Honest Review of Hullo Ferry - the fastest route to Vancouver Island

[@dlittlester]

Years ago, the CP ran ferries from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo. They ran until late at night, so people here on the Island could enjoy concerts there and still get home. I remember lots of times we took that ferry.

[@PlanetPatrick]

You've just answered a question that I had from another comment - so CP ran similar ferries? I bet it's a great service to have after a concert.

[@dlittlester]

@@PlanetPatrick They weren't similar to the Hullo ferries. They were big car ferries, side loading if I remember correctly. It was way back in the 70s. The good thing was that they were downtown to downtown.

[@PlanetPatrick]

@ thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@pigeonnesttunes]

As a nine year old in 1975 my family took the CP ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver in order to fly to LAX on my first trip to Disneyland. It was a car ferry that left at like midnight and we slept in our car. It was the start to quite an adventure.

[@PlanetPatrick]

@ that’s a lovely story

[@MikeH-sg2ue]

I’ve taken the Hullo Ferry a couple of times now, living in Nanaimo, a nice way to get to Down Town Vancouver, with much less hassle than BC Ferries! To go out of Vancouver City, we’ll still take our vehicle over on the ferry. I strongly agree as to the overall view from the slower, more hassle ferry being better! Travel carefully, smile often!

[@MarcSherwood]

Though nothing beats taking a Harour Air flight over. If you manage to be one of the first on the plane you can often sit in the co-pilot seat. You get the headphones and all - not to mention the best views that I have ever seen on a crossing.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Very interested to hear your take as you live in Nanaimo. Thanks for sharing!

[@PlanetPatrick]

I've not had the chance to take that flight (yet)! Sounds great!

[@MikeH-sg2ue]

@@MarcSherwood I’ve taken it, a few times, but not in the last 15 years or so. Flown in, & out of many other costal communities. All of them having spectacular scenery. Generally I think, that I prefer to travel around the Salish Sea by boat, small & large!

[@pm6613]

Huh?

[@MrGotropic]

You slowed down because of the 5-knot (approximately 9 km/h) speed limit within Vancouver's inner harbour.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Thanks for that.

[@robbybobbyhobbies]

Indeed, there’s a lot of traffic there, not least float planes.

[@DjBrOwNi3]

Living on the Sunshine Coast a hullo ferry from Sechelt to Nanaimo would be a dream come true!

[@PlanetPatrick]

Might they add more routes?

[@DjBrOwNi3]

@ one can hope!

[@StreetDogSteve]

That + being able to take bikes would be awesome.

[@PlanetPatrick]

@ that would be ideal.

[@sladey31]

Thanks for sharing! I work on the BC Ferry route from Nanaimo to Vancouver and I haven’t seen any of this trip from the Hullo perspective. It looks great!

[@lightplane]

The ferry is simply adhering to the speed limits on Burrard inlet. It has to slow down once under the bridge.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Good to know, thanks!

[@stere0xide]

I love the convenience of Hullo but I think they need to really think about making it even more attractive to none drivers like me. If they could partner with bus services on either end of the trip it would be a massive boost. Like a bus to Tofino and Ucluet with stops in Coombs and points of interest along the way. Or to YVR, Whistler and Pacific Central on the way.

[@PlanetPatrick]

A better connection in Nanaimo would definitely have worked for me too!

[@stere0xide]

@PlanetPatrick yes and that, they should really partner with BC transit to have a stop

[@codyeasonBGR]

They need to get the city to do that or run Thire own bus becuse the bc faerie links with the bus that the city established.

[@stere0xide]

@@codyeasonBGR I think they could also partner with an existing bus service no? That's exactly what BC Ferries has done, they partners up with The Wilson's Group, which runs Vancouver Island Connector, Tofino Bus and others.

[@charlesbey8636]

Or........just suffer with BC Ferries. Just sayin. They've already offered you an alternative to BC Ferries but I guess some people always want more. Hey,here's a thought,start a transit business and partner with Hulu!!

