75% off vehicles on select inter-island routes

What is the 75% off vehicles on select inter-island routes promotion? What routes does it apply to?
 

From Wednesday July 6 until Thursday, September 1, 2022, customers travelling on select inter-island routes can receive 75% off standard under-height or standard over-height vehicle fares on select sailings only. Fares cannot be booked in advance and are available for purchase at the terminal only, subject to availability based on order of arrival at the terminal. The discount does not apply to driver or passenger fares. The following routes are included in the promotion:
 

• Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)
• Crofton (Crofton) to Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay) 
• Powell River (Saltery Bay) to Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove)
• West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove)
• Powell River (Westview) to Texada Island (Blubber Bay)
• Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)
• Chemainus (Chemainus) to Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour) to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)
• Buckley Bay (Buckley Bay) to Denman Island (Denman Island West)
• Campbell River (Campbell River) to Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)
• Port McNeill (Port McNeill) to Malcolm Island (Sointula) to Cormorant Island (Alert Bay)
• Graham Island (Skidegate) to Moresby Island (Alliford Bay)
   

Why is BC Ferries offering this promotion?

This promotion provides customers travelling on select inter-island routes the opportunity to save when travelling with standard under-height or standard over-height vehicles under 20 feet in length. Customers with flexibility in their travel plans can choose to travel on select early morning and late evening promotional sailings that traditionally have more capacity available and save significantly.

Why aren’t all inter-island routes included in this promotion?

The promotion applies to select inter-island routes where there is capacity available. Certain routes have been excluded as traffic patterns indicate there are no lower-utilized sailings available during the peak season. We will continue to listen to feedback from customers and communities to shape future promotions.
 

Will driver fares and passenger fares be discounted during the promotion?

No, the discount only applies to standard under-height and over-height vehicles on select sailings. Regular fares will apply for driver and passengers, however, those travelling with an Experience™ Card can still access savings on applicable routes for driver and passengers. Learn more about the BC Ferries Experience ™ Card.
 

What types of vehicles qualify for this promotion?

The 75% off vehicles promotion applies to customers travelling with a standard under-height or over-height vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, or van. Customers with under-height or over-height vehicles over 20 feet (6.10 metres) in length can take advantage of the reduced rate for the first 20 feet, and pay the standard rate (per foot) for any additional feet. Commercial vehicles (GVW over 5,500 kg or 12,100 lbs), buses, tour operators and travel agents are not eligible for the promotion.

What sailings will have the discounted rate?

The promotional discount is available on select routes and select sailings that are not expected to sell out, including early morning and late evening sailings, mid-week sailings, and various weekend sailings. Blackout dates apply over the BC Day long weekend, from Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1. Below is a guide of the days and sailing times the promotional fares will be offered on:
 

Route	Sailing Times
Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)	Mon - Sat: 7 AM  Sun: 9 AM
Crofton (Crofton) to Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)	Mon - Sat: 6:30 AM  Sun: 7:40 AM Sat - Thurs: 10 PM  Fri: 11 PM
Powell River (Saltery Bay) to Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove)	9 PM daily
West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove)	9:20 PM daily
Powell River (Westview) to Texada Island (Blubber Bay)	Mon - Fri: 7:40 PM Sat & Sun: 8:15 PM
Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)	Mon - Fri: 5:45 AM  Sat & Sun: 6:35 AM
Chemainus (Chemainus) to Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour) to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)	Sat - Thurs: 8:55 PM Fri: 9:05 PM
Buckley Bay (Buckley Bay) to Denman Island (Denman Island West)	8:30 PM daily 10 PM daily 11 PM daily
Campbell River (Campbell River) to Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)	Sun - Thurs: 9:30 PM 10:30 PM daily Fri & Sat: 11:30 PM
Port McNeill (Port McNeill) to Malcolm Island (Sointula) to Cormorant Island (Alert Bay)	6:40 PM daily 7:40 PM daily
Graham Island (Skidegate) to Moresby Island (Alliford Bay)	Fri - Wed: 7:30 PM Thurs: 9:30 PM

 

How much will I save?

