Ferry swap adds 44 cars to southern Salt Spring Island route in January
Published 10:30 am Monday, December 29, 2025
A ferry swap will see more vehicle capacity between the South Island and the Southern Gulf Islands as the Salish Heron takes on the route to start 2026.
The Queen of Cumberland that usually services the route undergoes its annual refit Jan. 3 to Feb. 20.
Ahead of that, the ferry is undergoing phased safety improvements through the refit period, when its deployable vehicle ramps will be permanently removed.
BC Ferries recently reduced the maximum number of vehicles on each ramp from 18 to 10 effective immediately due to recent challenges with safely and reliably operating the ramps on the Queen of Cumberland.
The Salish Heron accommodates about 44 more vehicles than the Queen of Cumberland, and passenger amenities include the Coastal Café, Passages Gift Shop, comfortable lounge seating with panoramic views, spacious outdoor seating on an open sundeck, a pet area, elevators, and upper and lower vehicle decks.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, visit bcferries.com.
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