Project Updates, Cancellations and Water Taxi Service
Project Updates
Marine construction at Nanaimo Terminal has now been completed, and construction at Descanso Bay Terminal on Gabriola Island has begun.
Sailing Cancellations
Due to construction at Descanso Bay Terminal, some changes to service, including late evening sailing cancellations, will be required, which can be reviewed in the Service Notice.
Required sailing cancellations reflect 'what we heard' from community in the June 2025 Engagement Summary Report.
We know the impact cancellations can have on regular commuters and will do our best to minimize impacts where possible. These upgrades are necessary to continue to provide safe and reliable service to and from Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and some sailing cancellations are required to create a longer work window overnight. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Water-taxi service
During the sailing cancellations, BC Ferries will provide a foot-passenger water-taxi service between Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Terminal.
RDN emergency wharf in Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Port Authority wharf in Nanaimo will be utilized (located a short walk from the existing BCF terminals; Both have previously been used as the operating berths for alternate water taxi service).
Terminal assistance will be provided at both locations.
While the water-taxi schedule is still being finalized, our goal is to match the existing ferry schedule as closely as possible.
- Passenger safety is our top priority. The water-taxi operator reserves the right to refuse service if safety requirements are not met.
BC Ferries is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this project, and we thank customers in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this critical infrastructure work.
