Introduction:
In early August, a new foot-passenger ferry service will commence daily sailings between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, offering a convenient transportation option for travelers. The service, operated by Vancouver Island Ferry Co., will feature two Hullo ferries, providing a 70-minute trip from one city center to another. With three price levels—Comfort, Premium, and Business—passengers can choose the level of amenities that suits their needs. This article provides an overview of the ferry service, including pricing, features, and schedule details.
Key Details:
Fare Pricing:
The fares for the Nanaimo-Vancouver passenger ferry service were revealed recently, with prices starting at $40 for one-way travel in the “Comfort” class for adults. The “Premium” class is priced at $50, while the “Business” class costs $60 per one-way trip. These fares offer a range of options to cater to different passenger preferences.
Discounted Booking:
To encourage online bookings, the company will offer all fares at a $10 discount for first-time bookings
made online. Passengers will be able to make their bookings one month before the service commences.
Schedule and Crossing Time:
The ferries will be based in Nanaimo, with the first ferry departing at 6 a.m. from Nanaimo and 8 a.m. from Vancouver. The final ferry of the day will depart Nanaimo at 7:30 p.m. and Vancouver at 9:30 p.m. The crossing time for the journey is estimated to be 70 minutes.
Features of Each Class:
Comfort Class: This class offers 264 seats on the main deck, along with Wi-Fi access. Initially, seat selection will be done by the service, but passengers will have the option to reserve specific seats for an additional fee.
Premium Class: With 60 seats on the upper deck, the Premium class provides passengers with added
amenities such as free seat selection, reclining seats, priority when disembarking, high-speed streaming
Wi-Fi, and an individual USB charging port for each seat.
Business Class: The Business class offers 30 seats and includes all the features available in the other classes. Additionally, passengers in this class enjoy reclining seats, a private section at the front of the ship, and complimentary snacks and beverages.
Upcoming Features and Hiring:
Vancouver Island Ferry Co. plans to explore group discounts and additional features in the future. As of now, the company is in the process of hiring staff, aiming to employ 70 individuals both on land and on the ferries.
Conclusion:
The launch of the Nanaimo-Vancouver passenger ferry service in August brings an exciting transportation option for travelers between the two cities. With affordable fares, multiple classes offering varying amenities, and a convenient schedule, the service aims to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Passengers can look forward to the new ferry service, which will soon connect Nanaimo and Vancouver in just 70 minutes.