The assurance of BCB次元官网网址檚 marine border reopening in September is a relief, said one international ferry service provider, although its potential to revive tourism and revenue is damped by COVID-19 travel restrictions.

CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Border Services Agency announced Aug. 24 that fully vaccinated US travellers can arrive on Sept. 6 to BCB次元官网网址檚 Alaska State Ferry Terminal, Washington State Ferry Terminal, Bellville Street Terminal and Blackball Terminal. The latter two depart from VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Inner Harbour.

As of Sept. 17, will have one sailing on weekdays from VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Bellville Street Terminal to Seattle at 5 p.m., and round trips on weekends originating in Seattle at 7:30 a.m. and returning from Victoria at 5 p.m., said the ferry lineB次元官网网址檚 CEO David Gudgel. Bookings will open on Sept. 6.

will not resume its sailings between Victoria and Port Angeles, Wash. until the USB次元官网网址檚 border restrictions are lifted, said co-owner Ryan Burles. Those restrictions are expected to be in place until at least Sept. 21. Canadian travellers to the US comprise as much as 40 per cent of their usual sailings, he added.

Burles said the approaching federal election caused fears that marine borders wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be opened until after the election, or later still in the event of a new government.

With Canadian marine borders confirmed to open in less than two weeks, the next greatest hurdle for ferries and the tourists they serve are PCR COVID-19 test requirements. The tests are required 72 hours prior to a border crossing and can cost $200 when done internationally, Gudgel said. While required, B次元官网网址渢hereB次元官网网址檚 not going to be a situation where people just decide last minute theyB次元官网网址檙e going to Victoria for the weekend,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a damn challenge.B次元官网网址�

A previous announcement on Aug. 9 that allowed land borders to open while excluding marine borders created incredible confusion for ferry services, said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement that Gudgel and Burles echoed. Bellville Street terminal had its port of entry status revoked from a lack of use, Gudgel noted.

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