Travellers in British Columbia are facing growing frustration as BC Ferries implements stricter rules and raises costs. What was once a convenient link between the mainland and coastal destinations like Nanaimo is now causing stress for drivers and passengers alike.
Squamish residents enjoy quick access to the Horseshoe Bay terminal. Many use it to reach Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, or the Sunshine Coast. Some locals even work for BC Ferries. Yet, these connections are becoming harder to rely on, especially during holidays and busy weekends.
During peak times, booking a ferry can be a major challenge. Popular sailings often sell out quickly. For example, securing a spot to travel to Nanaimo on a Sunday night may mean taking the 10:40 p.m. sailing, then returning on a Monday at 6:15 a.m. Passengers must often book a week or more in advance.
The cost of ferry travel adds to the frustration. A single trip for a driver and vehicle can now exceed $100. Many see this as a steep price for what functions as an extension of B.C.’s highway system. Compared to Washington’s Puget Sound ferries, BC Ferries fares are significantly higher, raising questions about value for money.
Starting October 15, BC Ferries will require all vehicle passengers travelling from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo to book and pay before arriving at the terminal. This rule applies to cars and motorcycles. The move ends the practice of showing up and waiting for the next available sailing.
BC Ferries cites terminal construction as the reason for the new policy. Upgrades will limit space for vehicles to queue at Horseshoe Bay, according to an August 7 news release. The terminal, which has operated continuously for 65 years, handled 7.1 million passengers and three million vehicles in 2024 alone. Clearly, an upgrade is long overdue.
While improvements are necessary, the timing and policies have made travel less attractive for tourists. Visitors coming to “Beautiful B.C.” may find themselves surprised by high costs and stricter rules. A family hoping for a weekend getaway could discover that last-minute tickets are unavailable or limited to off-peak weekday sailings. This can take a large chunk out of their holiday budget and reduce travel flexibility.
The risk is that tourists and locals may vent their frustrations on frontline BC Ferries staff, who are likely dealing with the same stress and restrictions. Despite this, customer dissatisfaction is growing.
Tourism-dependent communities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast could feel the impact. Less convenient ferry service may discourage visitors and reduce spending at local businesses. Reliable, affordable transport is essential for both residents and tourists.
For local commuters, the new policies are a daily concern. Drivers and passengers now need to plan even further ahead and face higher costs. Flexibility, once a hallmark of ferry travel, is dwindling.
Despite these challenges, BC Ferries remains a vital part of B.C.’s transport network. Support from residents is important, especially for those living in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Yet, patience is wearing thin. As infrastructure work continues and stricter rules remain in place, the stress of ferry travel grows. For many, it feels like the journey’s final destination is “Grumpy Island.”
Travelers are calling for clearer communication, reasonable fares, and scheduling that reflects real-world needs. Without these, the frustration that BC Ferries customers feel is likely to continue rising.
BC Ferries faces a difficult balancing act: modernizing facilities while keeping travel accessible and convenient. If handled carefully, the upgrades could improve long-term service. For now, travelers must navigate higher costs, stricter rules, and limited availability while planning their trips to B.C.’s beautiful coastal destinations.
