vancouver on a southern route. Comox is home to a Canadian Forces Airbase which has a airplane museum and is interesting to watch for military aircraft taking off and landing. Courtenay is only a few minutes away which is a major shopping center on the Island. Campbell River is about a 40-minute drive north and Parksville is about 40 minutes south. The popular Mount Washington is only about 40 minutes away as well. Powell River is the main city on the Sunshine Coast, connected with the rest of it by Highway 101 and the Saltery Bay - Earls Cove ferry. Powell River is also the terminal for the Texada Island ferry. History: Regular but infrequent ferry service began between these two towns in 1913 with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) ferries. This ended in 1951 and, except for an experimental service in the summer of 1961 by Coast Ferries, wasn't revived for 14 years. In 1965, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways began service between Little River and Powell River using the Comox Queen and later some larger ferries borrowed from BC Ferries. In 1985, BC Ferries took over the Ministry of Transporation and Highways Marine Branch, which included this route.

Route 18: Powell River (Westview) - Texada Island (Blubber Bay) Voyage distance: 8.7 km Voyage time: 35 minutes Ferries: North Island Princess Frequency:Ten round trips per day. Description: I have never been on this trip but there is likely some nice views of the strait and mountains. Texada Island is hardly the recreational hotspot of the province; it has 3 mines and some logging activity. There are some places of interest to tourists but there are no provincial parks on the island. Powell River is also the terminal for the Comox (Little River) route and connects with the rest of the Sunshine Coast via Highway 101 and one ferry trip. History: During the first half of the 1900's, the Union Steamship Company and the Canadian Pacific Railway provided some infrequent service from Texada Island to other points along the coast. Except for regular passenger service, there was no regular car ferry to Powell River until 1955 when the Ministry of Transportation and Highways began service. In 1979, the North Island Princess was placed on the route where she remains to this day, except now as a BC Ferry (since 1985).

Route 19: Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) Voyage distance: 5.6 km Voyage time: 20 minutes Ferries: Quinsam Frequency:Fifteen or sixteen round trips per day. Description: This little trip across Nanaimo Harbour and Northumberland Channel offers some nice views of the city of Nanaimo and marine traffic in the harbour. This route is also a commuter route and can be busy in the morning and early evening. The terminal in Nanaimo Harbour is right downtown, across the street from Harbour Park Mall. At the mall there is a major bus exchange from which much of the city can be reached. The terminal marks the end of the harbourside walkway, which extends for 2 kilometers along the shore. Gabriola Island is a fairly large Gulf Island with a population of about 2,500. The island is known for its arts and crafts as well as for its numerous and beautiful parks and beaches. The island being fairly large, some of these places are not easily accessible by foot. History: Some service was provided to Gabriola Island in the early 1900's by the steamships along the coast but it wasn't until 1931 that regular car-ferry service began to Nanaimo with the Higgs Gabriola Ferry Ltd. In 1947, the route was taken over by the Gabriola Ferry Company and in 1961 it was taken over by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways. The Quinsam was built for the route in 1982 and three years later the route and ferry joined the BC Ferry Corporation.

Route 20: Chemainus - Thetis Island - Kuper Island Voyage distance: Varies with island Voyage time: Varies with island Ferries: Klitsa Frequency:Twelve departures from Chemainus per day (13 on Friday). Description: This is a nice little trip which takes about one hour if you do the round trip without going off the ferry. The ferry has more departures from Thetis Island than Kuper Island but there are several trips through the day which stop at both. Chemainus is a really nice little town which thrives on the forestry industry and the tourism industry. It is well known for the many murals around the town. It is a really nice place to spend a few hours and has a few small parks. Thetis Island is a small residential and holiday island. There are no parks here but some public access points to the beach. Kuper Island used to be joined to Thetis Island by mud flats but this area was dredged to allow boats to cross between the islands. Kuper Island is an Indian Reserve belonging to the Penelakut people. I am not sure whether there is public access to this island but I think it would be a very interesting place to visit. History: Regular service between Chemainus and Thetis Island began in 1959 with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways. Kuper Island was included for passengers only in 1965 and for cars in 1976 with the building of a vehicle dock. It was taken over by BC Ferries in 1985.

Route 21: Buckley Bay (Vancouver Island) - Denman Island (West) Voyage distance: 2.2 km Voyage time: 10 minutes Ferries: Quinitsa Frequency: Seventeen departures from each side per day. When traffic is heavy, the schedule goes out the window and there are additional sailings. Description: This is a short trip across Baynes Sound with some nice views of Vancouver Island and Denman Island. Buckley Bay is not much more than an intersection with a gas station and convenience store on the northeast corner and a ferry terminal just off the highway. It is located between Qualicum Beach and Courtenay and can be accessed by either the Inland Island Highway or the old Island Highway. Denman Island is a small island, home to many artists and many small farms. There are a few provincial parks on the island, Fillongley PP being the only one with campgrounds (only 10). History: Denman Island ferry service began in the late 1920's and continued under different companies until it was taken over by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways in 1954. In 1985 it was taken over by BC Ferries.

