‘Fast-ferry’ between Vancouver and Nanaimo launching in August

Travel between Vancouver and Vancouver Island is set to speed up in August, as a “fast-ferry service” says it will be setting sail late this summer.

The ferry service, called Hullo, is releasing details on how and when the service will work.

“The time has come… Now that it’s early June, we’re thrilled to finally provide you with all the details you’ve been eagerly waiting for. As a perk for being part of our mailing list, we’re giving you the news first.,” the service said.

Our vessels have officially departed from Vietnam and are en route to #VancouverIsland! ???? ???????? Check back next week for a new vessel-tracking feature on our website along with other exciting details… ???? #SayHullo #HulloFerries pic.twitter.com/y2KWIJYO7n

— Hullo Ferries (@hulloferries) June 2, 2023

Two new boats, given the hul’q’umi’num’ names spuhéls and sthuqi’, will begin their trips in just a couple of months.

Hullo says to honour the land and language of the Snuneymuxw People, whose traditional and ancestral territories include Nanaimo and the surrounds, the names were chosen for the vessels.

“spuhéls is in constant relationship with the communities of the natural world. spuhéls keeps the air cool and clean. They bring the clouds who offer the rain to cleanse and nourish the earth. spuhéls moves the water and keeps them fresh and sweet. spuhéls has powered our travel since the beginning of time, connecting us with the communities and places we love,” Snuneymuxw First Nation, with Hullo, explained.

“Where the salmon live, we live. We have always lived in sheltered bays and inlets, or at the mouths of rivers, out of reach from storms. The sacred salmon taught us how to live, to endure and undoubtedly to keep moving forward. From the beginning of time, our way of life has been built on our relationship with sthuqi’, which in addition to being a food resource, is a central part of our ceremonies. The Ancestors knew the sthuqi’ community as fierce warriors and must be treated with the utmost respect. This is their legacy, a gift of deeper understanding into how to be with the natural world.”

Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse says the names given to the ferries are an example of how the Nation and ferry service can work together as “partners.”

“We honour these vessels by bringing forward our connection with the sockeye salmon and the wind. We remember our kinship with them and how we respect our sacred relationship,” he said.

Multiple tiers of service and comfort for travellers

The service will offer pricing in tiers called “Comfort, Premium, and Business.” In a statement Thursday, Hullo says first-trip fares will start at $29.99, raising to $39.99. Premium seats are $49.99, with Business coming in at $59.99.

Ferry travel will start with one leaving from Nanaimo at 6 a.m., and finishing with one leaving from Vancouver at 9:30 p.m. daily. However, Hullo says it will add late-night sailings after major concerts and sports events to ensure people get back to Vancouver Island from the mainland.

Hullo adds, although there aren’t going to be any vehicles on the ferry, it will have enough room for bicycles and pets.

“We are happy to share that furry friends (cats and dogs) that can safely fit on your lap in a carrier will be permitted onboard at no extra cost,” the statement reads. “Just as pets are permitted, we’ve got space for your two-wheeled companions, too! Both ferries will have an outdoor space dedicated to stowing a limited number of bicycles between downtowns and must be reserved in advance to your sailing.”

However, Hullo says e-bikes or electric scooters will not be able to sail with the service, due to safety regulations.

“Lithium batteries (which power certain wheelchairs, mobility scooters, e-Bikes, etc.) are prohibited on the ferry per the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDG Act) and its regulations,” the ferry service says.