The Coho Ferry delays full summer schedule to June 26 due to a 14% drop in traffic. Learn more about the impact on travel between Victoria and Port Angeles.
The Coho ferry service between Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington, will not begin its full summer schedule until June 26, due to a significant decrease in traffic volume. The popular ferry, which typically operates four sailings daily during peak summer months, will instead maintain its three daily sailings until the end of June.
Traffic Drop Forces Black Ball Ferry Line to Adjust Plans
Black Ball Ferry Line made the decision to delay the ramp-up of its summer schedule after experiencing a 14% drop in passenger traffic this year. Ryan Burles, president of Black Ball Ferry Line, expressed that while they had originally planned to add the fourth sailing starting in early June, the current traffic levels have not met expectations.
“In making this decision last fall, we anticipated strong spring traffic similar to 2024. However, the tension in the U.S.-Canada relationship this spring, exacerbated by tariffs and political uncertainties, has had a significant impact,” Burles said.
Cancellation of Key Sailings and Adjusted Schedule
As a result of the traffic decline, the Coho ferry will not add its fourth daily sailing between Victoria and Port Angeles until June 26. Instead, the ferry will continue to operate three sailings daily until that date.
Additionally, the company has announced the cancellation of the 9:30 p.m. sailings from Port Angeles and the 6:10 a.m. sailings from Victoria between June 12 and June 26.
Alternatives for Affected Travelers
Black Ball Ferry Line has already reached out to passengers with reservations on the cancelled sailings. Affected travelers have been notified via phone and email and will be offered the option to reschedule for alternative sailings or receive a full refund for their bookings.
The Economic Impact of Tension at the U.S.-Canada Border
The timing of the traffic drop coincides with increased tensions between the U.S. and Canada this spring. The impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats directed at Canada have reverberated across the border, particularly affecting travel and trade.
Despite these challenges, Black Ball Ferry Line remains hopeful that the situation will improve by late June, with expectations for stronger summer traffic once the full schedule resumes.
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