October update and alternate service details

The Crofton and Vesuvius Terminal Projects are entering the next phase, with major berth and trestle rehabilitation work underway at both terminals.

Crofton

Construction at Crofton continues following significant progress on the new lay-by berth. Work is now shifting to repairs and upgrades to the existing berth and trestle infrastructure.

Planned work includes:

• pile installation and replacement,
• trestle repairs,
• ramp and apron upgrades,
• pontoon and wingwall replacement, and
• electrical upgrades.

Vesuvius Bay

Construction at Vesuvius Bay will begin in October and includes repairs and upgrades to the existing berth and trestle infrastructure.

Planned work includes:

• pile installation and replacement,
• trestle repairs,
• apron replacement,
• repairs to the existing ramp pontoon and support structures, and
• electrical upgrades.

Construction activities

Contractors will begin mobilizing crews and equipment by land and water in mid-October. Overnight construction activities are anticipated to begin October 8th and 15th at Crofton, and continuing from October 18th through early December at both Terminals.

Customers and nearby residents may notice increased marine and land-based construction activity, equipment deliveries, construction lighting, and periodic noise as work progresses. BC Ferries and its contractors will make every reasonable effort to minimize impacts while completing this important work safely and efficiently.

Temporary service adjustment

To support overnight construction activities and key project milestones, the final round-trip sailing between Crofton and Vesuvius Bay will be cancelled Sunday through Thursday from October 18 to December 10, 2026.

Water Taxi Service

During the temporary evening sailing cancellations, a passenger-only water taxi will operate between Crofton and Vesuvius Bay for the last round-trip.

Route, travel time and capacity

• The water-taxi has a 12-passenger capacity
• The water-taxi will operate between the North Cowichan Marina in Crofton and the HASSI dock in Vesuvius Bay.
• The crossing is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on weather and marine conditions.
• Both locations are directly adjacent to the respective BC Ferries terminal.
• Departure times:
  1. HASSI dock Vesuvius at 9:30 p.m.
  2. North Cowichan Marina at 10:00 p.m.

Staff support and wayfinding

BC Ferries staff will be present at both water-taxi locations to help coordinate passenger boarding and answer questions. Temporary signs and wayfinding information will be in place at both locations to help customers find the boarding areas.

Accessibility

The temporary water-taxi boarding locations are not fully accessible. Customers may encounter steep slopes, stairs and uneven walking surfaces. These conditions may make boarding or disembarking difficult for some customers with mobility limitations.

BC Ferries staff will provide assistance where possible; however, customers with accessibility concerns are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternate travel options if needed.

Bikes, Pets and Belongings

• Bicycles cannot be accommodated on the water-taxi.
• Well-behaved pets may be accommodated at the operator's discretion.
• For safety reasons, the operator may refuse transport if a pet cannot be safely accommodated.
• Luggage and personal belongings can be accommodated.

Weather Impacts

As with all marine transportation, water-taxi service may be affected by weather and sea conditions. Customers should check for updated travel information before their trip.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers, neighbours, and local communities as we complete these important improvements to support safe and reliable ferry service for years to come.