BC Ferries is adding an additional sailing from Metro Vancouver to Nanaimo in mid-June.
The Queen of Alberni will sail from Tsawwassen at 4:30 p.m. to Departure Bay on its last sailing of the day beginning on June 19.
Vice President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries Melanie Lucia said customers will now have another option for travelling to the Island.
“This new direct sailing to Departure Bay gives our customers more choice and convenience when travelling to central Nanaimo this summer and will help ease congestion for passengers at other busy terminals.”
Sailings from Tsawwassen to Duke Point will continue operating several times a day despite the addition of the Departure Bay sailing.
BC Ferries adds that booking online must be carefully confirmed with the addition, with Departure Bay being in central Nanaimo and offering transportation services, while Duke Point is in south Nanaimo and there are no public transit options.
Lucia said the sailing will help BC Ferries manage peak-season travel and ease pressure on some of their terminals.
“It also allows us to dock the vessel overnight at Departure Bay, maximizing our fleet utilization and improving operational efficiency.”
The service is expected to last for the summer months only, with the sailing available to be booked until September 1.
