Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2012 20:47:48 GMT -8
We have a reservation on the 5:20 Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay on Thursday June 28, and we are coming from northern Oregon. Does anyone know the fastest route from the Peace Arch to HB? BC Ferries says to take 99, Google maps says go through Burnaby and take 1. Not sure about traffic at that time of day. Thank you!
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Mayne
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Post by Mayne on Jun 20, 2012 21:10:19 GMT -8
With the time of day that you will be traveling I would be taking the Google map route, you might hit bad traffic with the tunnel and or the lions gate bridge going the 99 all the way in. And you couldn't pay me to take highway one west bound over the port man bridge any time after 3pm.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2012 21:26:59 GMT -8
We have Nexus cards, so crossing thru Blaine isn't an issue. So you think we're better off taking 91 thru Burnaby to 1, at about 3PM? (We usually go Tswwassen to Duke Point, but the timing works better to make the Buckley Bay ferry once we're across.)
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Post by WettCoast on Jun 20, 2012 21:32:50 GMT -8
I do not know why you are taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo when you are coming up Interstate 5 from the U.S.A. Instead you should be travelling via route 30 (Tsawwassen to Duke Point). Tsawwassen is ever so much easier to get to, especially at that time of day. I think it should be possible to switch your reservation to a route 30 ferry. The BCF reservation page shows availability for all eight sailings that day. You might want to target the 3:15 (Queen of Alberni) or 5:45 PM (Coastal Respiration) sailings.
If you do travel by Horseshoe Bay you will need perhaps 90 minutes to get there from the border. All routes will be a pain at that time of day. I would most definitely not go via down town Vancouver & the Lions Gate Bridge.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2012 21:53:08 GMT -8
I do not know why you are taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo when you are coming up Interstate 5 from the U.S.A. Instead you should be travelling via route 30 (Tsawwassen to Duke Point). Tsawwassen is ever so much easier to get to, especially at that time of day. I think it should be possible to switch your reservation to a route 30 ferry. The BCF reservation page shows availability for all eight sailings that day. You might want to target the 3:15 ( Queen of Alberni) or 5:45 PM ( Coastal Respiration) sailings. If you do travel by Horseshoe Bay you will need perhaps 90 minutes to get there from the border. All routes will be a pain at that time of day. I would most definitely not go via down town Vancouver & the Lions Gate Bridge. . Yeah I would do that idea it would be much easily to do route 30. |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jun 20, 2012 21:57:23 GMT -8
Very much in agreement with WCK's post above. You do not want to travel through Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. Tsawwassen to Nanaimo (Duke Point) is the route for you, after going through from Blaine.
You're heading for Buckley Bay... are you going to Hornby?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2012 5:48:21 GMT -8
We are going to Denman Island, where we have a home. We DO go Tswwassen to Duke Pt., normally, but taking the 5:45 (and we can't get there for the 3:15, as we have a new puppy who will need frequent stops) puts us on the nanaimo side too late to make an 8:30 crossing at Buckley Bay. Then we have to wait until 10 PM. On the other hand, since it's summer and the start of a holiday weekend, they may be shuttling anyway. @neil Is that the case? Is the general consensus that it's insane to try to get to Horseshoe Bay at that time of day? Thank you.
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Post by Mike C on Jun 21, 2012 7:56:24 GMT -8
We are going to Denman Island, where we have a home. We DO go Tswwassen to Duke Pt., normally, but taking the 5:45 (and we can't get there for the 3:15, as we have a new puppy who will need frequent stops) puts us on the nanaimo side too late to make an 8:30 crossing at Buckley Bay. Then we have to wait until 10 PM. On the other hand, since it's summer and the start of a holiday weekend, they may be shuttling anyway. @neil Is that the case? Is the general consensus that it's insane to try to get to Horseshoe Bay at that time of day? Thank you. Because of the orientation of rush hour traffic in the area, it will likely add about 30 min to the regular amount of time it would normally take to travel from the border to Horseshoe Bay. So WCK's estimate of 90-100 min is applicable during this time period. The back-ups usually occur around the bridges (the trip to HSB requires crossing three: Alex Fraser, Queensborough and Second Narrows), and since the Boundary Rd on/offramp on Hwy 1 is closed due to construction, there will probably be issues around 1st Ave/Boundary Rd. |
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Post by paulvanb on Jun 21, 2012 8:03:45 GMT -8
The Boundary Road exit is only affecting anyone going eastbound. The lineups start for eastbound at around 3:30 if there is no accidents. This is around the the Cassier tunnel. Westbound is not much of an issue around the Cassier tunnel until after 4:30 and traffic usually smooth sailing once you have cleared the Mountain Hwy. exit which just across teh bridge. Enjoy your trip!
