Big changes are afloat for one of BC Ferries’ busiest sailing routes.
Starting Oct. 15, BC Ferries will move to an advance booking system for all vehicles travelling from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), supported by a new digital tool to help customers plan their journeys.
According to a release from BC Ferries, all customers travelling by vehicle to Departure Bay from Horseshoe Bay, including motorcycles, will be required to book and pay in advance before arriving at the terminal.
“We understand this is a big change, and for a terminal that already has limited space, it may feel frustrating at first,” said Melanie Lucia, vice-president of customer experience at BC Ferries. “No one wants to be turned away when they’ve made the trip to the terminal. By requiring advance bookings, we’re giving customers more certainty and a better chance of securing their spot.”
According to a statement from the company, when a sailing is full, customers with standard under-height vehicles can enter their email to receive an alert if space opens up.
The booking alert system launched on the Powell River–Comox route on Oct. 8, and once further tests are completed, BC Ferries plans to expand the tool to other routes.
“This new tool is designed to help customers stay informed and act quickly if space becomes available,” said Lucia. “It reflects our commitment to invest in digital solutions that make travel easier, more transparent and more certain for our customers.”
The statement notes a separate digital waitlist tool for select routes will follow the alert system later this year.
It will allow customers to add themselves to a waitlist on sailings where advance booking space was previously sold out.
“These tools are driven by customer feedback and reflect our broader strategy to expand digital tools, improve transparency and make better use of system capacity — whether you’re travelling for a vacation, work, a medical appointment or anything in between,” Lucia added.
BC Ferries says it will offer more Saver fares and waive change fees to provide flexibility and help customers adjust during the transition to advance booking.
