BC Ferries to alter service between Horseshoe Bay and Sunshine Coast

BC Ferries says sailings between Horseshoe Bay and the Sunshine Coast will be running at half capacity while the Langdale terminal undergoes major upgrades starting in January of 2017.

It says the main berthat Langdale will beclosed from Jan. 19 to mid-April2017.

However, the ferry servicesays it will be increasingthe number of sailings to account forthe reduced capacity.

"With twice as many sailings each day, the overall capacity will remain essentially the same," BC Ferries said in a news release.

During the closure, theLangdale-HorseshoeBay ferry service will operate out of the secondary berthatLangdaleterminal. That terminal only has capacity for single-deck vehicle loading, compared to double deck loading.

Once completed, BC Ferries saidthe upgrades would mean"at least 20 years of dependable service" from the main berth.

It is encouragingtravellers to make reservationswhere possible.

The water taxi service to Gambier and Keats Islands will also be temporarily relocated from the Langdale terminal to the Gibsons Harbour Marina.

"These customers will be provided parking at the marina, as well as shuttle service betweenLangdaleterminal and the marina to connect with certain sailings on theLangdale-HorseshoeBay route," BC Ferries added.