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Post by WettCoast on Oct 25, 2015 11:41:36 GMT -8
Mill Bay Terminal, Saanich Inlet near Victoria, with the mighty MV Klitsa in the berth - 28 September 2015. WCK (& his better half) were about to partake of 'Vancouver Island's most beautiful short-cut'. There was a humpback whale sighted from the Klitsa's wheelhouse during the crossing (though I did not see it). I did see a humpback two days later between Active Pass & Tsawwassen. I have seen lots of them up here in Douglas Channel & other North Coast waters.  © WCK-JST by Jim Thorne, on Flickr |
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Post by westernflyer on Jul 24, 2017 21:20:18 GMT -8
I was just listening to a CBC clip about the traffic delays last Friday on the Malahat due to the ongoing construction. Is it possible that a larger vessel, say Quinitsa, could use the Brentwood and Mill bay berths? |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jul 24, 2017 22:10:06 GMT -8
I was just listening to a CBC clip about the traffic delays last Friday on the Malahat due to the ongoing construction. Is it possible that a larger vessel, say Quinitsa, could use the Brentwood and Mill bay berths? People often raise a point something like this, but, really... given the volume that the Malahat carries, and taking into account that Quinitsa could transport 48 cars every seventy minutes or so as opposed to Klitsa's 22... would it really accomplish much? |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Oct 29, 2019 18:52:44 GMT -8
I'd be interested in other people's take on the Mill Bay run. I have very little experience with it... maybe three crossings in total, and one of those was when it was operated by Coast Ferries.
Thought I'd do it today, driving from Ucluelet to Sidney. Didn't look up the schedule, and happened to arrive just in time for the 4:10 sailing from Mill Bay, which I missed, by about seven or eight cars. Most of the cars left behind turned around and left, as did I. I took a chance on the drive being shorter than waiting for the next ferry, and it was. I saved about 45 minutes getting to Sidney, as opposed to waiting for the next sailing.
I'm thinking that the route loses a lot of customers by using such a small vessel. People just leave and drive, and chances are, a lot more don't even come in the first place, if they know the Klitsa often overloads.
As well, I think the route itself is poorly located, though I can't be sure, since I don't know where people are actually travelling to and from. I've always thought that if the idea is to connect the northern Saanich peninsula and really render the drive south unattractive, the eastside terminal should be closer to Patricia Bay.
BC Ferries has always been lukewarm on this route's viability. They don't make it easy to take, with a small ferry, poor routing, and even limited payment options; no cash, and no Experience card, apparently.
Obviously, this route is the odd duck of the system.
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Post by princessofvanfan on Oct 30, 2019 10:11:19 GMT -8
I think it's maintained as a commuter run and for tourism - it is a nice little trip, much more pleasant than dealing with Victoria traffic and the Malahat. The Thrifty Foods in Brentwood Bay sells tickets at a small discount, BTW.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Oct 30, 2019 10:16:53 GMT -8
I think it's maintained as a commuter run and for tourism - it is a nice little trip, much more pleasant than dealing with Victoria traffic and the Malahat. The Thrifty Foods in Brentwood Bay sells tickets at a small discount, BTW. I don’t think it need because person could take Trans Canada Highway. If Provincial cares about environment issues this ferry seems like it could be eliminated in favour of more Cowichan Valley Transit System Route 44 or 66 to get people from driving. |
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Post by paddlehardercafe on Jan 3, 2020 21:32:13 GMT -8
I'd be interested in other people's take on the Mill Bay run. I have very little experience with it... maybe three crossings in total, and one of those was when it was operated by Coast Ferries. Thought I'd do it today, driving from Ucluelet to Sidney. Didn't look up the schedule, and happened to arrive just in time for the 4:10 sailing from Mill Bay, which I missed, by about seven or eight cars. Most of the cars left behind turned around and left, as did I. I took a chance on the drive being shorter than waiting for the next ferry, and it was. I saved about 45 minutes getting to Sidney, as opposed to waiting for the next sailing. I'm thinking that the route loses a lot of customers by using such a small vessel. People just leave and drive, and chances