The Discovery Coast Passage

The Queen of Chilliwack services Bella Coola from Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island from June to September. Reservations are required on the Queen of Chilliwack, which has a capacity of 115 vehicles and some 400 passengers and crew.

Ferry schedules are subject to change so be sure to refer to the BC Ferries website for the latest updates. To reserve, visit http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/discovery or phone 1-888-223-3779. Reservations can also be made from your cell phone at *BCF(*223) on Rogers or Telus networks. Be sure book your accommodation in Bella Coola before making this trip.

There are direct sailings from Port Hardy northbound to Bella Coola on Thursdays; the ferry departs at 10:15 am and takes 13 hours. The return direct crossing from Bella Coola to Port Hardy departs Mondays at 8 am. Cruises that take up to 34 hours with multiple stops depart north from Port Hardy on Saturdays at 9:30 am and Tuesdays at 10:15 am. Southward departures from Bella Coola are on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 am with a variety of ports -- McLoughlin Bay, Shearwater, Klemtu and Ocean Falls are possibilities.

This crossing to the mid-coast ranks among the world's most scenic.  Cruising Queen Charlotte Strait - watch for sea lions on small islands and stay alert for whales and dolphins - it follows the stunning coastline of granite cliffs, misty green forests and deep fjords.

Leave your car quickly (noting which deck you are parked on) and find a window seat or head for an outdoor deck for breathtaking views. On these sailings between two soft adventure hubs in BC (both Bella Coola and Port Hardy boast myriad outdoor activities), you will find yourself surrounded by backcountry enthusiasts - kayakers, hikers, mountaineers and RV'ers. Passengers lounge in reclining chairs or out on the decks, swapping information. Should whales or other wildlife be spotted, word quickly spreads.  Other onboard facilities include a cafeteria, licensed lounge, gift shop, coin-operated showers, and facilities for people with disabilities. There are activity programs to keep the children happy. You can also watch a movie, which changes weekly, the selection keeping pace with recently released DVDs.    

There are no sleeping accommodations on this ferry, however, the reclining seats are comfortable. Also, in a designated area - outside, one level above the main passenger deck - tents can be put up so you have the ambience of a campground aboard the ferry! Every Friday upon departure from Ocean Falls - around 5:00 pm - passengers gather for an on-deck barbecue. They can choose from chicken, salmon or steak with all the trimmings (even corn on the cob, in season). Sometimes the captain joins in the fun, at times barbecuing, and, on occasion, sharing his favourite sauce recipe.    

This ferry excursion is one leg of the Discovery Coast Circle Tour. The seasonal schedule is posted on the BC Ferries website http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/discovery early in the year.