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Post by Mike C on Jun 21, 2012 8:22:09 GMT -8
The Boundary Road exit is only affecting anyone going eastbound. The lineups start for eastbound at around 3:30 if there is no accidents. This is around the the Cassier tunnel. Westbound is not much of an issue around the Cassier tunnel until after 4:30 and traffic usually smooth sailing once you have cleared the Mountain Hwy. exit which just across teh bridge. Enjoy your trip! You cannot access Hwy 1 westbound from northbound Boundary Road. You must detour via 1st Ave to access the freeway, for which there is no left turn lane, thus backlogging onto Boundary. |
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Post by Nickfro on Jun 22, 2012 10:09:16 GMT -8
Personally, I think it'll take about the same time to do either the Hwy 99/Downtown/Lions Gate or Hwy 91/Boundary/2nd Narrows routes. It all comes down to unforeseen traffic issues that can alter your travel time.
I have heard from work colleagues that in the afternoon rush hour, it's often better to take Boundary up to Hastings to get to Hwy 1 westbound instead of turning left on 1st Ave. This is because traffic can crawl thru the tunnel, and the Hastings onramp to Hwy 1 West aviods most of this.
If you go the Hwy 99 route, use the HOV Lane before the tunnel. It practically skips the entire lineup, which can be a 15-20 min wait in the pm rush since there's only 1 lane thru the tunnel northbound. Be aware that the HOV Lane uses the offramp to Hwy 17, but don't be worried as you go straight thru the traffic light and back onto Hwy 99. You'll understand the benefit when you see it.
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Post by Mike C on Jun 22, 2012 11:39:47 GMT -8
If you go the Hwy 99 route, use the HOV Lane before the tunnel. It practically skips the entire lineup, which can be a 15-20 min wait in the pm rush since there's only 1 lane thru the tunnel northbound. Be aware that the HOV Lane uses the offramp to Hwy 17, but don't be worried as you go straight thru the traffic light and back onto Hwy 99. You'll understand the benefit when you see it. Note: this HOV lane is currently closed due to South Fraser Perimeter Road construction. |
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Post by Nickfro on Jun 22, 2012 13:21:20 GMT -8
Note: this HOV lane is currently closed due to South Fraser Perimeter Road construction. Good to know. However, does that mean it is closed at the Hwy 17 interchange too? The Hwy 17 HOV interchange is the area I'm referring to that will save lucindawabbott time. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2012 14:57:01 GMT -8
Oy! I'm looking at a Google traffic map at 3:46 and the route through the downtown (99) looks terrible. The other route, Google has me taking 91 to 10th to Canada way to the Kensington entrance for 1. Is that better than Boundary? If not, how do I get to Boundary from 91? And does 1 have HOV lanes ? What time does rush hour start? I really appreciate the insider knowledge. If y'all come to San Francisco, I could tell you how to get around!  |
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Post by Mike C on Jun 22, 2012 15:47:18 GMT -8
Nickfro: that section is not closed, and you're absolutely right - that is a huge timesaver!
Lucindawabbott: as someone who lives S of Fraser and uses this route frequently, I can tell you that Boundary Rd is far faster than going through New West and Burnaby. An alternate is neighbouring Kerr St and getting on at 1st Ave/Rupert. Hwy 1 does not have an HOV west of Grandview, so unfortunately that is no help.
Getting to Boundary from 91:
Exit on to 91A (after Annacis Isl);
Proceed over the Queensborough, keep left and exit on to Marine Way;
Right on Boundary. Kerr is the next major street after Boundary.
Oy indeed...
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Post by Scott on Jun 22, 2012 20:13:47 GMT -8
Another option would be to skip Peace Arch altogether and take #539 from Bellingham to Aldergrove and cross the border there, then it's just a straight line to the Number 1 then direct to Horseshoe Bay. Sure, the Port Mann has backups, but you'll avoid the worst of the city traffic and be going against rush hour at least until you hit the Cassiar Connector. It's pretty much highway all the way.
Whatever way you go, though, one accident at the wrong place will mess you up. And don't forget you need to get there by 4:50 at the latest for the 5:20 ferry to keep your reservation.
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Post by Ferryman on Jun 22, 2012 21:54:17 GMT -8
When I lived on the Mainland, going to/from Tsawwassen to the North Shore I'd always go Massey Tunnel -> Hwy 91 -> Knight St Bridge -> Boundary Ave-> Cassiar/2nd Narrows. My logic that it was a routing was that it was for the most part going in the right general direction the whole time with not a whole lot of back tracking. As was already discussed, the Boundary Ave area at Hwy 1 is a nightmare. However lately I've been using that same routing, but instead of Boundary Ave, I'd go Victoria Ave/Rupert St all of the way into Burnaby, and on to Hwy 1 at the 1st Ave/Hastings on ramp. It has worked out for a me pretty well for the most part during rush hour. The only time I was screwed by it, was an accident on the Knight St bridge, and having to deek over to Queensborough Bridge which is an area I hate getting into.
