Vehicle passengers sailing on BC Ferries to Nanaimo from Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay terminal this fall will have to book a reservation, with foot passengers still able to travel in both directions without a reservation. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

fall changes

Vehicle reservations soon required on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay

May 2, 2025 | 10:22 AM

NANAIMO — Major renovations are coming to Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal this fall, requiring those who want to travel to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay in a vehicle to book a reservation.

In a news release, BC Ferries said starting this fall, a pre-booking only model will be applied for all vehicles coming from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, with walk-ons still allowed in both directions without a reservation.

They said changes were to avoid disruption in the surrounding communities due to construction projects at Horseshoe Bay scheduled for the fall, with recent delayed ferries over the Easter long weekend causing long vehicle backups on the Mainland.

A portion of ferry space will be reserved for emergency responders and passengers with medical assured loading, with vehicle space expected to be reduced by approximately 25 per cent at Horseshoe Bay during construction.

Overall vehicle space is expected to be below current levels during the construction process for the next several years, with renovations including relocating Horseshoe Bay’s terminal’s traffic control tower and the deconstruction of the elevated concrete holding area.

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BC Ferries is also adding another 4:30 p.m. direct sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay every evening, starting June 19.

They said new technology currently being developed will help them run simulations on how best to move traffic effectively through the terminals during each phase of construction.

The changes expected this fall are still under development, according to the release, with customers able to engage with them through their new ‘Let’s Connect’ community engagement system.

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