A pair of fast ferries make their way to Nanaimo for the first time prior to launching a highly anticipated service between the downtown's of Nanaimo and Vancouver. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

They're here!

VIDEO: New fast ferries arrive in Nanaimo ahead of August service launch

Jul 14, 2023 | 2:53 PM

NANAIMO — Following a cross-Pacific journey and a stop in Victoria, a pair of passenger-only ferries to create a new travel option between Nanaimo and Vancouver are finally home.

Both the spuhéls (pronounced shpah-els) and its sister ship sthuqi’ (pronounced shta-key) made the trip up from Victoria to Nanaimo on Friday, July 14, arriving at about 3 p.m.

The vessels will run under the ‘Hullo’ brand of Vancouver Island Ferry Company and make up to seven round trips daily between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver beginning early August.

Information on a firm start date is expected next week.

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With the coastal mountains as a backdrop, a new Hullo ferry cruises into Nanaimo’s harbour on Friday, July 14. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Approved by Transport Canada a day prior to arriving in Nanaimo, staff will become acclimated with the vessels during sea trials prior to the service starting.

Those in Nanaimo will see the ships make trips in and out of the harbour as the boats take the test runs to and from Vancouver Harbour.

Fares were announced in early June prior to the boat’s arrival.

Crews await to receive the Hullo fast ferries for the first time in Nanaimo. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Adult tickets will start at just under $40 each way, with discounts available for children, seniors and pre-booked round trips.

Once service begins, both ships will dock in Nanaimo overnight with the first sailing leaving Nanaimo at 6 a.m. daily, while the first departure out of Vancouver will be 8 a.m.

The downtown-to-downtown connection is hoped to provide service to those attending sporting events or concerts in Vancouver, with the possibility to return the same night.

Final departures from Vancouver are scheduled for 9:30 p.m., or later if needed.

The custom built 264-seat vessels are configured with three classes including premium options and were built in Vietnam.

After being loaded onto a cargo carrier, the vessels sailed into Victoria in late June where crew have been undergoing training and Transport Canada certification.

Announcement of a full schedule and service start date is expected in the next couple of weeks

Return of fast ferry service was first announced in September 2021 through capital funding from Conqora Capital Partners and partnerships with the Port Authority and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

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