B.C. Ferries is cancelling sailings because of storms, a daredevil will cross the strait on a water bike to help sick children, and the city is preparing for a dragon boat regatta, an Indonesian celebration and fireworks.
Storm forecast: Why B.C.’s ferry service is taking an enforced break
Residents of Vancouver and Vancouver Island have grown accustomed to checking their plans against the ferry schedule in recent days, but instead of the usual sailings, they are now facing a series of official cancellations. B.C. Ferries has announced widespread schedule disruptions that will last for several weeks. These are not isolated rescheduling decisions caused by technical problems—the move is a systemic one that will affect thousands of passengers, including tourists, residents and commercial shippers.
As is often the case in coastal regions, the cause lies in the weather. Strong winds, storm waves and limited visibility make navigation through the Strait of Georgia and other narrow sections of the routes unsafe. Ferry captains follow strict instructions: when wind speeds or wave heights exceed certain thresholds, a sailing is cancelled to avoid endangering lives or the vessels themselves. However, what began as a temporary measure lasting a few days has now turned into a longer-term forecast, forcing passengers to adapt to a new reality.
It is worth explaining why B.C. Ferries is particularly vulnerable to the elements. It is one of the world’s largest ferry systems, serving more than 40 routes along the British Columbia coast. Ferries here are not merely a tourist option but a vital artery connecting island communities with the mainland. Unlike bridges or tunnels, ferries depend entirely on sea conditions, and even modern vessels equipped with stabilization systems cannot guarantee safety during hurricane-force gusts. The situation becomes especially difficult in winter, when Pacific storms arrive one after another.
The company has already warned that cancellations will affect both morning and evening sailings on the busiest routes—including those between Vancouver and Victoria, as well as routes to the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands. For many people, this means more than a change of plans; it creates serious logistical problems. Some will be unable to get to work on time, others will lose money on hotel bookings, and freight carriers will have to seek alternative ways to deliver goods. Local media have already reported lines of vehicles forming at terminals, with people waiting for hours for the chance to board.
Interestingly, in its official statement, B.C. Ferries emphasizes that cancellations are made solely for safety reasons and are not open to debate. However, passengers are increasingly asking whether the current situation is also the result of insufficient investment in infrastructure and an aging fleet. Some experts note that the company postponed vessel upgrades for years, relying on peak-season revenues to cover its needs. Now, as the climate becomes increasingly unpredictable and storms intensify, the cost of that short-sightedness could be very high.
For those planning a trip in the coming weeks, there are several important points to keep in mind. First, passengers should regularly check the carrier’s official website and mobile app, where up-to-date sailing information is posted. Second, even if a sailing appears on the schedule, that is no guarantee it will operate—weather conditions can change at any time. Third, the company recommends having a backup plan. Alternative forms of transportation, such as flights with smaller airlines, may be worth considering, although they will put additional pressure on travellers’ budgets.
The ferry situation is not merely a local problem affecting one region. It is a vivid example of how global climate change is influencing the everyday lives of ordinary people. If storm season was once confined to clearly defined months, it is now expanding into new periods of the year. For British Columbia, where ferry service is the foundation of economic activity and social connectivity, this is a challenge that requires not only immediate solutions but also strategic planning for decades to come.
For now, passengers can only be patient and monitor updates. According to CTV News, the cancellations will last at least several weeks, and this may only be the beginning—if winter is as harsh as forecasters predict, the company will face many more difficult decisions. Ultimately, this is a story about how even systems that appear highly reliable can prove fragile in the face of nature, and how sometimes it is better to wait out a storm on shore than risk everything to keep to a schedule.
From land to sea: Vancouver man to cross the strait on a water bike for sick children
Vancouver resident Tiernan Tinnelly is preparing for an unusual challenge. On September 20, he plans to cross the Strait of Georgia on a water bike to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital. The 60-kilometre route will connect Vanier Park in Vancouver with Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo, and the journey is expected to take between 13 and 15 hours. The adventurer’s goal is to raise $10,000 in donations.
Tinnelly, who was born in the village of Rostrevor in Northern Ireland, admits that he has spent his entire life far removed from water sports. He grew up playing Gaelic football and soccer on land and, in his own words, “water was never really my thing.” What is more, at the beginning of the year he could not swim. Friends persuaded him to take part in a triathlon and an ultramarathon, during which he covered 150 kilometres over six days, but in the water he looked, as he put it, “like a drowning man.” Nevertheless, that lack of experience gives his undertaking an added sense of daring and humanity.
