BC Ferries will be replacing the vessel that serves the Swartz Bay – Salt Spring Island route for upgrades.
The Skeena Queen will be out of commission for 5 months from October 28th til mid-March 2020 as it undergoes a mid-life upgrade.
Passengers will instead be using the Queen of Cumberland to get to and from Salt Spring Island.
See also: BC Ferries Commissioner approves annual fare-increase cap of 2.3% until 2024
This vessel has vehicle ramps with an upper level for loading, so some passengers will be loaded onto this upper level ramp.
Vehicles will be loaded differently with commercial traffic being separated from regular vehicles, but everyone will still get on the boat on a first come, first serve basis.
There is an elevator that goes to the second level lounge, and the vessel also features a Coast Café Express.
To help passengers adjust to the new vessel, BC Ferries will have additional staff and signage during at Fulford Harbour Terminal on Salt Spring Island during the first week the Queen of Cumberland is on route.
