More ferry service between Prince Rupert and Skidegate

The Government of B.C. and BC Ferries have agreed to add more ferry sailings between Skidegate and Prince Rupert.

There are currently two round trips per week between Skidegate and Prince Rupert from mid-September to mid-June, and BC Ferries has been providing additional sailings as traffic volumes have warranted. The addition of a bi-weekly round trip during this period beginning this spring will provide more service. Peak season service remains unchanged, with five round-trips a week from mid-June to mid-September.

The number of vehicles travelling between Skidegate and Prince Rupert last year increased 15 per cent, compared to an average increase of five per cent system-wide, with similar growth in the number of passengers travelling. During this fiscal year, traffic growth to December is showing an increase of another eight per cent for vehicles and passengers, about double the average increase seen across the system.

The Province and BC Ferries will be negotiating the increased service fee required to support this additional service. BC Ferries sails between Skidegate and Prince Rupert year-round. The crossing time is eight hours.