Bottom line though, when you first cross the border, tune your radio to AM 730 for the most up to date traffic reports. You can usually have the entire situation with Vancouver traffic figured out within 10 minutes. Have a few different routes planned out, that way you can adjust accordingly if there are any holdups mentioned anywhere on your initial routing.
That's how I travel in Vancouver at least. Although I'm beginning to lose my defensive Vancouver driving skills having lived in the Gulf Islands for over 2 years now. ;D
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2012 6:36:52 GMT -8
Another option would be to skip Peace Arch altogether and take #539 from Bellingham to Aldergrove and cross the border there, then it's just a straight line to the Number 1 then direct to Horseshoe Bay. Unfortunately, Peace Arch and the Pacific crossing are the only Nexus lines. Guess we'll just have to get up at an ungodly hour and drive off. :-/Thank you all for the advice. |
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 10, 2012 9:35:40 GMT -8
Question about parking at Horseshoe Bay:
Does any one know if the pay parking lot at HSB is likely to be filled completely tomorrow due to it being a holiday weekend, and the increased demand for parking for Bowen Island residents due to the current refit of the Queen of Capilano? My other half will be going over to Nanaimo tomorrow for a wirlwind tour.
PS: suggestion for moderators to consider - rename this thread something like 'Horseshoe Bay related questions'.
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 10, 2012 11:54:33 GMT -8
The parking at Horseshoe Bay right now is 55% full so I doubt you would have a problem. Swartz Bay for me on the other hand on Monday is gonna be crazy. It is 98% full right now parking at the terminal and if it is full Monday I aint gonna be happy about paying $18 bucks to park in the short term lot. I had thought of doing something today too but not if I have to pay $18 for parking.
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pete
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Post by pete on Aug 14, 2015 7:55:09 GMT -8
Hi.
I am wondering if it is possible get on board of Horse Bay Ferry heading to Nanaimo. Ferry departs 6:20am on Saturday and I would like to use Bus but it arrives 6:18am To terminal.
Can I still make it? Have you ever done it this way?
Thank you for answer.
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Post by Kahloke on Aug 14, 2015 8:26:19 GMT -8
Hi. I am wondering if it is possible get on board of Horse Bay Ferry heading to Nanaimo. Ferry departs 6:20am on Saturday and I would like to use Bus but it arrives 6:18am To terminal. Can I still make it? Have you ever done it this way? Thank you for answer. I don't know for certain, but I would guess that is cutting it too close, especially as BC Ferries tends to close down their passenger boarding several minutes before the sailing departs, at least on the major crossings. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 14, 2015 8:49:49 GMT -8
Hi. I am wondering if it is possible get on board of Horse Bay Ferry heading to Nanaimo. Ferry departs 6:20am on Saturday and I would like to use Bus but it arrives 6:18am To terminal. Can I still make it? Have you ever done it this way? Thank you for answer. I don't know for certain, but I would guess that is cutting it too close, especially as BC Ferries tends to close down their passenger boarding several minutes before the sailing departs, at least on the major crossings. This plan won't work. Horseshoe Bay has a 10-minute cutoff for passenger sales. ...and even if you had 11 minutes, I wouldn't trust the bus to be exactly on time. Anything between 10-15 minutes is a gamble. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 13, 2017 19:03:43 GMT -8
I am on the Gabriola ferry arriving at Descanso Bay.
A fellow passenger just asked me if we are arriving at Horseshoe Bay.
Wow.
I explained that she needed to get off the ferry with the rest of traffic, turn around and take the return trip to Nanaimo, and then find Departure Bay.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jul 13, 2017 20:32:44 GMT -8
I am on the Gabriola ferry arriving at Descanso Bay. A fellow passenger just asked me if we are arriving at Horseshoe Bay. Wow. I explained that she needed to get off the ferry with the rest of traffic, turn around and take the return trip to Nanaimo, and then find Departure Bay. Jeez. I know not everyone is a ferry fan, but... wow indeed. I always roll my eyes when the announcement is made on the route 30 departures from Tsawwassen about the ferry sailing to Duke Point only, but I guess it's necessary. You have to hope that that level of cluelessness is just restricted to someone's ferry travel. Life could get hopelessly confusing otherwise. |
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