are, a lot more don't even come in the first place, if they know the Klitsa often overloads. As well, I think the route itself is poorly located, though I can't be sure, since I don't know where people are actually travelling to and from. I've always thought that if the idea is to connect the northern Saanich peninsula and really render the drive south unattractive, the eastside terminal should be closer to Patricia Bay. BC Ferries has always been lukewarm on this route's viability. They don't make it easy to take, with a small ferry, poor routing, and even limited payment options; no cash, and no Experience card, apparently. Obviously, this route is the odd duck of the system. As some one who takes it often, 3-4 times per month in the summer, 1-2 times in the winter, it is a great short cut if you make it and time it right. But as in your case, a over load, which happens very often. It is ignored by the BCF system, wrong vessel for sure. Esp in the summer when over loads can count a dozen or more cars. This in turns pisses off the local business on the Brentwood Bay side as it blocks the road and transit. Try seeing it on a long weekend Friday. The Klitsa is cute but the wrong boat, recently for 2 months, the Kahloke was on the run and was able to take upwards up 6/8 more car. Every effort to have this larger ship on the route falls on deaf ears. What many non seasoned travelers don't know about is the pre paid travel tickets which knock off a few dollars for car and driver/passengers. Sold at Thriftys foods in Mill Bay and Saanchton and Sidney. Very much worth the purchase and to have handy, like cash, the crew loves seeing them and speeds boarding process. The crew does collect CASH, Credit and Debit cards and also sells a book of tickets too. In the summer it's very popular with cyclist and thru the winter there are people commuting to work and even school on the route 12. Ive even arrived on time in faint hopes of getting on and I have been lucky and unlucky. But in the end, it does save time and gas by avoiding the Malahat, construction, MVA closures / delays and snow storms |
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Thor's Echo
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Post by Thor's Echo on Jan 4, 2020 13:25:49 GMT -8
I'd be interested in other people's take on the Mill Bay run. I have very little experience with it... maybe three crossings in total, and one of those was when it was operated by Coast Ferries. Thought I'd do it today, driving from Ucluelet to Sidney. Didn't look up the schedule, and happened to arrive just in time for the 4:10 sailing from Mill Bay, which I missed, by about seven or eight cars. Most of the cars left behind turned around and left, as did I. I took a chance on the drive being shorter than waiting for the next ferry, and it was. I saved about 45 minutes getting to Sidney, as opposed to waiting for the next sailing. I'm thinking that the route loses a lot of customers by using such a small vessel. People just leave and drive, and chances are, a lot more don't even come in the first place, if they know the Klitsa often overloads. As well, I think the route itself is poorly located, though I can't be sure, since I don't know where people are actually travelling to and from. I've always thought that if the idea is to connect the northern Saanich peninsula and really render the drive south unattractive, the eastside terminal should be closer to Patricia Bay. BC Ferries has always been lukewarm on this route's viability. They don't make it easy to take, with a small ferry, poor routing, and even limited payment options; no cash, and no Experience card, apparently. Obviously, this route is the odd duck of the system. As some one who takes it often, 3-4 times per month in the summer, 1-2 times in the winter, it is a great short cut if you make it and time it right. But as in your case, a over load, which happens very often. It is ignored by the BCF system, wrong vessel for sure. Esp in the summer when over loads can count a dozen or more cars. This in turns pisses off the local business on the Brentwood Bay side as it blocks the road and transit. Try seeing it on a long weekend Friday. The Klitsa is cute but the wrong boat, recently for 2 months, the Kahloke was on the run and was able to take upwards up 6/8 more car. Every effort to have this larger ship on the route falls on deaf ears. What many non seasoned travelers don't know about is the pre paid travel tickets which knock off a few dollars for car and driver/passengers. Sold at Thriftys foods in Mill Bay and Saanchton and Sidney. Very much worth the purchase and to have handy, like cash, the crew loves seeing them and speeds boarding process. The crew does collect CASH, Credit and Debit cards and