Several B.C. Ferries routes linking the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island faced cancellations, extended waits, and alternative services during the busy Easter long weekend due to mechanical failures and vessel shortages.
Horseshoe Bay-Langdale Route Disruptions
A mechanical problem with the Queen of Surrey’s steering panel on Sunday morning led to multiple cancellations on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route. The vessel, which had recently returned from its annual refit, encountered the issue shortly after resuming operations.
Company spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow stated that a replacement vessel assumed the route starting with the 2:25 p.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay, with normal schedules set to resume thereafter. “We expect to accommodate all traffic currently staged at both terminals, but customers should be advised that there will be no further standby space available on this route for the remainder of today,” Marlow noted in a statement.
To bridge the gap, water taxis—including four 12-passenger vessels and one with capacity for up to 38 people—were deployed until full service returned. Travelers faced heavy traffic warnings, with no standby spots available and long queues anticipated on major routes.
Cascade Effects on Tsawwassen-Duke Point
The Horseshoe Bay-Langdale issues rippled to the Tsawwassen-Nanaimo Duke Point route. Two Sunday afternoon sailings and four Monday sailings were canceled after the Queen of Coquitlam was redirected to cover the affected route.
Additional Weekend Challenges
Passengers on the Texada Island-Powell River route were stranded Friday night when a vessel suffered a propulsion failure mid-voyage. Prior to the holiday, two vessels—the Queen of Surrey and Spirit of Vancouver Island—were sidelined, the latter due to a generator problem before returning Friday afternoon. This triggered widespread cancellations between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
Fleet Strain and Future Improvements
These incidents underscore pressures from an aging fleet amid rising demand. B.C. Ferries has advocated for an additional major vessel to boost reliability, though the request awaits approval.
“This is exactly why we applied to the B.C. Ferry Commissioner to build a fifth New Major Vessel, which could provide additional relief in moments like this,” Marlow added.
The commissioner approved four of five requested new vessels last year but deemed the fifth non-essential and unaffordable. The first new ferry enters service in 2029.
