The Queen of Nanaimo is due to return to B.C. Ferries service today after several days on the sidelines — just in time for expected heavy traffic on the Canada Day long weekend.
Loss of the ferry led to hundreds of travellers being stuck in a traffic jam on Sunday as they tried to leave Mayne Island.
The Queen of Nanaimo is to resume sailings on the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route after repairs to deal with propeller issues, a faulty hydraulic valve and other problems.
This summer and fall will mark the final months as a Ferries ship for the Queen of Nanaimo, which is being retired. Filling the void will be the Salish Eagle, one of three Polish-built ferries joining the fleet this year.
The Salish Eagle joined the Queen of Nanaimo and added extra capacity on the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route on June 21.
“Salish Eagle is sailing out of Tsawwassen for the summer, but in the fall it will move over to the Long Harbour terminal on Salt Spring and replace the Queen of Nanaimo,” B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said.
The Salish Eagle will be the lone vessel on the route outside the peak season.
The first of the three new ferries to arrive in B.C., the Salish Orca, began work between Powell River and Comox in May. The Salish Raven arrived in the province a few weeks ago and is projected to have a fall start to service — also in the Gulf Islands area.
Last touches to the Salish Raven are underway at B.C. Ferries’ Deas refit facility. “We’re still doing final outfitting and crew training,” Marshall said.
Corinne Storey, vice-president of customer services for Ferries, said this summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years.
Marshall said there should be busy times on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route throughout the weekend, particularly leaving the mainland.
Overall, extra sailings are being added on the Swartz-Bay Tsawwassen, Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay, Tsawwassen-Duke Point and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale routes.
Ferries have some fare promotions in place to encourage travel at non-peak times, while the seven-day advance-reservation fee has been reduced by $10.