also sells a book of tickets too. In the summer it's very popular with cyclist and thru the winter there are people commuting to work and even school on the route 12. Ive even arrived on time in faint hopes of getting on and I have been lucky and unlucky. But in the end, it does save time and gas by avoiding the Malahat, construction, MVA closures / delays and snow storms Does the cost of the ferry fare equate in a greater savings of cash rather than driving around via the Malahat and Highway 17 to Sidney? By the time you factor in the car and passenger fare for each person in the vehicle? I am referring to the fare without discounts here of course. The average tourist is not going to bother about discounts or prepaid tickets just for a one way trip. Ie to travel from Duncan to Sidney to take The WSF to Anacortes. It cost $6.80 per passenger and $15.70 for vehicle which equals a basic minimum of $22.50 one way for 1 driver with his vehicle, at $6.80 for each additional passengers on top. In order for the ferry to be the cheapest way, it would have to cost you more then $22.50 in fuel to drive around. Also to factor in is any sailing waits. |
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Jan 4, 2020 13:50:22 GMT -8
As some one who takes it often, 3-4 times per month in the summer, 1-2 times in the winter, it is a great short cut if you make it and time it right. But as in your case, a over load, which happens very often. It is ignored by the BCF system, wrong vessel for sure. Esp in the summer when over loads can count a dozen or more cars. This in turns pisses off the local business on the Brentwood Bay side as it blocks the road and transit. Try seeing it on a long weekend Friday. The Klitsa is cute but the wrong boat, recently for 2 months, the Kahloke was on the run and was able to take upwards up 6/8 more car. Every effort to have this larger ship on the route falls on deaf ears. What many non seasoned travelers don't know about is the pre paid travel tickets which knock off a few dollars for car and driver/passengers. Sold at Thriftys foods in Mill Bay and Saanchton and Sidney. Very much worth the purchase and to have handy, like cash, the crew loves seeing them and speeds boarding process. The crew does collect CASH, Credit and Debit cards and also sells a book of tickets too. In the summer it's very popular with cyclist and thru the winter there are people commuting to work and even school on the route 12. Ive even arrived on time in faint hopes of getting on and I have been lucky and unlucky. But in the end, it does save time and gas by avoiding the Malahat, construction, MVA closures / delays and snow storms Does the cost of the ferry fare equate in a greater savings of cash rather than driving around via the Malahat and Highway 17 to Sidney? By the time you factor in the car and passenger fare for each person in the vehicle? I am referring to the fare without discounts here of course. The average tourist is not going to bother about discounts or prepaid tickets just for a one way trip. Ie to travel from Duncan to Sidney to take The WSF to Anacortes. I suspect that time is the main factor for most people. I was at Mill Bay, wanting to get to Sidney. It would have been a 70 minute wait for the next sailing, 25 minutes crossing, and probably a 15 minute drive. Definitely a fair bit faster driving around, barring major traffic issues. |
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Post by princessofvanfan on Jan 4, 2020 14:25:21 GMT -8
Does the cost of the ferry fare equate in a greater savings of cash rather than driving around via the Malahat and Highway 17 to Sidney? By the time you factor in the car and passenger fare for each person in the vehicle? I am referring to the fare without discounts here of course. The average tourist is not going to bother about discounts or prepaid tickets just for a one way trip. Ie to travel from Duncan to Sidney to take The WSF to Anacortes. I suspect that time is the main factor for most people. I was at Mill Bay, wanting to get to Sidney. It would have been a 70 minute wait for the next sailing, 25 minutes crossing, and probably a 15 minute drive. Definitely a fair bit faster driving around, barring major traffic issues. I prefer the ferry over driving the Malahat any time. |
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Post by paddlehardercafe on Jan 4, 2020 16:54:40 GMT -8