You can save 75% on under-height or over-height standard vehicle fares.

Savings will vary by route:
 

Route	Regular Vehicle Rate	Experience Card Vehicle Rate	Promotional Vehicle Rate
Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour)	$32.80	$22.30	$8.20
Crofton (Crofton) to Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)	$32.80	$22.30	$8.20
Powell River (Saltery Bay) to Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove)	$46.80	$35.95	$11.70
West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove)	$31.00	$20.05	$7.75
Powell River (Westview) to Texada Island (Blubber Bay)	$24.00	$16.10	$6.00
Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) to Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)	$24.00	$15.30	$6.00
Chemainus (Chemainus) to Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour) to Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour)	$22.80	$14.50	$5.70
Buckley Bay (Buckley Bay) to Denman Island (Denman Island West)	$21.60	$12.90	$5.40
Campbell River (Campbell River) to Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)	$21.60	$13.70	$5.40
Port McNeill (Port McNeill) to Malcolm Island (Sointula) to Cormorant Island (Alert Bay)	$25.20	$17.85	$6.30
Graham Island (Skidegate) to Moresby Island (Alliford Bay)	$21.60	$13.70	$5.40

 

How can I provide feedback?

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How do I take advantage of the savings? Can I book in advance?

The 75% discount will be applied at the terminal and is not available for purchase in advance. We recommend arriving early to ensure you make it on the sailing of your choice. When you arrive at the terminal for a discounted sailing, ticket agents will automatically apply the 75% off standard under-height or over-height vehicle fare. Accepted payment methods include Debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cash, or a BC Ferries Experience ™ Card. You will be boarded in the order you arrive at the terminal, on the next available sailing, where space is available. During popular travel times, you may experience sailing waits. Visit our Current Conditions page on the day of travel to help make an informed travel decision.

 

Can I use my Experience Card to pay for my discounted vehicle and passenger fares? Can the discounts be combined?

Yes, you can use your Experience Card to pay for your 75% off vehicle fare, but this discount cannot be combined with additional Experience Card savings on the vehicle. The 75% off standard vehicle offer provides greater savings than the Experience Card discount. You can still use your Experience™ Card to access savings for driver and passenger fares on applicable routes. Learn more about the BC Ferries Experience Card.

 

Can I pay for a discounted fare with a gift certificate?

Yes, you can purchase a discounted vehicle fare at the terminal ticket booth with a BC Ferries Gift Certificate.

 

Can I book a discounted fare for travel on inter-island routes with my BC Ferries Vacations package?

The discounted fares cannot be booked in advance, so will not be included in BC Ferries Vacations packages. Vacation packages booked for travel on inter-island routes include open tickets for ferry travel, which are not tied to a specific sailing time. Packages include bundled savings on accommodation and return ferry travel. Explore deals and offers, or call us to learn more at 1-888-BC FERRY (223-3779) Ext. 3.

What happens if I paid for a promotional sailing and I am moved to a regular sailing, either because of overloads or sailing cancellations?

The promotional fare is applied at the time of ticket purchase only. Once you have cleared the ticket booth area, the fare paid will apply to whichever sailing you travel on.

 

What happens if I have paid the regular fare and I am moved to a promotional sailing, either because of overloads or sailing cancellations?

The promotional fare is applied at the time of ticket purchase only. Once you have cleared the ticket booth area, and have paid for the regular fare, this fare will apply to whichever sailing you travel on. No refunds applicable to regular fares.

 

What happens if my sailing is cancelled after I’ve checked in at the terminal?

We will get you on the next available sailing where space is available if your sailing is cancelled. Scheduled sailings may be cancelled from time-to-time as a result of severe weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, or other unforeseen circumstances. If we are unable to load you on the next available sailing, you will be loaded based on the order of arrival at the terminal. If you choose not to travel, you will need to return to the ticket agent to check-out of the terminal and to receive a refund to the original form of payment. For the most up-to-date departure information, visit current conditions and check service notices.