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Sail the Seas of BC
Monday, February 8th, 2010 by Cheryl MacKinnon
Those who know me well are all too familiar with my love of British Columbia’s ferries. I’m not alone either, as many residents around this spectacular province will agree, we are really fortunate to have the service connecting us to points from one end of the province to the other. Aboard this ferry system, we can visit Vancouver Island, the far North at Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.
Summer Sailing to Nanaimo
Because of my enthusiasm for these vessels, you can imagine my excitement at being invited to attend the Olympic Torch transfer on the well-appointed Coastal Renaissance from Langdale Terminal on the Sunshine Coast, to Horseshoe Bay. It was emotional and exciting and all the good things you’ve read and heard about, being up close to the flame. Hugging and shaking hands with a few of the people who had already carried the torch, then to witness the Olympic Flame being lit on the Coastal Renaissance, I couldn’t help myself. I welled up – for more than just the Olympic experience. Having lived in Horseshoe Bay on and off during the past ten years, I realized how much I thoroughly enjoy and miss immensely I might add, the sheer delight of simply watching the ferries sail back and forth between Nanaimo and ‘my little bay’. Other than hopping aboard and going somewhere, the next best thing to ferry travel is to watch them travelling the routes, especially from your deck.
Bet You Didn’t Know
It’s true – BC Ferries is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, carrying more than 20 million passengers and 8 million vehicles year-round. The company, which started out in 1960 with just two ships, celebrates quite a milestone
Sunshine Coast/ Langdale with Bill McCormick, Olympic Torch Bearer
this year – BC Ferries is turning 50! And can now boast a fleet of 36 vessels departing from 47 terminals, plus amenities for families with young children such as the Kids Zone and the Video Zone to entertain older kids and their parents too. Fashionistas will find ‘Passages’ retail boutiques on the larger ships are filled with moderately priced pieces as well as specialty soaps and gifts signifying uniquely BC products. Dining options have grown, and definitely improved, over the years to include not only the famous White Spot Triple-Os (may they never be gone), on all ships there is now a vast selection of fresh and healthy food choices including fruit, vegetables and dips, to yogurts and salads.
All A’Board
What makes the trip so special you ask? Well, I believe it’s the cleanliness of the ships and the friendly staff for starters. If the weather is cooperating – travel during the squalls of fall and winter and you know how high those waves can get – the trip is more often than not, relaxing and incredibly enjoyable. And set against a soothing palette of grey-greens
David L. Hahn, BC Ferries' President & CEO, with Bill McCormick, proud Olympic Torch Bearer
and blues where ocean meets forested shoreline, with buttery sunshine often pouring over coastlines and ocean; well, the visuals are outstanding. If you have the time to travel this way, it’s magnificent.
So, if you’re in need of a getaway during the special days of Vancouver’s Olympic Winter Games, or more so following the closing, I say head out on the seas. There’s a sailing going somewhere wonderful in BC, every day of the week. Once you pick a destination, the hotels and resorts throughout the province are eager to welcome you and yours!
For more information, visit BC Ferries’ excellent web site at www.bcferries.com. You will also find great suggestions for touring by sea – adventures combining ferry travel with exploring the communities that are served by BC Ferries.
Visit www.vcmbc.com for more information on the Sunshine Coast and www.hellobc.com for general information on travel throughout the province of British Columbia.
Photo Credits: R. Bond, CtoC Productions
EXTRA SAILINGS DURING THE OLYMPICS
Bill McCormick with Olympic Fans in Horseshoe Bay - Go Canada Go!
“We are pleased to offer these additional sailings so Olympic ticket holders from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast can attend the festivities and still return home that
same evening,” said David L. Hahn, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “We also expect tourists to visit Vancouver Island and our other destinations as they explore British Columbia
as part of their Olympic experience.”
The additional sailings from February 12 – 28, 2010 are:
Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route:
• 6:00 am sailings from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen daily
• Midnight sailings from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay daily
Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route:
• 10:00 pm sailings from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay daily
• Midnight sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay daily
Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route:
• 11:00 pm sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale daily
After reading this I have a renewed desire to take the ferry. The vessels seem to be reinventing themselves every year with enhanced amenities and additional services. The improvement in the retail boutiques is a major plus.
And what an incredible experience to see the Olympic torch being lit – I was granted the privilege of being a Medal & Flower Bearer at the Pacific Coliseum and I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to share in the spirit of the Games!