After less than a month of resumed ferry service between Victoria and Seattle, the Clipper has announced their closure until Spring 2022.
On September 17th, the Clipper ferry service resumed operations after 17 months of suspended service.
The Clipper’s service was put on pause in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and border closures.
See more: Here’s what to expect when Clipper sailings return to Victoria’s inner harbour
Although Canada has been welcoming American visitors through the border since early August, non-essential travel by Canadians into the states remains restricted.
This means, when the sailings resumed, only Americans were able to take advantage of the Clipper service.
Now, the Seattle Clipper has announced they will be suspending service until Spring 2022.
A recent notice posted to the ferry’s website reads: “Our fast ferry service is currently suspended until Spring 2022. Please check back for updates, thank you.”
“We knew that it would be a challenge to relaunch our international fast ferry service heading into shoulder season and given the current ongoing circumstances and travel repercussions of the pandemic,” said David Gudgel, CEO of FRS Clipper.
“Nonetheless, we needed to test the market and unfortunately the 72-hour PCR test requirement prior to arrival into Canada proved to be a significant barrier to travel for many of our guests,” said Gudgel.
According to the company, ridership has not picked up enough to cover the cost.
Although the boat can fit up to 500 passengers, the boat is currently only taking trips with fifty to sixty passengers.
The final boat docked in Seattle Monday night and 500 people will need to be issued refunds for advanced tickets.
