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Callie Craighead,
Oct 12, 2021
1from3
Clipper Ferry to Victoria, BC, resumes in September.
Courtesy Victoria Clipper
2from3
Clipper Ferry to Victoria, BC, resumes in September.
Courtesy Victoria Clipper3from3
After the Victoria Clipper resumed service in September for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, it will cease all trips until spring 2022.
FRS Clipper announced Tuesday that the company would suspend all high-speed ferries between Seattle and Victoria, BC by next year due to a lack of passenger numbers. Officials said the surge in the Delta variant, strict PCR testing requirements for entry to the Canadian sea border, and the slowdown in seasonal demand ultimately contributed to the decision to shut down the service.
“We knew that given the current circumstances and the travel impact of the pandemic, resuming our international fast ferry service before the off-season would be challenging,” said David Gudgel, CEO of FRS Clipper, in a press release on Tuesday. “Stopping autumn and winter operations now is our only choice and we look forward to being operational again in spring 2022.”
The service only ran on a four-day schedule and planned to increase departures over the holidays. Guests who have currently booked trips with FRS Clipper will be offered a refund or discounted travel credit for the rebooking when service resumes next year.
The suspension comes after the state’s ferry system also experienced several days of frustrating delays and cancellations due to persistent staff shortages. Washington State Ferry (WSF) officials said Monday that most routes have resumed their normal fall schedule. However, service on the Sidney / Anacortes ferry will remain suspended until spring 2022.
“Adding international services at this point would put a further strain on the already strained domestic service affecting Washingtoners who are still navigating after COVID travel,” the WSF wrote in an online update. “We look forward to bringing customers back to the Canadian Islands as soon as possible.”
Callie is a web producer for SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate, and restaurants. She previously worked for an e-commerce craft beer company and loves exploring Seattle’s breweries. Her writing has been featured in Seattle Magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she was a student journalist.
