Arrival of Island Nagalis and priority loading changes
UPDATED: June 24, 2026
We are writing to share that the Island Nagalis is expected to begin service on the Quadra Island (Heriot Bay)–Cortes Island (Whaletown) route on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Service transition
Based on the current transition plan, MV Tachek is expected to complete its final sailing from Whaletown late in the morning, and Island Nagalis is anticipated to enter service later that afternoon. BC Ferries is working to support a smooth transition with no anticipated service disruptions. As with all vessel deployments, timing remains subject to operational requirements.
About Island Nagalis
Island Nagalis (pronounced NAH-GAH-LEASE) replaces the 56-year-old MV Tachek, which has served the Quadra–Cortes route for a decade and is expected to be retired from service. Built in 2021, Island Nagalis brings additional passenger and vehicle capacity to the route. Like other Island Class vessels, Island Nagalis is compatible with vessels across the BC Ferries fleet, helping support operational flexibility over time.
Benefits for customers
For customers travelling between Quadra and Cortes Islands, the new vessel will increase vehicle capacity from approximately 26 to 47 vehicles and more than double passenger and crew capacity from 150 to 399 people. Island Nagalis also uses battery-equipped hybrid-electric technology designed to reduce emissions and support quieter operations.
Passenger amenities include larger indoor passenger lounges, more outdoor seating, a heated solarium, a pet area, and a stair lift.
Supporting long-term service
The deployment of Island Nagalis is part of BC Ferries’ broader fleet renewal work. Recently completed terminal improvements at Whaletown and Heriot Bay are intended to support Island Class operations and strengthen route service over time.
Changes to priority loading
As vehicle capacity on the Cortes Island - Quadra Island route increases, traffic volumes at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) are expected to grow while available vehicle staging space remains limited. As a result, priority loading for customers travelling from Cortes Island through to Campbell River on the Monday and Thursday morning 9:00 am sailings from Quathiaski Cove will no longer be available, effective Monday, June 29. The lanes previously designated for priority loading will be used to accommodate additional customer vehicles on a first-arrive, first-load basis.
With two-ship service provided by Island Class vessels on the Quathiaski Cove – Campbell River route, sailings operate approximately every 35 minutes throughout much of the day. Combined with the additional vehicle capacity being introduced on the Cortes Island – Quadra Island route, customers will have significantly more travel options and improved access to Campbell River. These service improvements reduce wait times and support the transition away from the priority loading arrangement that was put in place to support customer connections to Campbell River when service and capacity were more limited.
A Service Notice has been posted online and will be posted at terminals and onboard vessels.
Customer support
For any questions regarding this email update, please contact Customer Care at 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) or email the Customer Relations team at customer.relations@bcferries.com.