[@CarlForde]

the ship is slow in the Vancouver harbour because there is so much traffic, including planes taking and landing. Low wake is important for the smaller craft too

[@PlanetPatrick]

Thanks for this explanation

[@ParkourBrian]

Likely the No Wake Zones as well

[@davidconn3222]

The 257 express is awesome, this is the best bus out of Vancouver BC ,direct to the ferry terminal from downtown.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I don’t know any other buses to compare but I’ve taken this route many times too! Always comfortable and fast.

[@Noel50724]

Another great vlog Patrick, thank you. I spotted the Hullo Ferry on our last trip to Vancouver, it is certainly an option for foot passengers.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It's been getting some decent coverage, but when is quite subject to weather challenges!

[@Noel50724]

@@PlanetPatrick That is a good point, we came back from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay on BC Ferries during challenging weather, and even with the much larger ferry the next sailing was cancelled to due high winds etc, I suspect that the Hullo will have the same weather sailing restrictions as the Irish Ferries. Dublin Swift route from Holyhead to Dublin. Where are you next?

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Thanks Patrick, this clip brought back so many found memories. My BC mates drove me to Vancouver Island in 1979, I don't think it was direct to Nanaimo from YVR, but I do remember Tofino, Ucucelet & of course Victoria. I have a pic of me on one of the ferries with an apple sticker on my forehead to prove it !!!

[@PlanetPatrick]

It's a real pleasure when a video prompts a fond memory. Thanks for sharing it, Richard!

[@tina2HappyTrails]

Just took Hullo ferry a couple months ago, it was awesome!!

[@PlanetPatrick]

I agree!

[@maryrankin9869]

Thank you for this video. I plan to take it this Spring.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I hope you have a lovely trip.

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

LOL... MOST Canadians call public ones a washroom. Most Anglos/Irish/Scots I know would call it a toilet, and Americans call it a restroom. Not to say we don't EVER call a public washroom a bathroom, but generally bathrooms are the ones in someone's home.

[@PlanetPatrick]

For sure, thanks.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

BC Ferries introduced fast ferries similar to this just over 25 years ago, except that they sailed between the usual ferry landings and they carried cars. They proved to be a failure and weren't in service very long.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Shame that didn’t work out!

[@slimwilliams589]

The Fast Ferries proved to be a failure for a lot of reasons… payload increases above the design capacity led to higher operating cost and lower speed along with bigger wake and shoreline degradation in front of BC’s most expensive real estate. As far as I can tell none of those reasons apply to hullo ferries

[@joycewood3312]

Patrick you can always fly Harbour Air for a comparable price from mainland downtown to downtown terminals at 3 ports on Vancouver Island. They wouldn't have as many cancelations due to wind and wave.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Hi Joyce. Thanks for that - I believe I've seen their small planes and I'd love to try that one day (I visit VI at least annually, so that could be good for next time!).

[@scmcarthur]

Thanks for sharing, I wanted to try this ferry soon

[@PlanetPatrick]

You should!

[@bloodsling]

if you wanna go to Van for a day trip,window shop,etc etc,the hullo ferry is the best way to go. Right to down town,no need for cabs or buses.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It’s very handy for downtown!

[@sincerewyd2285]

I remember when they built that staircase and elevator at the waterfront area of Vancouver. At the time I didn't know why they're building it. But many years later I see why. Many businesses use that area, like the float planes and now the hullo ferry.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I love that story! Thanks for posting

[@brentperry6301]

I think it is an excellent service and much needed, the boats are very good at managing any seas that are present, now we just need to expand their services.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Do you think that will happen?

[@jwallace9984]

I would love a similar service from downtown Victoria, or even from Swartz Bay to downtown Vancouver.

[@davepubliday6410]

They used to have this, a few times by different companies, but they never work financially.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It would be great

[@tootallno]

The lounge in Nanaimo is for Helijet, but they allow Hullo passengers to use it if its not too busy.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Oh that's interesting - I did see some signs for Helijet, I think. Thanks for your comment.

