Nanaimo–Vancouver Ferry Cuts in Half: What Commuter Reliability Means for Island Real Estate

B.C. Ferries has cancelled approximately half of Tuesday's sailings between Nanaimo's Departure Bay and Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay, citing mechanical problems with the Queen of Cowichan's main engine turbocharger. The disruptions began Monday evening and affected the 6:15 a.m., 10:55 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. departures from Nanaimo, plus the 8:35 a.m., 1:25 p.m., 6:20 p.m., and 10:40 p.m. sailings from Vancouver. The ferry operator warned that Wednesday's schedule is also at risk, while engineering teams assess repair timelines. The Queen of Oak Bay continues to service the remaining half of scheduled runs. Two additional evening sailings were added between Departure Bay and Tsawwassen—at 7:15 p.m. and 10 p.m.—and regular Duke Point to Tsawwassen service remains available.