His choice of vehicle is no accident. Tinnelly is the managing partner of Vancouver-based GoEasy Water Bikes, a company specializing in water-bike rentals. His craft is a hybrid of a bicycle and a mini-catamaran, with an aluminium frame, pontoons, chain drive and pedals that propel the structure forward. He stresses that being in good physical shape helps, but admits: “It could take 12 hours, it could take 24, but it doesn’t matter—you just have to keep going, and sooner or later we’ll get there.”
Despite the bravado, Tinnelly is realistic and taking safety seriously. A rescue vessel will accompany him, and he will wear all the necessary protective equipment. In the near future, he plans to meet with representatives of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club to study tidal currents and safety protocols. If the weather deteriorates, the plans will be adjusted as needed. Food and drinks will be secured to his torso, and the need to relieve himself will be handled directly in the ocean—without false modesty—while other bodily needs will have to wait until he reaches Nanaimo.
People around him have reacted to the idea in different ways. Some have called Tinnelly “a complete idiot” and described the plan as foolish, but he responds: “You can’t always listen to everyone, otherwise you’ll never do anything. I respect the ocean and I don’t underestimate it.” Importantly, behind the humour and affected bravado is genuine motivation. Tinnelly has no children of his own, and no one in his family has been treated at BC Children’s Hospital, but that does not stop him from wanting to help. He says that even if he raises not $10,000 but only $100—and that money buys a sick child a toy that lifts their spirits—that would already be a victory.
The story highlights how personal physical challenges can become tools for charity, bringing people together around shared values. For readers unfamiliar with the context, a water bike is a pontoon-supported vessel propelled by leg power, resembling a pedicab on water. The Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, is known for challenging currents and changeable weather, making the crossing risky even for experienced sailors. The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation raises money for treatment and research at British Columbia’s children’s hospital, one of the largest in Canada. Donations connected to Tinnelly’s journey can already be made through the foundation’s website, as noted in this Vancouver Is Awesome article. Ultimately, Tinnelly’s story is less about a sporting record than about how even someone with no experience—and a willingness to laugh at himself—can make a meaningful difference when his heart is in the right place.
14 vibrant Vancouver weekend events: From dragon boats to an Indonesian festival
Vancouver will become a major attraction for anyone who cannot imagine life without memorable experiences over the coming weekend, from August 21 to 23. Local outlet Daily Hive has compiled a selection of 15 diverse events to suit a wide range of tastes, from fans of outdoor recreation and water sports to admirers of ethnic culture and foodies. The biggest highlights are expected to be the famous dragon boat regatta, the colourful Indonesian festival and the spectacular fireworks festival in New Westminster—all three events are completely free to attend.
The centrepiece of Saturday, August 22, will be the grand Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Regatta, which promises to be especially large this year. Organizers have prepared a one-day outdoor festival along the scenic False Creek waterfront and at the Concord Pacific Place public space. This is more than a sporting competition; it is a full-scale celebration of life. From early morning until evening, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can expect exciting races, an immersion in Chinatown culture, performances by Indigenous artists, a local artisan market and, of course, plenty of food trucks. The day will culminate in a concert by internationally renowned EDM artist Hoang, who will make a special trip to his hometown to see out the summer with energizing dance music. Admission is free, making it an ideal option for a family outing.
On Sunday, August 23, the celebrations will continue with the Indonesian Festival at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ square, located at 850 W. Georgia Street. Organized with the support of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Vancouver, the event will offer residents and visitors a chance to take a short journey through Southeast Asia without leaving Canada, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy captivating traditional dances and musical performances, workshops on traditional crafts, authentic cuisine and numerous interactive activities for children and adults. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the country of a thousand islands.
That same Saturday evening, in neighbouring New Westminster, the Summer Music and Fireworks Festival will light up the night. Organized by the Hyack Festival Association, the event will begin at 4 p.m. at Westminster Quay and continue until 9:30 p.m. Guests will be entertained during the day with live music and a range of activities, while after dark the sky over the Fraser River will be illuminated by a colourful fireworks display, providing a spectacular finale. Those looking to add variety to their weekend can also choose from other events mentioned by the outlet, including WNBA games, allowing everyone to create their ideal weekend itinerary.
