Service notice - Barge & Water Taxi Service - Discovery Coast Connector - March 31 to May 13, 2026

Posted:   Monday, March 23, 2026

Barge & Water Taxi Service
Discovery Coast Connector

Bella Coola – Ocean Falls – Shearwater – Bella Bella
March 31 – May 13, 2026

Alternate service will be available if you are planning to travel between Bella Coola -Ocean Falls – Shearwater - and Bella Bella while our regular vessel that provides service on this Discovery Coast route undergoes its regulatory refit March 31 – May 13, 2026. A vehicle-only tug & barge and passenger-only water taxi will provide service on a modified schedule during this period. Travellers can find the adjusted schedules online here.

Reservations for both tug & barge and water taxi travel are mandatory and must be booked separately. Please call 1-888-223-3779 to make a booking for travel as a foot-passenger or with a vehicle.

Due to different vessel speeds, departure and arrival times for the tug & barge service may differ from that for the water taxi. Please plan to be separated from your vehicle for the difference in time. A shuttle bus service will be provided between the tug & barge, and water taxi terminals at Bella Coola.

Vehicle-only tug & barge service will depart and arrive from BC Ferries terminals; regular check-in times apply for reservations.

Water taxi will provide service to the following terminals:

  • Bella Coola – Small Crafts Harbour
  • Ocean Falls – Small Craft Harbour
  • Shearwater – Water Taxi Dock
  • McLoughlin Bay (Bella Bella) – BC Ferries Terminal

To assist passengers with vehicles a shuttle bus service will be provided between the barge and water taxi sailing schedules for both departures and arrivals at Bella Coola.

For up-to-date sailing and departure information, visit bcferries.com or follow @BC Ferries on X or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.

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