Does the cost of the ferry fare equate in a greater savings of cash rather than driving around via the Malahat and Highway 17 to Sidney? By the time you factor in the car and passenger fare for each person in the vehicle? I am referring to the fare without discounts here of course. The average tourist is not going to bother about discounts or prepaid tickets just for a one way trip. Ie to travel from Duncan to Sidney to take The WSF to Anacortes. I suspect that time is the main factor for most people. I was at Mill Bay, wanting to get to Sidney. It would have been a 70 minute wait for the next sailing, 25 minutes crossing, and probably a 15 minute drive. Definitely a fair bit faster driving around, barring major traffic issues. If one arrives in time to be among the first 20 cars and have tickets - then factor in gas, stress, time and traffic lights, then it can be a savings on money and time. Sometimes missing the ferry is awhile. I have and just slept. I needed a nap. The trip on the ferry is relaxing when you are able to look back at the hit to pass race track known as the Malahat. I just really hope the larger and faster Kahloke will be moved to Route 12 soon in 2020. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jan 4, 2020 18:11:01 GMT -8
I suspect that time is the main factor for most people. I was at Mill Bay, wanting to get to Sidney. It would have been a 70 minute wait for the next sailing, 25 minutes crossing, and probably a 15 minute drive. Definitely a fair bit faster driving around, barring major traffic issues. If one arrives in time to be among the first 20 cars and have tickets - then factor in gas, stress, time and traffic lights, then it can be a savings on money and time. Sometimes missing the ferry is awhile. I have and just slept. I needed a nap. The trip on the ferry is relaxing when you are able to look back at the hit to pass race track known as the Malahat. I just really hope the larger and faster Kahloke will be moved to Route 12 soon in 2020. I highly doubt that Kahloke will be moved to route due Hornby route. I think every this route will be eliminated due a train or more bus service. I think would be costing saving for BC Ferries to eliminate this route help keep fares affordable, provide full service on routes, and help the reduce environmental footprint of BC due a number of alternative ways across Malahat. |
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Neil
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Posts: 7,314
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Post by Neil on Jan 4, 2020 20:04:10 GMT -8
I suspect that time is the main factor for most people. I was at Mill Bay, wanting to get to Sidney. It would have been a 70 minute wait for the next sailing, 25 minutes crossing, and probably a 15 minute drive. Definitely a fair bit faster driving around, barring major traffic issues. If one arrives in time to be among the first 20 cars and have tickets - then factor in gas, stress, time and traffic lights, then it can be a savings on money and time. Sometimes missing the ferry is awhile. I have and just slept. I needed a nap. The trip on the ferry is relaxing when you are able to look back at the hit to pass race track known as the Malahat. I just really hope the larger and faster Kahloke will be moved to Route 12 soon in 2020. I would hope that the new Island class vessels mean that the Bowen Queen is freed up for Vesuvius next summer, moving Quinitsa to Hornby, and the Kahloke to Saanich Inlet. Keep in mind, though: the old Kahloke is no faster than the Klitsa. |
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Post by paddlehardercafe on Jan 4, 2020 20:23:58 GMT -8
If one arrives in time to be among the first 20 cars and have tickets - then factor in gas, stress, time and traffic lights, then it can be a savings on money and time. Sometimes missing the ferry is awhile. I have and just slept. I needed a nap. The trip on the ferry is relaxing when you are able to look back at the hit to pass race track known as the Malahat. I just really hope the larger and faster Kahloke will be moved to Route 12 soon in 2020. I would hope that the new Island class vessels mean that the Bowen Queen is freed up for Vesuvius next summer, moving Quinitsa to Hornby, and the Kahloke to Saanich Inlet. Keep in mind, though: the old Kahloke is no faster than the Klitsa.I do hope that with the move with Bowen to Crofton->Vesuvius confirmed and Quinitsa to Hornby as begged by the locals there, the Brentwood Bay->Mill Bay does indeed gets Kahloke year round. I have ridden her ( Kahloke 1973 ) and with 800hp vs ( Klitsa's 1972 ) 700hp, I was told she can kick up 1.5 to 2 knots faster. I know, not much but a touch faster then. |
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Post by paddlehardercafe on Aug 4, 2020 14:22:27 GMT -8
I traveled route 12 on Friday morning BB to MB, ferry arrived full and departed leaving several cars behind. Traveled Monday mid day from MB and experienced a 1 sailing wait and saw many cars and RV's using the route and left behind on the sailing I was on. Still a very popular route even when sailing at 75%.
