Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal

In 1951, the Black Ball Line leased a wharf and began a service to Gibsons[1] (later relocated to Langdale).[2] In 1953, a new route to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) was established.[3] In 1956, services to Bowen Island began when Black Ball replaced the Union Steamship Company of British Columbia.[4]

In 1961, the provincial government purchased the various Black Ball operations.[5] In the late 1960s, the terminal was reconstructed and expanded.[6][7] In 1976, a new upper deck loading ramp was built.[8]

In 2002, substantial improvements were completed at a cost of $39 million, which primarily addressed traffic awaiting embarkation on ferries. Holding stalls increased from 650 to 1,265 by absorbing former highway, removing a freeway bridge and truck runaway lane, and reconfiguring a highway interchange. Additional construction included a 450-car underground parkade and new buildings for foot passengers, amenities and maintenance.[9] A $250 million upgrade of the terminal is planned for the 2020s.[10]

On March 28, 2022, the first seismic sensor for British Columbia's earthquake early warning system was installed at the Horseshoe Bay terminal.[11]

1966: Langdale Queen ran over a nearby rowboat, on which both occupants survived.[12]

1982: Queen of Surrey rammed the dock causing significant damage.[13]

1985: Three occupants were killed when Queen of Cowichan ran over a pleasure boat near the terminal.[14]

1989: A structural steel load on an arriving truck shifted, striking seven parked vehicles and injuring two women in the holding lot.[15]

1990: After brakes failed, a loaded truck struck a parked van and spilled hot asphalt, killing two of the occupants and injuring others.[16] The truck driver received an 18-month sentence, increased to five years on appeal.[17] At a new trial, the driver was found guilty of dangerous driving but not criminal negligence.[18]

1991: Robbers stole $12,000 in coin from a safe at the terminal.[19]

1995: Queen of Coquitlam slammed into pilings, damaging its bow.[20]

2005: Queen of Oak Bay lost control and smashed into a number of private boats at the marina in Horseshoe Bay; no fatalities were reported.[21]

2019: A crew member was significantly injured after being hit by the Queen of Cowichan's bow door which was having trouble opening at the terminal.[22]

2022: A minor rock slide on January 2, 2022 closed the parkade for rock removal and structural repairs. May 19 is the target reopening date.[23]

• 
  Cars lining up at the terminal.
• 
  A ferry departing the terminal.
• 
  Queen of Oak Bay departing the terminal.
• 
  Entrance to the terminal.
• 
  Queen of Capilano arrives at the terminal.