Heriot Bay - Whaletown Terminal Projects

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The Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals play a critical role in connecting the Quadra Island and Cortes Island communities. The marine infrastructures at both terminals are nearing the end of their service life. As populations on both islands grow, we want to ensure the terminals remain safe and easy to access for all members of the public.

Upcoming terminal upgrades are focused on replacing marine terminal infrastructure to accommodate new, higher capacity Island class vessels, expected to help reduce roadway congestion to create safer, easier access to the terminals for vehicles and walk-on passengers.

The Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals play a critical role in connecting the Quadra Island and Cortes Island communities. The marine infrastructures at both terminals are nearing the end of their service life. As populations on both islands grow, we want to ensure the terminals remain safe and easy to access for all members of the public.

Upcoming terminal upgrades are focused on replacing marine terminal infrastructure to accommodate new, higher capacity Island class vessels, expected to help reduce roadway congestion to create safer, easier access to the terminals for vehicles and walk-on passengers.

  • Help us shape alternate service plans for 2026

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    The berths at Whaletown and Heriot Bay are being replaced. Help us shape alternative service plans by attending in-person, or taking part online.

    Join us in-person on Saturday, April 27 on Cortes Island for an opportunity to learn more about our initial plans for alternate service. You will be able to walk around the room to learn about each leg of your journey, and speak with our teams who will be on hand to listen to your feedback and answer questions.

    Participate online Visit our discussion forums between April 19 – May 6.

    What's Happening at Whaletown and Heriot Bay?

    We are excited to be moving closer to welcoming an Island Class Vessel in 2027 and providing increased capacity for Cortes Islanders and those travelling the route.

    In preparation for introducing the larger vessel to the route and to replace aging infrastructure, berth replacements are required for Whaletown and Heriot Bay. Work is planned to begin the fall of 2025 and is expected to be completed spring 2026, with full berth closures and alternate service for the route planned from January to mid-March, 2026.

    At Heriot Bay, the work is expected to include:

    • New two-lane trestle and ramp with customer waiting shelter and separated foot passenger walkway
    • New marine structures for vessel berthing and mooring

    At Whaletown, the work is expected to include:

    • New two-lane ramp with separated foot passenger walkway
    • New marine structures for vessel berthing and mooring

    We are in the early stages of planning for alternate service and want to hear from the community to help us shape our plans.

    We understand the vital role we play in providing an essential service to those that live and travel to Cortes Island, and are committed to keeping the community informed. As we progress we will be providing project updates on this page.

    To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe' on the right hand side of this page.

    We look forward to hearing from you, and working together as we look ahead at exciting improvements coming for the community.

Page last updated: 10 Dec 2025, 02:35 PM