Also many - many cyclist too as the charge for bikes has been dropped from the list.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Aug 4, 2020 20:33:49 GMT -8
I traveled route 12 on Friday morning BB to MB, ferry arrived full and departed leaving several cars behind. Traveled Monday mid day from MB and experienced a 1 sailing wait and saw many cars and RV's using the route and left behind on the sailing I was on. Still a very popular route even when sailing at 75%. Also many - many cyclist too as the charge for bikes has been dropped from the list. Not clear on your reference to "sailing at 75%"... I believe all routes are back to full capacity, and Saanich Inlet is also at full regular schedule. Am I wrong? |
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Post by paddlehardercafe on Aug 4, 2020 22:05:48 GMT -8
I traveled route 12 on Friday morning BB to MB, ferry arrived full and departed leaving several cars behind. Traveled Monday mid day from MB and experienced a 1 sailing wait and saw many cars and RV's using the route and left behind on the sailing I was on. Still a very popular route even when sailing at 75%. Also many - many cyclist too as the charge for bikes has been dropped from the list. Not clear on your reference to "sailing at 75%"... I believe all routes are back to full capacity, and Saanich Inlet is also at full regular schedule. Am I wrong? It is running on it's full year round schedule, the fare collector crew said they can only operate at 75% pf capacity on board. Leaving several cars behind each sailing is the norm these days as it's popularity has grown. But as for the car deck, it was full each time. |
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on May 9, 2021 11:22:35 GMT -8
Does anyone know what the Mill Bay Ferry is like right now as far as traffic??? Especially the first two sailings of the day from Brentwood Bay during mid week?? Is the ferry running at full capacity?? Going to be heading up to Lake Cowichan and thought about taking the longer way via Brentwood Bay Ferry seeing that might be the only ferry I could really take right now. I don't wanna get out there though to find it's full.
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Post by princessofvanfan on May 9, 2021 14:13:42 GMT -8
Does anyone know what the Mill Bay Ferry is like right now as far as traffic??? Especially the first two sailings of the day from Brentwood Bay during mid week?? Is the ferry running at full capacity?? Going to be heading up to Lake Cowichan and thought about taking the longer way via Brentwood Bay Ferry seeing that might be the only ferry I could really take right now. I don't wanna get out there though to find it's full. Should be okay if you avoid peak afternoon times, but really, it's a crapshoot. Try and be there at least 45 minutes early. |
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on May 14, 2021 18:19:37 GMT -8
What is peak travel times on that route?? What about like a Saturday Sunday? I’m sure the last two sailings of the day from either side aren’t that busy!
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Neil
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Post by Neil on May 14, 2021 21:03:15 GMT -8
What is peak travel times on that route?? What about like a Saturday Sunday? I’m sure the last two sailings of the day from either side aren’t that busy! Karl, if this was Washington state, you'd be able to go on the ferry website and see the 'busyness' for any given sailing on that route, for each day of the week. With all the website revamping, I don't know why BC Ferries couldn't have added that data. Hopefully someone will give you the info you need. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jun 19, 2024 17:46:56 GMT -8
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jun 19, 2024 19:18:36 GMT -8
BBF, thanks so much for posting this story. What has long been known as the 'Mill Bay ferry' is a route that actually pioneered ferry service as we know it now, in BC. By that, I mean a car ferry where you drove on one end, and off the other, a hundred years ago. True 'ro-ro'... a very modern concept. And the original vessel, the Cascade, gave one of our earliest and ... oddest Forum members, his handle. These days, the route doesn't make as much sense as it should. The ferry is far too small, and the route should probably be relocated, on the east side to Patricia Bay/Deep Bay, to somewhere around Hatch Point on the west side of Saanich Inlet. But the usual traffic doesn't justify such a huge expense, so it will continue as it is. Coast Ferries operated this route for many years before BC Ferries took it over, and I wonder if they ever made money on it. It's a beautiful way to cross Saanich Inlet, and I think the only BC Ferries route where you can actually drive, if the schedule doesn't suit you. It's an odd duck. |
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Post by paulvanb on Jun 19, 2024 20:38:47 GMT -8
BBF, thanks so much for posting this story. What has long been known as the 'Mill Bay ferry' is a route that actually pioneered ferry service as we know it now, in BC. By that, I mean a car ferry where you drove on one end, and off the other, a hundred years ago. True 'ro-ro'... a very modern concept. And the original vessel, the Cascade, gave one of our earliest and ... oddest Forum members, his handle. These days, the route doesn't make as much sense as it should. The ferry is far too small, and the route should probably be relocated, on the east side to Patricia Bay/Deep Bay, to somewhere around Hatch Point on the west side of Saanich Inlet. But the usual traffic doesn't justify such a huge expense, so it will continue as it is. Coast Ferries operated this route for many years before BC Ferries took it over, and I wonder if they ever made money on it. It's a beautiful way to cross Saanich Inlet, and I think the only BC Ferries route where you can actually drive, if the schedule doesn't suit you. It's an odd duck. Nice article! A gift of a larger, faster ship would be a very nice gift for route. |
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