June 3, 2025
65 Years of BC Ferries – and the path ahead
VICTORIA, BC - On June 15, BC Ferries will mark 65 years of connecting British Columbia’s coastal communities. To recognize this milestone, all Saver fares for travel between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island that day will be priced at $65 or less – a one-day special offer to thank customers for being part of the journey.
From just two ferries in 1960 to a 37-vessel fleet carrying over 22 million passengers and 8 million vehicles every year, BC Ferries has grown into one of the largest ferry systems in the world. But with that growth comes complexity — and a strong focus on reliability, renewal, and readiness for what’s ahead.
“A lot has changed in 65 years, including the challenges,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President & CEO of BC Ferries. “What hasn’t changed is our purpose – to connect people and communities. This milestone is a moment to thank our staff and customers, and to recognize the work ahead. We're focused on renewing our aging fleet, improving reliability, and building a ferry system that can keep up with the demands of the future.”
This year, the Queen of New Westminster, the oldest ship in the fleet, turns 61. That milestone underscores the importance of fleet and infrastructure renewal across the system, especially as seasonal demand continues to rise and reliability remains top of mind for customers.
BC Ferries also acknowledges the enduring ancestral connections of coastal First Nations, on whose beautiful lands and waters we operate every day. We recognize our responsibility to build and maintain long-lasting, respectful relationships with First Nations communities — and are committed to building and evolving our practice as we learn and grow.
BC Ferries Today: An Essential Link in Coastal Life
BC Ferries plays a critical role in the daily life and economy of the province, including:
- Transporting approximately $8 billion in goods each year — from groceries to fuel — that keep island communities running.
- Supporting emergency services, with over 700 onboard medical incidents and 15 marine rescues last year. In recognition of these efforts, BC Ferries received the Water Safety Excellence Award from the Life Saving Society of BC & Yukon for its role in marine rescues.
- Enabling travel for work, school, medical care, and recreation across more than two dozen routes that connect coastal communities.
- Providing the foundation for long-term regional growth by ensuring stable, reliable transportation — a role that becomes even more vital as BC’s population grows and demand for ferry service continues to rise.
Preparing for the Future
BC Ferries is advancing several major initiatives to improve service and reliability, including:
- Four new diesel-electric hybrid Island Class vessels expected to arrive in 2026 to improve inter-island travel
- A significant terminal upgrade at Horseshoe Bay designed to enhance capacity and on-time performance
- Approval secured to procure four New Major Vessels that we expect will replace four aging ships between 2029 and 2031 — a critical step forward in fleet renewal. With BC’s population projected to grow by over 40% by 2046, and ferry demand steadily rising, we continue to advocate for further fleet expansion to ensure the system remains reliable and resilient for the decades ahead.
- Enhancements to the onboard experience, including expanded pet areas, the new Seascapes lounge, and Points of Interest announcements on the Inside Passage routes, developed in collaboration with First Nations, offering passengers meaningful insights into the rich cultures and histories of coastal communities.
- As we begin preparing our submission for Performance Term 7 (PT7) to the BC Ferries Commissioner, which outlines service and investment plans for the four-year period from April 1, 2028 to March 31, 2032, we are focused on working closely with the Province to secure a sustainable funding model. This will be key to addressing the financial challenges of operating a diverse, geographically dispersed ferry system in a way that remains reliable, responsive, and customer-focused.
65th anniversary Saver Fares are now available to book through the website here.
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