Route 22: Denman Island East (Gravelly Bay) - Hornby Island (Shingle Spit) Voyage distance: 2.2 km Voyage time: 10 minutes Ferries: Kahloke Frequency: Twelve departures from each side per day, with three additional round trips on Fridays. Description: This is a short trip across Lambert Channel with some nice views of Hornby Island and Denman Island. The ferry crew can get very creative when loading the ferry to capacity during heavy traffic periods. If you get left behind, you can be pretty sure there's not enough room for you! The ferry terminal on the east side of Denman Island is about a 15 minute drive from the terminal on the west side. The schedules are usually set up so that vehicles arriving on Denman Island (west) have time to reach the next sailing from Denman Island (east) without having to wait long. The same goes for the opposite direction. Hornby Island is a smaller version of Denman Island, also being home to many artists and small farms. Some of the nicest beaches on the coast can be found at Tribune Bay which is home to a large private campground (there are several other private campgrounds on the island as well). There are two provincial parks on Hornby Island, neither of which have campgrounds. Tribune Bay P.P. includes the aforementioned beach while Helliwell P.P. has some beautiful hiking trails through forest and along bluffs facing the ocean. A network of hiking and biking trails around Hornby Island offers some spectacular views of Vancouver Island and Denman Island. History: Hornby Island was served by steamships since the late 1800's and later by the Union Steamship Company and Canadian Pacific Railway ships. In 1953, some Hornby Island residents began a subsidized ferry service between Gravelly Bay and Phipps Point on Hornby Island. This was taken over by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways in 1971 and again by BC Ferries in 1985.

Route 23: Campbell River - Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove) Voyage distance: 2.8 km Voyage time: 10 minutes Ferries: Powell River Queen Frequency: Most days have 17 round trips with an extra late sailing on Fridays and Saturdays. Description: This short trip across Discovery Passage can be very interesting. There is often a lot of marine traffic going up and down the passage as it is the gateway to the Inside Passage. During tidal changes, Discovery Passage can have a very strong current, which can be felt even during the short crossing on the ferry. Campbell River is the largest city on Vancouver Island north of Courtenay/Comox. It is a well-known sport-fishing center and is also important as a mining and forestry center. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Nanaimo to Campbell River. Quathiaski Cove is a small little town on the west side of Quadra Island. The cove includes the ferry terminal, a marina, and some historic cannery buildings. Shopping is located inland from the ferry terminal. As is the case for most of the small islands on the coast, prices are quite high. Quadra Island is quite a large Island but it is mostly populated at its southern end. There are a few provincial parks on the island but only 2 of them are accessible by road. Several parts of the island are accessible to the public including beaches and trails. Cape Mudge Lighthouse, located at the mouth of Discovery Passage is a popular attraction as is Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park, which can be accessed by car as well. History: Passenger service between Quadra Island and Campbell River existed many years before vehicle service (began as tug and barge). In 1960, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways placed the Quadra Queen II on the route, beginning frequent car and passenger service. This route was transferred to BC Ferries in 1985.

Route 24: Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) - Cortes Island (Whaletown) Voyage distance: 12 km Voyage time: 45 minutes Ferries: Tenaka or Nimpkish. Frequency: Six round trips per day (5 on Sundays). Description: This is one of the longest trips you can take on a minor vessel with BC Ferries. The ferry crosses Sutil Channel in fairly open water, which can be quite rough sometimes. I would personally rate this one of the nicest ferry trips BC Ferries offers, mainly because of the spectacular scenery and because it is far away from the crowds. Heriot Bay is a small village on the east side of Quadra Island. The historic Heriot Bay Inn is the center of town and there is a small shopping mall just up the hill from the ferry terminal. Rebecca Spit Provincial Park is a 10-minute drive from Heriot Bay and can be seen from the ferry. Allow 15 - 20 minutes to get from Quathiaski Cove to Heriot Bay. Cortes Island has three main settlements, Whaletown, Squirrel Cove, and Manson Landing. None of them are very large at all. While some of the roads on the island are paved, many are not and can be quite bumpy. Cortes Island is full of spectacular scenery and interesting places. Be sure to visit King Karl and his castle near Cortes Bay on Manzanita Road. There are three provincial parks, two of which are accessible by road: Manson Landing Provincial Park and Smelt Bay Provincial Park (22 campsites) both of which are on the southern part of the island. History: Before regular service between Cortes Island and Quadra Island, Cortes Island was served infrequently by the Union Steamship Company and Coast Ferries Ltd. This was insufficient for the residents of the island and in 1969, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways began the route which was taken over by BC Ferries in 1985.

