By Elke Porter | WBN News Sea to Sky | April 15, 2025

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, a key gateway linking the mainland to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. To mark this milestone, BC Ferries has announced a sweeping infrastructure renewal program aimed at modernizing the terminal and improving the travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

The Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal also serves as a vital southern gateway to the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), one of British Columbia’s most scenic and important transportation corridors. Located in West Vancouver, the terminal connects travellers from Vancouver and beyond to destinations such as Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast, while also acting as the starting (or ending) point for the Sea to Sky Highway journey northward toward Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

When the terminal first opened in 1959, life in the coastal village of Horseshoe Bay looked quite different. Small fishing boats dotted the shoreline, and a tight-knit community of just a few hundred residents thrived along the waterfront. The opening of the ferry terminal brought new energy to the area, with the inaugural ferry, the MV Bainbridge, connecting West Vancouver to Nanaimo. Local pioneers, including ferry operator Captain Jim Fraser and community leader Margaret Weston, played key roles in establishing the terminal as a critical transportation hub.

Now one of BC Ferries’ busiest and oldest terminals, Horseshoe Bay is showing its age. "This essential infrastructure renewal is about ensuring safety, reliability, and a better experience for our customers," said Stephen Jones, Vice President of Engineering.

Planned improvements include the upgrade or replacement of three berths, relocation of the control tower, enhancements to elevated structures, and seismic resiliency upgrades. The project, expected to cost hundreds of millions, will also streamline traffic and prepare the terminal for the integration of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels.

Vice President of Customer Experience Melanie Lucia added, “While customers may not see immediate changes, they will notice a difference in how they move through the terminal starting this fall.”

As Horseshoe Bay celebrates its legacy, the upcoming transformation ensures it remains a vital link for generations to come. For updates, visit bcferries.com/in-the-community/projects.

#Horseshoe Bay 65 #BC Ferries #West Vancouver #Infrastructure Renewal #Coastal BC #Maritime History #Terminal Upgrade #Travel BC #WBN News Sea to Sky #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

Share this article
The link has been copied!