Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Queen-Of-Oak-Bay

On February 9, 2026, several ferry sailings were disrupted due to a mechanical failure involving the clutch system of the 'Queen of Oak Bay'. As a result, the morning and afternoon schedules faced significant cancellations, including the 6:15 a.m., 11:05 a.m., and 4 p.m. departures from Horseshoe Bay, alongside the 8:40 a.m., 1:20 p.m., and 6:20 p.m. sailings from Departure Bay in Nanaimo. Although the situation looked grim for the 8:25 p.m. trip heading from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and the subsequent 9:35 p.m. return from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay, these sailings were ultimately saved by an alternate vessel that stepped in. A technician was promptly dispatched to assess the issue directly on the affected ferry, while another vessel on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route continued to operate as scheduled. Meanwhile, travelers seeking alternatives could consider the Duke Point-Tsawwassen route. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation as repairs are assessed and services resume.

On March 31, 2025, the ferry 'Queen of Oak Bay' experienced a significant mechanical breakdown that disrupted the usual operations between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. The issue arose in the ferry's steering system, leading to the cancellation of at least two scheduled sailings. Passengers waiting for the 8:25 a.m. departure from Departure Bay and the 10:40 a.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay were affected by the unexpected halt. Fortunately, repairs were promptly initiated, allowing services to resume at approximately 1 p.m., restoring the crucial maritime link between these two locations.

On August 7, 2021, the 'Queen of Oak Bay' demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication during a search and rescue operation outside Nanaimo, British Columbia. The vessel altered its course to assist Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) personnel as they aided two inexperienced sailors who found themselves in perilous conditions. Pagged at approximately 8:40 p.m., the RCM-SAR unit from Nanaimo was activated to respond to the distress call, facing choppy seas and challenging weather. In a remarkable collaboration, the nearby ferry was called upon to help locate the troubled sailboat. Thanks to its spotlight, the 'Queen of Oak Bay' successfully identified the vessel in distress. Despite the rough seas with waves reaching up to six feet, the rescuers maneuvered alongside the sailboat, providing essential guidance to the frightened sailors, who were understandably anxious about their survival as night approached. The team expertly facilitated the safe towing of the sailboat to the sheltered side of the ferry, where a tow line was securely attached. Although this brave effort delayed the 'Queen of Oak Bay’s arrival in Departure Bay by about an hour, it ultimately ensured the safe return of the stranded sailors to Saysutshun’s Mark Bay. This incident highlights the vital role of maritime rescue operations and the unwavering spirit of those who respond in times of crisis.

On June 28, 2020, at approximately 4 p.m., the 'Queen of Oak Bay' sprang into action in the Strait of Georgia following a distress call regarding a small vessel taking on water to the east of Nanaimo. Responding promptly, the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Victoria dispatched multiple coast guard crafts along with the ferries 'Queen of Oak Bay' and 'Queen of Cowichan' to the scene. The heroic efforts resulted in the safe rescue of three individuals from the imperiled boat, with no reported injuries. Due to this critical operation, the 'Queen of Oak Bay' experienced a delay of over two hours from its scheduled timetable, compounded by heavy marine traffic and a malfunctioning vehicle on the route.