BC Ferries disability service scores 7 out of 10 points

Lots of Islands on this sail through the Gulf of Georgia

Maybe I am the wrong person to write this critique: after 20 years and a couple of hundred ferry rides I still get a thrill at the prospect of heading out on an ocean voyage. While others stampede their way to the cafeteria for a greasy, lukewarm "sunshine breakfast", I grab a coffee at one of the coffee bars and scout the best places to grab some shots with my camera. During my trips, some to Victoria or Nanaimo, others to Bowen Island or the Sunshine Coast, I have been entertained by eagles, whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions. The ferry system is extensive, and I have not yet had the opportunity to travel all routes and ports.  For full details on fares, schedules and routes go to  www.bcferries.com. My travel review does not cover the Northern Routes, the Inside or Discovery Coast passages or  Haida Gwaii. Also I cannot yet write of the southern and northern gulf island routes. The former is on my bucket list and the latter is on this summer's to do list for at least one gulf island. A full account to follow.

A fog bank lifts and turns into a pink sky on the horizon

Mount Baker looks as if it sits in the Pacific instead of the mainland in Washington State

A curious seal investigates the ship in Nanaimo's Departure Bay

Here are a few tips. All the ferry terminals are accessible. But the ease with which you board a vessel depends very much on the vessel and the route. The largest class vessels are state of the art and very accommodating. The elevators are large and have audio voice finding as well as braille and other way finding features. Automatic doors and way finding features can be found throughout the larger class ships such as The Spirit of Vancouver Island. The washrooms are fantastic with automatic doors and and locking system, grab bars, lift seats, etc.  The food service is cafeteria style and it is not easy to find help. They run  a tight ship with the crew and there is not a lot in the way of purser service. In fact there is no specifically designated on-board person responsible for disability services. A click on Passenger Services on the website is also lacking information on disability services. BC Ferries offers a pass allowing for free attendant travel, as well as a discount for larger vehicles needed to accommodate a wheelchair. Guide dogs are allowed on passenger decks. For more information phone 1-877-388-4440 .

Sunset on deck 5

Backing out of the dock

Arriving at Horseshoe Bay

As a walk on passenger on a smaller vessel, I sometimes find myself  entering and exiting in my wheelchair in front of several revving trucks and buses. Making my way on to the ferry I am challenged by cramped elevators, heavy doors, and many other obstacles throughout the voyage. If you require a lot of accommodation to manage your independence, I suggest using the Vessel Tracker feature on the ferry corporation's web site. Look for the larger ferries: the S class is the best. You can also book a state room on The Queen of Nanaimo for privacy but the room offers no accessibility features and costs extra to book.

Frankly if the thrill of the trip is taken out of the scoring, it only rates a 6 out of 10, but what BC Ferries lacks in accessibility, mother nature makes up for in beautiful splendor.