Departure Bay Nanaimo BC Information and Travel Options

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Breathtaking twilight view of tranquil coastal bay with colorful sky and serene waters.
Credit: pexels.com, Breathtaking twilight view of tranquil coastal bay with colorful sky and serene waters.

Departure Bay is a charming neighborhood in Nanaimo, BC, known for its scenic waterfront and outdoor recreation opportunities. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The beach at Departure Bay is a must-visit, with its calm and clear waters perfect for swimming and kayaking. It's also a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing walk.

Getting to Departure Bay is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. You can drive to the area via Highway 1, or take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.

If you're planning to explore Departure Bay, consider visiting the nearby Nanaimo Museum to learn more about the area's history and culture.

For another approach, see: Long Distance Moving Companies Bay Area

Terminal Information

The departure bay in Nanaimo, BC is a hub for ferry travel.

The terminal is located on the waterfront, making it easily accessible by foot or vehicle.

The BC Ferries terminal has 4 lanes for vehicle loading, which can accommodate a variety of vehicles, from cars to RVs and even buses.

Arrival and departure times are clearly displayed on electronic signs throughout the terminal.

Security checks are in place to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for all passengers.

On a similar theme: Vehicle Ferry to Victoria Bc

About the Area

Latimer Reef Lighthouse from the Bay
Credit: pexels.com, Latimer Reef Lighthouse from the Bay

Departure Bay is a scenic area in Nanaimo, BC, surrounded by the Strait of Georgia and the Nanaimo Harbour.

The bay is located near the city's downtown area, making it an ideal spot for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the ocean views and waterfront activities.

The area is also close to the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, which provides a convenient transportation link to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.

Nanaimo's mild climate and natural beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other water sports.

Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a great place to visit or live, and understanding the parking options is essential. The parking rates at Departure Bay in Nanaimo are straightforward.

You can park for 30 minutes for just $1.00, making it perfect for short stops. The maximum time you can park in this area is 2 hours.

If you need to park for an extended period, you can opt for a 24-hour pass, which costs $28.00. This rate is applicable per 24-hour period, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Multiple day parking is also allowed, so you don't have to worry about moving your vehicle every day.

Geography

Credit: youtube.com, What does geographical area mean?

The geography of this area is quite fascinating. The bay is framed to the west by Vancouver Island.

You'll find a provincial marine park, Saysutshun (formerly Newcastle Island), to the south-east, with a long history of mining, quarrying, herring salteries, and tourism.

Jesse Island, a small 9-acre island, is located near the northern shore of the bay. Brandon Islands, even smaller, are situated nearby, with Brandon Island notable for its history of Japanese fish canneries and salteries.

Both Jesse and Brandon Islands were named after sailors on HMS Virago in 1853. Snake Island is located just outside the mouth of the bay.

The "Departure Bay" neighbourhood surrounds most of the bay. The north-eastern shoreline is referred to as Stephenson Point, named after Chief Constable Donald Stephenson.

Travel Options

If you're looking to get to Departure Bay from Nanaimo, BC, you have a few travel options to consider.

You can take a ferry from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay, which is a convenient and scenic route that takes about 20 minutes.

The Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver is another option, but it's a bit farther away.

Transit Options

People Watch the Ships Departing From the Dock
Credit: pexels.com, People Watch the Ships Departing From the Dock

When traveling in the area, you've got several transit options to choose from.

BC Transit is one of the most convenient options, offering a reliable way to get around.

Island Link Bus is another great choice, perfect for shorter trips.

The Vancouver Island Connector is a good option for longer journeys.

AC Taxi and Yellow Cab are also available for those who prefer a more personalized service.

Here are the transit options in a list for easy reference:

  • BC Transit
  • Island Link Bus
  • Vancouver Island Connector
  • AC Taxi
  • Yellow Cab

Long-term parking requires a licence plate number, so be sure to have that on hand.

Ferry Service

The ferry service has a rich history in this area. The earliest ferries to use the port were local ships, travelling short routes between locations like Nanaimo, Departure Bay, and Newcastle Island.

In 1893, the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company started a major ferry operation between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, which lasted until 1901.

The Canadian Pacific Navigation Company was then purchased by the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the route stayed in operation as the sole service until the 1950s.

A unique perspective: Ferry Schedule Bc Nanaimo

Credit: youtube.com, Citywide Ferry Service Makes Maiden Voyage

The Black Ball Ferries, led by Captain Alexander M. Peabody's Puget Sound Navigation Company, began servicing the area between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay with ships like Kahloke and Chinook in the 1950s.

Premier Bennett started a governmental ferry service, known as the British Columbia Toll Authority Ferry System, during a time of labour unrest in the industry in the late 1950s.

Departure Bay was served by the Black Ball Line until it was bought by the government ferry corporation on November 30, 1961.

Background

Departure Bay is a charming neighborhood located in Nanaimo, BC, on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It's situated on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the ocean.

The area is known for its rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was a major shipping point for coal and timber. Departure Bay was an important hub for trade and commerce.

The bay's strategic location made it an ideal spot for the construction of a railway, which was completed in 1914.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Duke Point and Departure Bay?

Duke Point and Departure Bay differ in their public transit options, with Departure Bay offering service to and from the terminal, whereas Duke Point does not. This difference is crucial to consider when planning your trip, especially given BC Ferries' weather-dependent service cancellations.

How much does it cost to park at Departure Bay ferry?

The parking rate at Departure Bay ferry is $15.00 for a 24-hour period. This rate applies to daily parking needs.

Why is it called Departure Bay?

Departure Bay got its name from representatives of the Hudson's Bay Company, who referred to it as "Departure Harbour" in 1852. The name was later updated to "Departure Bay" on maps in 1855.

How long is Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay?

The Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay ferry trip typically takes around 1 hour and 40-42 minutes. Check the latest schedules for the fastest and most up-to-date travel times.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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