New Direct Service from Port Hardy – Bella Coola Starting Summer 2018
A community engagement process with representatives from local First Nations, Ferry Advisory Committee members, BC Ferries employees and the Mid-Coast Ferry Working Group have selected Northern Sea Wolf as the name for the vessel acquired by BC Ferries for the new mid-coast ferry service. Delivery of the Northern Sea Wolf took place yesterday in Greece. The name is inspired by a First Nations legend in which the Sea Wolf is a manifestation of the Orca. The Sea Wolf symbolizes family and loyalty and the spirit of the Sea Wolf protects those travelling their waters.
“We engaged the community to select a name for the vessel that reflects the region and celebrates the cultural heritage of local First Nations,” said Janet Carson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marketing. “We are pleased with their willingness to work together and come to consensus on the name. We are now preparing the Northern Sea Wolf to begin service next summer, which will support tourism to the mid-coast, taking customers directly into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.”
“We are very excited for the future of the tourism industry from the North Island to the Cariboo Chilcotin coast region of B.C. The Northern Sea Wolf will fuel economic development and job creation in First Nation and other communities across the interior,” said Pat Corbett, Co-Chair of the B.C. Mid-Coast Ferry Working Group and a member of the naming task force.
“Ensuring a steady flow of tourists experiencing the Great Bear Rainforest can only be done with the help of BC Ferries and the B.C. Government, and we are thrilled at the new vessel becoming a permanent part of the transportation infrastructure of the Central Coast of B.C.”
BC Ferries acquired the vessel from Greece to support the Province’s commitment to the new route last year. The Northern Sea Wolf was built in 2000 and will accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in B.C. this fall, where it will undergo upgrades to be ready for regular service starting in summer 2018.
Sailings will depart from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season. Fares for this route will be consistent with the fares on the existing indirect service. Reservations for this route are scheduled to be open for booking in mid-October 2017.
Source: BC Ferries