For Immediate Release
June 3, 2026

BC Ferries welcomes the return of the restored Persephone to Town of Gibsons

Summary

• Restoration of the Persephone, the iconic Beachcombers tugboat, is now complete, preserving an important symbol of Gibsons’ coastal history and identity.
• BC Ferries supported the community-led project, recognizing the vessel’s cultural significance and its role in celebrating B.C.’s marine heritage.
• The restoration reflects strong local collaboration and pride, ensuring the vessel continues to connect residents and visitors to the region’s history for years to come.

VICTORIA, BC - The restoration of the Persephone – the iconic tugboat from the Canadian TV series The Beachcombers – is complete, ensuring the longtime symbol of the Town of Gibsons’ coastal history will continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come. A source of local pride for many years, the refurbished vessel honours the stories, people, and working waterfront that have shaped the Sunshine Coast.

BC Ferries was proud to support the community-led effort to preserve the Persephone, recognizing the boat’s deep connection to B.C.’s coastal identity and its role in bringing people together around a shared history of life on the water. The restoration reflects a collective commitment to celebrating marine heritage and keeping coastal stories alive in the places where they were born.

“The Persephone and The Beachcombers are part of a shared memory that made an impact not only in B.C. and across Canada, but globally,” said Lindsay Matthews, Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing for BC Ferries. “BC Ferries recognizes the importance of this project for the community of Gibsons. This project was about more than a vessel — it was about community pride, our connection to the coast, and preserving a piece of history that continues to resonate with people near and far.”

The Town of Gibsons launched its Save the Persephone campaign after time and exposure to the elements made restoration necessary. The project brought together residents, partners, and supporters who share a passion for the community’s maritime roots and its place in Canada’s television and cultural history. BC Ferries committed to contributing $25,000 in 2020 during the early stages of the campaign to support the restoration as part of this broader community effort.

“Seeing the Persephone restored and returned for all to enjoy is incredibly meaningful for our community,” said Silas White, Mayor of Gibsons. “We are especially grateful to BC Ferries for their generous support of this restoration project and for recognizing the importance of preserving B.C.’s coastal heritage and the stories, culture, and communities connected by life on the water.”

The Beachcombers aired from October 1972 until December 1990, making it one of Canada’s longest-running television series. It was also notable for its inclusion of First Nations performers and storylines that reflected the interconnected Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities of the British Columbia coast. More than three decades later, the show — and the Persephone — continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans locally and around the world.

The newly restored Persephone is now located in Inglis Park, at the corner of School Road and Gibsons Way, for the public to visit and enjoy. It was unveiled on May 30, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Molly’s Reach — another lasting icon of The Beachcombers.