[@tvcomputer1321]

according to Americans I met, the only word is "restroom" heheh. and yeah love that last 15 minutes when you're "there but not quite". idk about this fast ferry but its lolz for me on the bc ferries, especially when they announce "please return to your vehicles" when literally nobody is going to be moving for another 15 mins and it takes a mere 45 seconds to get back to your car. Coming into the city from Delta sucks, but this seems cool

[@PlanetPatrick]

I have to say it worked well for me as a foot passenger and it makes it viable for islanders who want to leave their car in Nanaimo and head into the city for a concert, appointment or shopping.

[@recstoppauseplay]

'Didn't see any bicycles on the ferry. Are there facilities for bikes?

[@PlanetPatrick]

Another commenter said there was not. I checked the Hullo Ferries website and they say they don't allow people to take bikes, but they ARE planning to start this in 2025 (for now there's a bike lock area at Nanaimo).

[@LuckyOwl2114]

Hi Patrick, thanks for the video. I have yet to have a chance to take Hullo Ferries, but it seems from your video that it certainly should raise the standard for their publicly owned competitor BC Ferries. I would happily pay extra on board BCF for the few extra amenities we see here, namely working wi-fi, more comfortable seating and generally updated interiors.

[@PlanetPatrick]

You're very welcome. It's a great alternative option, particularly because it avoids that additional bus trip from Horseshoe Bay and yes, the wi-fi is generally quite good!

[@TonboIV]

Hmmm, I've never thought of BC Ferries as having uncomfortable seating, and I like the old and homey feeling interiors. If anything some of the new small ferries look a less comfortable from the pictures I've seen, with some pretty hard looking seats. Working wifi would be nice though! To me, BC Ferries is the fun way to travel. I like being able to walk around outside, pick a seat by those big windows, sit down for a meal, etc. I never get tired of the scenery and being out on the water, and it makes me feel the good kind of nostalgic. If I do want to take a trip direct to Nanaimo though, Hullo looks a lot more convenient, even if the more airline like experience is probably less fun.

[@PlanetPatrick]

For me, the thing that sets BC Ferries apart is the ability to go outside and enjoy the scenery. Hullo is just more convenient. Friends on VI have said that Hullo gets cancelled a bit more frequently when weather is poor than BC Ferries, although that's anecdotal.

[@TonboIV]

@ Well, I don't think it's anecdotal that a big slow monohull will usually go through worse weather than a fast little catamaran. More options are always better though, and I'd love to see Hullo expand to the Vancouver-Victoria route if they can make it work.

[@slimwilliams589]

Our Experiences with Hullo sound very similar. It’s a wonderful option for Vancouverites! On a separate note; your audio dipping is really aggressive and it’s quite jarring when listening with headphones. As a former audio engineer I’d recommend lowering your max level and raising your minimum level for your background music. Also try minimizing your small pauses in between spoken segments- the sudden burst of music between them is quite distracting. Loved the content and you have a wonderful speaking voice. Keep up the good work!

[@PlanetPatrick]

Thank you.

[@ub59]

There is a slow speed limit in downtown Vancouver Harbour around Canada Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre because seaplanes use the waters there to taxi, land and take off. Not to diss Hullo, but one day BC Ferries could consider running much larger passenger ferries out of Waterfront Station to Departure Bay and Victoria's Inner Harbour, with purpose build rail transit at all terminals. Walk-on, walk-off capability directly from ferry to train under one roof in each city would bring this service up to very decent standards.

[@PlanetPatrick]

That seems like a great idea!

[@ub59]

@@PlanetPatrick Totally! There is the disused ENR rail corridor already in place on Vancouver Island, so it ain't nuclear physics. Waterfront Station is already connected to the Metro Vancouver region with multiple converging rail transit lines, harbour ferries and loads of buses.

[@1st1anarkissed]

Thanks, I was curious about this ferry but my pockets are too shallow.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Thank you, I hope you found it a useful video.

