Ferry closed to vehicle traffic for 6 to 8 weeks in 2026

Derek Kilbourn

Sounder News

BC Ferries is planning some major work on the Descanso Bay terminal in spring of 2026 which could see vehicle service on the route shut down for six to eight weeks.

Ritinder Matthew is the Director, Media and Issues for BC Ferries.

She responded to queries from the Sounder about the potential terminal work this past week.

The work is being considered for April and May of 2026.

Matthew writes, “we recognize the importance of this project to the community and the questions that residents have, and we want to assure you that we are committed to keeping everyone informed and involved throughout the process.”

She cautioned the project is still in early stages, so plans for the closure duration and alternate services are not yet confirmed.

Those details, Matthew says, “will be refined through community consultation. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work through the details of this project and want to reassure residents that their feedback will be critical in shaping the final plans.”

At the same time that the Descanso Bay terminal is being worked on, the Nanaimo Harbour terminal is also going to be getting work done – BC Ferries has said in the past this is to ensure closure of the route to vehicle traffic is minimized by having both terminals worked on at the same time. The planned upgrades for the Nanaimo terminal include updating or extending the lifespan of the marine infrastructure, realigning the berth for better efficiency (if BC Ferries opts for a replacement option), installing charging stations for electric vessels, and building a new layby berth for docking. A “layby” berth is used to park a vessel overnight or when not in use.

For Descanso Bay, the planned upgrades include updating or extending the lifespan of the marine infrastructure, upgrading the berth to meet flood design levels (if BCF opts for the replacement option), and installing charging stations for electric vessels.

Matthew said BCF staff is currently in the preliminary design phase and estimate a potential shutdown duration of 6-8 weeks in the spring of 2026.

“This estimate will be refined as the design progresses. We will develop an alternate service plan in consultation with the community for the terminal closure period and anticipate this planning process will begin this fall.”

When asked how vehicles will be able to get on and off Gabriola, Matthew said during the berth closure, BC Ferries plans to provide a tug and barge service between Nanaimo and Gabriola.

“The criteria for utilizing this service will be determined through community engagement to ensure it meets the needs of residents and community partners.”

Asked if there is any way to set up a temporary ramp for vehicle traffic to perhaps be sent to Duke Point, Matthew said, “unfortunately, there are no suitable ramps for ferry operations available, and building a new temporary ramp would be cost-prohibitive, so we will be utilizing the tug and barge service to support vehicle transit during this period.”

She said alternative transit means – such as for pedestrians – are currently in the early development stages.

Once BC Ferries identifies the duration and impact of the berth closure, Matthew says staff will work with the community to develop effective transit alternatives.

Matthew said the Descanso Bay Emergency Wharf will not be impacted by the terminal work.

With regard to other questions about the the project, Matthew said, “we are still in the planning stage. As we work through this project and consult with the community, we’ll have greater clarity in the coming months on the exact project start date in spring 2026 and hours of operation for the barge (including the number of vehicles we anticipate transporting, as those will be reflective of the hours of operation).”

Traffic numbers for Route 19, the Gabriola-Nanaimo ferry route, showing the kind of daily vehicle traffic that could be disrupted in 2026 when BC Ferries plans to do terminal upgrades in Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay. 

Source: Traffic Statistics tab on www.bcferries.com/in-the-community/resources