Nanaimo-to-Vancouver passenger ferry service announces August launch, fare prices

New fast ferry service from Nanaimo to Vancouver will begin in August, the operator has announced.

In a social media post June 8, Hullo Ferries stated that sailings for the 354-seat vessels would begin in early August. Sailings will take approximately 70 minutes.

Three packages are available for travellers, according to Hullo Ferries’ website, with a basic package including reserved seating and complimentary wireless internet at $40 for adults and $20 for children. Discounts will be available for seniors and infants.

The premium package includes free seat selection, high-speed wifi, access to the upper deck, a USB charging station and priority disembarking. Fares are $50 for adults and seniors and $30 for children.

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The business package has all of the amenities of the premium package, plus a snack and beverage. Fares are $60 for adults and seniors and $40 for children.

There are 264 seats for the basic tier, 60 premium seats and 30 business seats available for each sailing, as well as four wheelchair-accessible spots, Hullo said in the release.

Reservations can be booked 90 days in advance. Hullo Ferries is also offering one first-time sailing discount for each account.

Up to seven daily round trips are planned, with the first sailing leaving the Port Drive terminal in Nanaimo at 6 a.m. and the last leaving 7:30 p.m. The first sailing from Canada Place in Vancouver departs 8 a.m. and the last at 9:30 p.m, according to the website. No other times were announced.

Pets, such as cats and small dogs, are allowed onboard at no charge but must be in a pet carrier. The total weight can’t exceed 22 pounds (10 kilograms), including the carrier.

Bikes can be brought on board, but must be booked online prior to sailing, due to limited space. E-bikes and electric scooters are not permitted due to federal regulations.

The vessels are named spuhéls (spah-els) and sthuqi’ (sta-key), the Hul’q’uminum’ terms for wind and sockeye salmon, respectively, reflecting Snuneymuxw First Nation culture, a press release said.

Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw chief, said the ferries’ names honour the connection with the environment.

“We remember our kinship with them and how we respect our sacred relationship,” he said in the press release. “The vessels’ names are an example of how we can also honour our way of being together as partners.”

Learn more at hullo.com.

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