The BC Ferries fleet provides service on 25 routes along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. As the primary provider of coastal ferry transportation in the province, BC Ferries recognizes its unique role in the region's economy. From maintaining a constant flow of goods and services, to linking families and friends, to attracting tourists to our many unique destinations, our company is a key participant in the development of coastal communities.
In April 2003, BC Ferries was transformed from a Crown corporation into an independent, commercial organization under the Company Act.
The new structure gives our company the means to grow a healthy, sustainable business in support of our mission:
To provide safe, reliable and efficient marine transportation services which consistently exceed the expectations of our customers, employees and communities, while creating enterprise value.
Independence also allows us to access financial markets for funds to build new ferries and upgrade terminals.
This is very important to our future success because growth projections indicate that the need for ferry service will expand. With this in mind, our company has developed a 15-year ship and terminal replacement and upgrade program that will ensure our ability to meet increasing demand. In all, 18 vessels will be replaced.
Our Commitment to Customers
To provide a continuously improving west coast travel experience that consistently exceeds customer expectations and reflects the innovation and pride of our employees.
About our Governance
B.C. Ferry Authority is a no-share-capital corporation created under the Coastal Ferry Act (British Columbia). It is the owner of the single issued voting share of British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. ("BC Ferries"), a Company incorporated in British Columbia, which is subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
BC Ferries’ routes and service levels are defined in the Coastal Ferry Services Contract between the Province of British Columbia and BC Ferries. The contract, originally signed in 2003, is a binding 60-year agreement that is reviewed and updated at regular intervals (performance terms).
The first renewal of the Coastal Ferry Services Contract was completed on June 30, 2007 for performance term two (April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2012). There were four amendments made to the contract in performance term one. An unofficial consolidated working copy of the contract has been prepared for reference. The unofficial consolidated contract comprises the original contract and the changes arising from the four amendments. Please note that the unofficial contract is for ease of reference only and is not a legal document.
BC Ferries' fares and core service levels are overseen by an Independent Regulator (British Columbia Ferries Commissioner) who is appointed by the Province of British Columbia.
Annual Reports, British Columbia Ferries Commissioner An index of reports from British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. to the Commissioner. Also includes links to the Commissioner's Annual Reports to the Province of British Columbia.
Business Plans How we intend to achieve our vision of providing a continuously improving west coast travel experience that consistently exceeds customer expectations and reflects the innovation and pride of our employees.
Coastal Ferry Act Provides links to the act itself and related documents.
Company Videos These productions highlight the exciting changes that have taken place since BC Ferries became an independent company. They are presented in .wmv format.
Customer Satisfaction Tracking Surveys An archive of past surveys commissioned as part of the Coastal Ferry Services Contract to measure and monitor customer satisfaction with BC Ferries service.
Divisional Inquiries Reports on internal investigations of incidents involving BC Ferries vessels.
Strategic Plan, 2003-2025 The Strategic Plan for BC Ferries provides the framework for us to achieve both our customer service and commercial objectives.