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passenger ferry service between vancouver and bowen island, sunshine coast gains momentum
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conceptual rendering of an aerial view of the proposed electric ferry facility and dock at harbour green park in vancouver.
cirql ferries/bop architects
a proposed passenger-only electric-ferry service connecting downtown vancouver with bowen island and the sunshine coast is picking up speed, with a report going before the vancouver park board next week.
park board staff has identified a “preferred concept” for the proposed project, which would use the public dock at harbour green park at the north end of bute street. it would include a “charge barge,” a publicly accessible viewing platform, and a dock for short-term recreational use.
the park board is expected to vote on the proposal monday. if approved, it would allow vancouver staff to negotiate an agreement with victoria-based cirql ferries.
“vancouver is defined by its waterfront, the seawall, that lifestyle piece, but there’s such huge opportunity to also be moving people in transportation beyond the bridges and b.c. ferries,” said cirql founder callum campbell. “we’re excited about re-engaging that part of the waterfront.”
a conceptual rendering of a proposed dock and ferry terminal in downtown vancouver’s coal harbour waterfront for a passenger-only electric ferry service between vancouver and bowen island and gibsons.
cirql ferries/bop architects
the proposed facility would provide an all-electric, zero emission passenger ferry service, maintain public access, and improve interregional connectivity, campbell said.
over the last year, the company had assessed two other sites, including the areas near the seabus terminal and seaplane terminal, but landed on the harbour green dock as the best and most feasible location.
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the dock, originally built in 2003 by a developer, has been underutilized and costly to maintain, and required several repairs due to design problems, site conditions and damage from unauthorized vessels.
the ferry proposal offers a chance to renew the aging infrastructure at no cost to the park board.
cirql, formerly known as greenline ferries, is expected to cover costs for design, construction and implementation, including the dock, viewing platform, and charging infrastructure.
the floating charge barge would serve as a charging station, which would help to avoid strain on the electric grid, and a ferry landing for passengers.
final details, including how the existing dock will be retained, will be determined later.
the project would likely require new electrical transformer infrastructure and trenching for utilities through harbour green park, noted the report.
cirql plans to operate two battery-electric vessels, each capable of carrying up to 150 passengers, 20 bicycles and four wheelchairs.
two routes are proposed: a vancouver-gibsons service taking about 70 minutes each way with four daily round trips, and a vancouver-bowen island route taking about 40 minutes with three daily round trips. the company is targeting a 2028 launch.
hullo ferries, which launched service between downtown vancouver and nanaimo in 2023, carried about 400,000 passengers in its first year.
vancouver island ferry company
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the city would receive a share of revenues, which could help offset costs such as emergency services and bylaw enforcement associated with ferry operations.
staff say cirql is talking with first nations about the proposal.
if approved, responsibility for operating and maintaining the dock would transfer from the park board to the city’s engineering services department, which could assign some responsibilities to the ferry operator.
the proposal has garnered support from several vancouver councillors, park board commissioners, and municipal leaders in gibsons and bowen island.
at a february news conference at harbour green park, coun. rebecca bligh said the service would shorten commute times, reduce congestion and improve livability, while aligning with the city’s transportation goals to expand water-based transit in burrard inlet.
hullo ferries, which launched service between downtown vancouver and nanaimo in 2023, carried about 400,000 passengers in its first year. it recently announced fare increases of between $3 and $4, bringing adult one-way tickets to $42.99. it also introduced a new $19.99 fare tier, which is only for up to 20 tickets on select non-holiday weekday sailings.
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a previous service, bowen land and sea taxi, operated between vancouver and bowen island from 2010 to 2018, carrying 60 to 80 passengers daily with fares around $12.50 one way. it shut down abruptly in february 2018 after the park board determined the dock required repairs and was unsafe.
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