Hullo Ferries now permits bikes on board its vessels | Daily Hive

Hullo Ferries. (Kate Scott/Shutterstock)

Hullo Ferries marked a new milestone today by allowing a limited number of bicycles on board its passenger ferry vessels, a move that comes just weeks after celebrating its two-year anniversary.

This has been a top request among frequent users and other passengers of the high-speed ferry service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo.

Passengers can now bring a regular pedal bike, with space limited to four bikes per sailing and one bike per passenger. Bikes can measure up to 80 inches in length and 50 lb. in weight. To bring one bike on board, the additional cost is $30 each way and $50 roundtrip, with an automatic $5 roundtrip discount applied when booking online.

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Hullo Ferries recommends advance booking online, as the limited space for bikes on both of its ships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is noted that passengers with bikes will receive priority boarding in the large luggage line, with bikes required to be secured in designated racks on the vessel. Passengers are also responsible for loading and unloading their own bikes, and they will disembark the ship last for safety.

E-bikes and e-scooters continue to be banned due to the fire safety risk with the battery on these devices aboard the aluminum vessels. Due to limited space, bike trailers are also prohibited.

“This is a milestone moment for Hullo as we continue to respond to the needs of our community. Our goal is always to make it easier, faster, and friendlier to connect coasts, and adding bike capacity is another way to support sustainable travel options while enhancing the guest experience,” said Ryan Dermody, the interim CEO of Hullo Ferries, in a statement today.

Xander France, director of sales and partnerships at Hullo Ferries, added, “Cyclists are an important part of the tourism ecosystem on both sides of the Strait. From the amazing trail networks on Vancouver Island to the urban offerings in Vancouver, this new option creates seamless connections for recreation, daily commuting, and community experiences.”

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Hullo Ferries’ downtown Vancouver terminal on Aug. 4, 2025. (Kenneth Chan)

Based on existing policies, Hullo Ferries permits passengers to bring one small personal item and one small carry-on luggage (similar in size to what is permitted on aircraft), free of charge. Additional pieces of carry-on-sized luggage, large luggage, or large sports gear (golf clubs, skis in a bag, and surfboard) carry an extra fee of $25 each way or $40 roundtrip per piece.

In early 2024, Hullo Ferries began enabling battery-powered wheelchairs, with space for one electric/specialized wheelchair and three additional regular wheelchair spaces.

The service also enables collapsible strollers, free of charge. Both ships have a capacity for 350 seated passengers.

Passengers can also access Evolve e-bike share through the Evo Car Share app at Hullo Ferries’ Nanaimo terminal, which is additionally served by Evo’s Return Car Share service.

Hullo Ferries has seen success with its service of providing multiple roundtrips per day between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, with end-to-end travel times of about 70 minutes. Earlier this summer, they shared that they have become a vital new option for over 50,000 families. Later in September 2025, Hullo Ferries is expected to reach and exceed the milestone of recording its first one million passengers.

Currently operating with a fleet of two 350-seat, high-speed catamaran vessels, the company has ambitions to grow its fleet size to further improve its route between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, and launch a second route between downtown Vancouver and Victoria.

However, the startup is also facing fresh growing pains, now related to its workforce. The B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU) — the same union that represents workers on BC Ferries — announced today that 91 per cent of roughly 80 unionized crew and staff at Hullo Ferries have voted in favour of strike action. The union, formed almost exactly one year ago, has yet to secure its first collective agreement with the company, and negotiations to date have been unsuccessful. So far, there is no indication of when a strike impacting services could occur, but BCFMWU maintains that it is open to returning to the table to negotiate.

In a statement to Daily Hive Urbanized late this afternoon, Hullo Ferries says they have communicated with the union and have jointly agreed to return to the table to negotiate. There are no disruptions to services at this time.

“Hullo and the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union spoke this afternoon and jointly agreed to return to negotiations. Operations will continue without disruption, and all sailings will be maintained as scheduled. Safe, consistent, and reliable delivery of our service is paramount while seeking a negotiated resolution that meets the needs of our employees and our business,” reads the company’s statement.

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