Modified Schedule and Alternate Service: Jan 8 - End of March 2024

As part of our commitment to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our terminal facilities, BC Ferries will be completing a marine life extension project at Snug Cove to maintain safe and reliable operations on this critical route. This work will occur from January 8 to end of March 2024. No work will be completed over long weekends.

We are making every effort to minimize disruption of service through this time, with most of the work planned to occur overnight. However, a modified schedule and three berth closures will be required over the course of the project to enable construction work to be completed.

Sailing schedules

Sailing schedules will be amended Tuesday - Sunday, with no cancellations to Monday’s schedule. The modified schedules can be found here: Modified Schedule beginning January 8 and on the BC Ferries App.

To view a printable version visit our Project Information on the right-hand side or by clicking the link below.

Printable Route 8 Schedule - January 8 - March 27, 2024*

*Please note, this schedule is current as of the date noted.

How the modified schedule was built

During our engagements with the community, both in person and online, we asked which sailings the community would prefer to be cancelled (the first and last, or the last two) and feedback indicated an almost 50% split in preference.

Regarding sailings, we heard that:

• Cancelling the first sailing would impact people’s ability to get to work and could create congestion throughout the morning
• Evening sailings require a later sailing to allow travellers to get home from shift work or activities
• Mondays are important travel days and should remain untouched if possible

To accommodate these concerns and traffic patterns, our teams created a modified schedule that includes:

• A regular Monday schedule
• Tuesday-Friday and Sunday with evening cancellations only
• Saturdays with first and last sailing cancellations
• Evening sailings pushed back by 20-30 mins to provide later option for commuters prior to cancelled sailings

Berth Closures

Berth closures will occur over three weekends across the project timeline. As service will not be available for vehicles, complimentary water taxi-only service will be provided, along with complimentary shuttle bus service on Bowen Island between the terminal and the Transit Park & ride location (1421 Adams Road) on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 20
• Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4
• Saturday, March 9

Alternate service and mitigations

During sailing cancellations and closures, mitigation measures and alternate service have been arranged. These include:

Water Taxi:

• Complimentary water taxi service will be provided for all daily cancellations and full berth closures. The water taxi sailings will run as scheduled, with discretionary sailings as required.
• This includes a 40-passenger (primary) and 12-passenger (secondary) water taxi.
• The primary water taxi is wheelchair accessible and can also accommodate bicycles on board.
• Tickets will not be required, and passengers do not need to check in at the terminal ahead of the water taxis
• Staff will be available at the terminal to help direct passengers and answer questions

Transportation and Parking:

• Complimentary shuttle service from Snug Cove water taxi to transit park & ride location (1421 Adams Road) to coincide with water taxi sailings as noted on the printable schedule.
• Discounted daily parking: Discounted daily parking at the BC Ferries parking lots in Horseshoe Bay will be available ($10 per 24 hrs throughout the project). To receive the discounted parking rate, please visit the ticket meter and scroll through the screen to find the Bowen Island section. Please note, the discounted rate is not available on the website or mobile app.
• Complimentary parking: Complimentary parking will be available during full-day berth closures. Customers are to purchase their parking ticket after parking their vehicle in the surface lot or parkade and provide proof of receipt to a Terminal Customer Service Agent at the terminal for reimbursement. For more information, please visit the FAQ on the project page.

Staying informed and up to date:

In the coming weeks, you will see service notices, social media ads, posters and media advisories informing those travelling on the route of upcoming schedule changes. We will also be providing updates and reminders throughout the project to ensure the community is kept informed. To receive these updates, subscribe to the project page by clicking the link on the right-hand side of the project page.

To learn more, check out our FAQs on the right-hand side of the project page.

For general customer questions please reach out to our Customer Care team (1-888-223-3779)

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback and to our neighbours and passengers, for their patience as we complete this necessary work.