As BC Ferries prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary, they will be passing on a special discount to mark the occasion.
On June 15th, BC Ferries will mark down all ‘Saver’ fares down to $65 or less for a standard vehicle and driver between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
With peak sailing times typically costing $105, one-way between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, this promotion will save ferry-goers $40 on their sailing.
To qualify for this Saver fee, travellers must book in advance and make a reservation.
Brief history of BC Ferries
The company that now handles most travel by boat between Vancouver Island and the mainland began in 1960, and was initially owned by the Crown.
In 1958, workers for the Black Ball Line and Canadian Pacific Steamships went on strike at the same time, making it near impossible to travel to or from the island.
Because of this, the need was identified for a government-owned ferry service that would not be impacted by such strikes.
In 1960, the company launched their first two vessels, which ran one route between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.
BC Ferries had to expand their services quickly to keep up with Black Ball and other private ferry companies, so they started building more ships immediately and using those vessels to service Vancouver Island’s smaller communities.
In 2003, the company went from being government-owned to private when the Coastal Ferry Act was passed.
Now, BC Ferries boasts the largest fleet of vehicle ferry vessels in the world, which is still growing with the recent announcement of new electric vessels being approved.
In their vast fleet, there are at least 45 vessels, ranging from small passenger-only water taxis, up to the 358-car Spirit-class ferries.
