BC Ferries bids farewell to their oldest vessel, the Powell River Queen

BC Ferries was joined by Islanders yesterday in saying goodbye to the Powell River Queen—the oldest ferry in the fleet.

The ship made its last trip between Campbell River and Quadra Island yesterday, after 58 years of service.

Crews, customers and coastal communities gave the old ship a nice send off into retirement after one last sailing.

Artist Adam Lewis from Campbell River made an art piece in dedication to the Powell River Queen, thanking it for “32 years of memories.”

“When you live on a small island that relies on the neighbouring community of Campbell river which is a 15 minute ferry ride away… you catch the ferry a lot,” Lewis recalled in a Facebook post. “I feel an incredible connection to this vessel. At times I cursed it when it would break down, or I'd miss it by just one car in an overload! ( we’ve all been there) . But in all reality I feel us Quadra Islanders (I still often refer to myself as one) are saying Halakas’la to a real part of our lives.”

“I almost wanted to go and ride it one last time, nostalgia will live on through this print I will hang high and proud in my home,” Lewis added. “Halakas’la powell river queen. Thanks for the memories. I hope you’re treated well in your retirement from your route here in Discovery Channel.”

The Powell River Queen was designed by Arthur McLaren and built at the Victoria Machinery Depot. It then entered service in 1965 between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay.

In 1991, after 26 years, the vessel was repositioned to provide service between Campbell River and Quadra Island.

“Thank you to all our staff and crew who maintained and sailed on the Powell River Queen, connecting coastal communities for over half a century,” said BC Ferries.

The retirement of the ship makes way for two brand new Island Class hybrid ferries, which promise more frequent service in the area.