‘Unprecedented times’: Ferry service reduced between B.C., Washington state

Black Ball Ferry Line ship is shown in this handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Black Ball Ferry Line.

Ferry service between British Columbia and Washington state is being scaled back due to decreased demand, according to the operator.

The Black Ball Ferry Line – which connects Victoria, B.C., to Port Angeles, Wash. – usually ramps up service starting in June to accommodate summer travellers. The company announced Tuesday it would not be doing so this year, describing the move as a “difficult decision.”

The announcement does not explicitly reference the ongoing tariff and annexation threats coming from U.S. President Donald Trump which have prompted calls by B.C. officials to boycott travel south of the border – but does say the move comes as the company navigates “unprecedented times.”

The company was set to move to a four-sailings-per-day schedule on June 12, but has pushed that back until at least June 26. Travellers with bookings on now-cancelled sailings will be notified and refunded, the company said.

“We do not take this decision lightly and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and understanding,” the statement said.

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In March, the number of Canadians returning home by car from the U.S. fell nearly 32 per cent compared to March 2024, the third consecutive month of year-over-year declines and the steepest plunge since the pandemic, according to Statistics Canada.

Return trips by air from the U.S. fell 13.5 per cent year-over-year.

With files from The Canadian Press