History of Gabriola to Nanaimo ferry

Route: across Northumberland Channel from a site near the CPR wharf at Nanaimo to Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island.
Voyage distance: 5.6 km
Voyage time: 20 minutes

Before 1931: Scheduled passenger and frieght service provided to Gabriola Island in the early 1900's by the steamships along the coast on the Victoria, Naniamo and Comox run but was stop after the sinking of the "Iraguois" in 1911. In 1927 the residents of the Island presented a petition to the Goverment for a automobile ferry service, car-ferry service began in 1931 to Nanaimo.

Gabriola Population: When ferry service began the island residents were engaged in farming, poultry, raising sheep, fishing, logging, brick manufacturing and boat building. These activities supported a population of 250 residents.

Regular scheduled ferry service to Gabriola Island as a government subsidized operation began 01 August, 1931

ferry license give to, Higgs Gabriola Ferry LTD.
first ferry the newly built five-car side and back-loading ATREVIDA into service.
In 1947, the route was taken over by the Gabriola Ferry Company.
In 1955 EENA a ferry with vehicle Capacity 12 cars took over the route.
in 1961 it was taken over by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
In 1964 WESTWOOD a ferry with vehicle Capacity 16 cars took over the route.
In 1972 KLATAWA a ferry with vehicle Capacity 26 cars took over the route.
In 1973 KAHLOKE a ferry with vehicle Capacity ? cars took over the route.
in 1977 QUINITSA a ferry with vehicle Capacity 50 cars took over the route.
In 1982 QUINSAM a ferry with vehicle Capacity 70 cars took over the route.
In 1985 the route and ferry joined the BC Ferry Corporation.

Ferry boats of Gabriola route

ATREVIDA

The small motor ferry Atrevida of 50 tons, 65.7 feet long with 20.5 -foot beam, was completed at New Westminster.

built: 1928
superstructure was built in Nanaimo, 21.9 feet wide and over all length of 80 feet.
powered by direct drive, air start Fairbanks Morris 8 cylinder 1928 model diesel engine.
navigational lights ran on kerosene and a box compass was used for navigation.
Capacity: carry 5 cars or 7 model T’s and 40 passengers.
The ATREVIDA gave 38 years service as a car ferry.
At present a floating restaurant in the Gulf Islands.

EENA

motor ferry Eena of Length 92 ft was built Yorrows Shipyard in Victoria.

built: 1920
Capacity: carry 12 and 70 passengers.
two Ruston-Hornsby diesel of 106 hp each

WESTWOOD

motor ferry Westwood of 256 tons, Length 110 ft, Beam 41.1 ft, depth 6 ft was built in Vancouver by Allied Builders Ltd.
First name of ferry GARIBALDI, then WESTWOOD, and present name A.J. Savoie

built: 1961 Official # 314008
Capacity: carry 16 and 150 passengers.
Horespower 680 General Motors engine.
Pictures

KLATAWA

motor ferry Klatawa of 316 tons, Length 155.5 ft, breath 40 ft was built North Vancouver shipyards.

built: 1972
Capacity: carry 26 and 150 passengers.
Horespower 590
Picture

KAHLOKE

motor ferry Kahloke of 466 tons, Length 180 ft, breath 47 ft, depth 9 ft was built in Vancouver ship yards.

built: 1973 Official # 347780
Capacity: carry 26 and 150 passengers.
Horespower 650 Caterpillar engine
Pictures

QUINITSA

motor ferry Quinita of 1,107 tons, Length 245 ft, breath 64 ft, depth 10 ft was built in Vancouver ship yards for the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.Profile

built: 1977 Official # 383249
Capacity: carry 50 and 394 passengers.
Horespower 1440 Caterpillar engine
Pictures

QUINSAM

motor ferry QUINSAM of 1,457.9 tons, Length 285 ft, breath 69.5 ft was built in Vancouver ship yardsfor the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.Profile

built: 1982
Capacity: carry 70 and 400 passengers.
Horespower 2,080
Pictures

Ferries service to Gabriola

History of Gabriola to Nanaimo ferry

Ferry boats of Gabriola route