March 26, 2025
BC Ferries expands service to Departure Bay with new direct sailing from Tsawwassen
VICTORIA, BC - BC Ferries is making travel between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island easier and more convenient this summer with the launch of a direct daily sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay. This provides those travelling to Nanaimo with more flexibility and supports BC Ferries’ commitment to improving operational efficiency.
Starting June 19, the Queen of Alberni will sail one way to Departure Bay on its final sailing of the day, departing Tsawwassen at 4:30 pm. Bookings for this new route are now open on the BC Ferries website and app.
Passengers travelling to Nanaimo now have two arrival terminal options. With existing Nanaimo-bound sailings from Tsawwassen to Duke Point operating several times daily, and the new sailing travelling to Departure Bay once a day, it’s more important than ever for passengers to carefully confirm their arrival terminal when booking a reservation. This is especially true for foot passengers, as the terminals are in different areas of the city and transportation options differ significantly between the two ports. Departure Bay is in central Nanaimo and offers frequent public transit connections to downtown Nanaimo and beyond, while Duke Point is in south Nanaimo and has no public transit options, requiring travellers to arrange private transportation.
“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,” said Melanie Lucia, Vice President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries. “It also allows us to dock the vessel overnight at Departure Bay, maximizing our fleet utilization and improving operational efficiency.”
This new summer route reflects BC Ferries’ broader strategy to enhance customer travel while ensuring system reliability and efficiency. This sailing will help BC Ferries better manage peak-season demand, ease pressure on terminals, and deliver a better experience for passengers and staff alike.
Travellers can now book the one-way 4:30 pm direct sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay, with service running daily from June 19 through Sept. 1, 2025. Customers are reminded to enter the exact departure and arrival terminal when booking and are strongly encouraged to double-check their chosen terminals to ensure their travel plans align with their destination.
For schedules, availability, and to book your trip, visit www.bcferries.com or download the BC Ferries app.
– 30 –
Media Contact
Victoria: (250) 978-1267
Email: media@bcferries.com
Web: https://www.bcferries.com/contact-us/media-room
Customer Contact
Victoria: (250) 410-1465
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Web: https://www.bcferries.com/contact-us