08/13/2026
Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal marked its 75th anniversary August 11, 2026, having originally opened August 11, 1951.
Service on opening day was provided by the vessel M.V. Quillayute traveling to Gibsons Landing on the Sunshine Coast BC Canada 🇨🇦
History and Operations
Opened on August 11, 1951, by Black Ball Line before the formation of BC Ferries.
First route connected West Vancouver to Gibsons Landing via the M.V. Quillayute.
Serves nearly 7 million passengers and over 3 million vehicles annually.
Key destinations include Nanaimo (Departure Bay), the Sunshine Coast (Langdale), and Bowen Island.
History and Milestones
1951 Opening: Started regular sailings to the Sunshine Coast, Nanaimo, and Bowen Island.
1961 Transition: Taken over by the provincial government to form the foundation of BC Ferries.
Busy Hub: Grew into one of the oldest and busiest transit hubs, serving nearly 7 million passengers and 3 million vehicles annually.
Current Infrastructure Upgrades
Major Revitalization: Undergoing multi-year asset renewal through the Horseshoe Bay/Langdale Infrastructure Program.
Recent Progress: Completed the deconstruction of the aging control tower and the elevated deck structure.
Operational Changes: Ongoing construction requires driver attention to new lane configurations, and advance booking rules remain active on major routes like Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay.
: Happy 75th anniversary to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, which opened on August 11 1951, with the M.V. Quillayute providing service to Gibson’s Landing. Courtesy Government of B.C. via Reddit