Route 25: Port McNeill (Vancouver Island) - Sointula (Malcolm Island) - Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) Voyage distance: Varies with island. Voyage time: Port McNeill - Sointula (25 minutes), Port McNeill - Alert Bay (45 minutes), Alert Bay - Sointula (35 minutes) Ferries: Quadra Queen II . Frequency: Approximately 6 sailings to each island per day. Description: Since I have never been on this trip I can't comment on it too much. Most sailings do not visit both of the islands before returning to Port McNeill. Sointula is a small historical fishing village on the south side of Malcolm Island. The residents of Sointula are largely of Finnish descent, and the Sointula Finnish Museum chronicles the town's colorful history. Malcolm Island has roads along most of its length and there are some private campgrounds along with B&Bs and cabins. There is also a small provincial park campground at Bere Point. Alert Bay is the oldest settlement in the North Island area, and is the home of the Namgis tribe of First Nations. It is a popular spot for fishing and for tourists. History: Before publicly owned ferry service between Port McNeill, Sointula, and Alert Bay, private companies including Murray Marine Services, Northland Navigation Company, and Coast Ferries Ltd had operated at one time or another since 1959. The Ministry of Transporation and Highways began passenger service (esp. for school children) between the three towns in 1966. With the improvement of the Island Highway to Port McNeill, a car ferry service was begun in 1973. The route was merged with BC Ferries in 1985.

Route 26: Skidegate (Graham Island) - Alliford Bay (Moresby Island) Voyage distance: 4.6 km Voyage time: 20 minutes Ferries: Kwuna Frequency: Twelve round trips per day. Description: This is another trip I have never been on, but being the Queen Charlotte Islands, it is likely a scenic little sailing. Skidegate is a small historical town on the south shore of Graham Island. It is home to the Haida Gwaii Museum and the BC Ferries terminal linking the Queen Charlotte Islands to the mainland (Prince Rupert). Queen Charlotte City is located just to the west of Skidegate. Alliford Bay is about 15 kilometers west of the town of Sandspit and the airport on Moresby Island. History: Ferry service between Skidegate and Alliford Bay began in 1969 with the Misty Islands Transportation Company Ltd. with a tug and barge. In 1975, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways took over the route with the Kwuna which still serves on the route to this day, now as a BC Ferry route (since 1985).

Route 30: Duke Point (Nanaimo) - Tsawwassen (Vancouver) Voyage distance: 68.5 km Voyage time: 2 hours Ferries: Queen of Alberni and Queen of New Westminster Frequency: Eight departures from each side daily. During shoulder and low season, the first two sailings are cancelled on Sundays. Description: This beautiful trip (especially at sunset) is almost all in the open waters of Georgia Strait. Although truckers are encouraged to use this route, anyone can take it. During the trip you can get nice views of Vancouver and the Coast Mountains on one side and the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island on the other side. This route has the earliest (5:15 am) and the latest (10:45 pm) sailings to the island which can be handy at times. Tsawwassen ferry terminal is at the end of a 3 km causeway. You can connect to Vancouver from Tsawwassen by bus if you don't have a car. Duke Point is a 15 minute drive from Nanaimo even though it is just across the harbour from it. There is a nice park along the west side of Duke Point, extending the whole length of the peninsula. One downside to Duke Point is the lack of a public bus service. Unfortunately for foot passengers, unless you want to walk for a few hours into Nanaimo, you will have to settle for a taxi or private bus ride into Nanaimo that costs twice as much as the ferry trip. History: One of the newest routes on the coast, the Tsawwassen - Nanaimo service began in 1990. With ferries refitted to carry the maximum number of overheight vehicles possible, the main purpose for this new route was, and is, to divert truck traffic from the busy Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay route. In 1997, the Duke Point ferry terminal was completed and became the new Island terminus for this route.

Route 40: Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - Mid-Coast and Bella Coola Voyage distance: Varies with destination Voyage time: Varies with destination Ferries: Queen of Chilliwack Frequency: Three departures from Port Hardy and Bella Coola per week. This route is only operational from early June to early September. Description: This beautiful voyage takes you to various towns and villages along British Columbia's north coast. Not every trip visits every place along the route so you need to plan your trip through BC Ferries Discovery Coast Passage webpage. There are rumors that this route could be cancelled in the near future but there have been no definite announcements yet. It is likely that the ferry will be replaced in any event. Port Hardy is located on the northern end of Vancouver Island and is about 235 km from Campbell River. The ferry terminal is at Bear Cove, a few minutes outside of the town of Port Hardy. Bella Coola is located at the end of Burke Channel, about 120 km from the open ocean. Bella Coola is connected to the rest of British Columbia by road, however the road in and out of town can be quite an adventure as it is a very steep and narrow road. It is a 470-km drive from Bella Coola to Williams Lake, much of it across the beautiful Interior Plateau. There are several towns along the road but it is a secondary highway and not all paved as far as I know. History: The newest route operated by BC Ferries, the Discovery Coast trip was begun in the late spring of 1996 with the Queen of Chilliwack.

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This webpage was last updated on August 11, 2003.

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