Service notice - Arrival of Island Nagalis and Change to Priority Loading - June 26, 2026

Posted:   Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Issued: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Arrival of Island Nagalis and Change to Priority Loading
Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) – Whaletown (Cortes Island)
Effective June 26, 2026

The Island Nagalis is scheduled to begin service on our Whaletown (Cortes Island) - Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) route starting Friday, June 26. The Tachek will complete its final sailing from Whaletown later that morning, with the Island Nagalis entering service in the afternoon. There are no anticipated service disruptions with this vessel change; however, timing remains subject to operational requirements. The schedule can be found here.

Vehicle capacity for travellers on our Cortes Island - Quadra Island route will increase significantly with the introduction of the Island Nagalis, from approximately 26 vehicles to 47 vehicles. Passenger and crew capacity will also more than double, increasing from 150 to 399 people. The Island Nagalis uses battery-equipped hybrid-electric technology designed to reduce emissions and support quieter operations. Passenger amenities include larger indoor passenger lounges, more outdoor seating, a heated solarium, a pet area, and a stair lift. Further details can be found on our website here.

As vehicle capacity on the Cortes Island - Quadra Island route increases, traffic volumes at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) are expected to grow while available vehicle staging space remains limited. As a result, priority loading for customers travelling from Cortes Island through to Campbell River on the Monday and Thursday morning 9:00 am sailings from Quathiaski Cove will no longer be available effective Monday, June 29. The lanes previously designated for priority loading will be used to accommodate additional customer vehicles on a first-arrive, first-load basis.

With two-ship service provided by Island Class vessels on the Quathiaski Cove – Campbell River route, sailings operate approximately every 35 minutes throughout much of the day. Combined with the additional vehicle capacity being introduced on the Cortes Island – Quadra Island route, customers will have significantly more travel options and improved access to Campbell River. These service improvements reduce wait times and support the transition away from the priority loading arrangement that was put in place to support customer connections to Campbell River when service and capacity were more limited.

BC Ferries has a strict “Respect in the Workplace” policy. Abusive conduct, threats, or harassment directed at terminal or vessel crew may result in denial of service and, in extreme circumstances, police involvement. We ask customers to treat our employees with respect as they work to provide safe and reliable service.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of customers as we welcome the Island Nagalis to improve service and capacity on its new route. Customers with questions or feedback can reach out to us here.

For up-to-date sailing and departure information, check Current Conditions, follow @BCFerries on X or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.