[@ChefC03]

If it wasn't double the price of a BC ferries ticket plus a transit day pass then it might be worth it.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It can be expensive.

[@northernlight2598]

If the ferry sinks, do the "higher classes" get in the lifeboats first?

[@PlanetPatrick]

lol. Probs

[@jeanettecarnell8933]

I think it goes to the inner harbor, Sky Train starts there I believe.

[@PlanetPatrick]

That's right, the Sky Train is a 5-10 minute walk away, I think.

[@TimDawg-ot8jx]

Average Speed Crossing Georgia Strait ?

[@PlanetPatrick]

I don't know - hopefully another viewer will have better information (the journey time is 1h15m).

[@judeangione3732]

Are people starting to call Vancouver, Vancouver City? Or is that and English thing for downtown?

[@PlanetPatrick]

Hello. I’m Irish. Was making a distinction between VI and Vancouver (city) for people like me who don’t come from there.

[@GeraldNunn]

I wish we had a ferry service in Victoria that was downtown to downtown.

[@PlanetPatrick]

That would be great! Has there ever been a direct service like that?

[@GeraldNunn]

@PlanetPatrick I've only lived here 5 years so nothing in my time, no idea if there was something previously. We do have downtown to downtown Seattle with the Clipper so at least there's that.

[@dcfavorite]

seriously, for those who frequently travel between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, do you really need to see the scenic beauty every time you travel? I'm a graduate from UVic and used to travel back and forth almost weekly, after a while, I just stopped looking outside or going out on the deck unless I want some fresh air. I just want to get to my destination asap, that means the boat ride as well as the travel to the ferry terminal.

[@mercurioart169]

Good info....thank you!

[@PlanetPatrick]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dougsrepair1060]

The most obvious benefit of this service is the downtown location in Vancouver. This location removes the additional time and transportation it takes to get the alternative BC Ferries terminal. With the understanding that this is a new service and has room to grow the Naniamo terminal could certainly use some weather protection for its passengers. Particularly if they are required to queue up while boarding. On that subject why does everyone need to board and disembark through one portal. This in itself is outdated. Has anyone ever witnessed how quickly a train in Europe empties. More doors please. 🙏 Also not mentioned in this video is the extra luggage limitation and charges that Hullo takes advantage of to increase revenue. Perhaps a little opportunistic. It is certainly a beneficial service and it would be upsetting if it failed but for the money people will have higher expectations too.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I didn’t mention every possible parameter as this was a brief review of my personal experience but I agree there are some limitations.

[@michaellima6272]

Yes, we do prefer to use the word "washroom" since you don't take a bath in it. "Bathrooms" are mainly found in homes.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It's a consistent view.

[@TonboIV]

Indeed. In Canada a "toilet" is something you find in a "washroom". It's not a room. A "bathroom" is a room with a bath in it!

[@zzz7zzz9]

Chitter.

[@tellsitasitis]

@@TonboIV right or wrong, many of us Canadians say bathroom

[@CatFish107]

Washrooms are not found on vessels though? I believe the term you are looking for is "head". Or you could just not police others' language. Either way.

[@michaelphilip3919]

I have used the BC ferry many times as a walk on and have to say that you must not know how to use Vancouver transit. I am wheelchair user who lives in Nanaimo with a sailboat which I use to have moored in N.Van and would spend a lot of time there. The bus service is GREAT. Nanaimo, not so much but is getting better The only way HULU would let me buy a ticket is if I also paid for a companion to accompany me. I will NEVER be using them

[@PlanetPatrick]

If it doesn’t work for you, then I totally understand and that’s a shame. But I don’t think this was really the appropriate opportunity to slag me off or make your comment so personal. I’ve taken BC Ferries for over 30 years and know the bus route all too well.

[@BikerDudeLebowski]

Sorry for stickling, "one hour fifteen" or "one hour fifty"?? I'm comparing this to the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry, which is 1/2 hour but only 1/4 of the distance, so 2 hours would not be so out of place. 1h 15 min would be fast!

[@PlanetPatrick]

Not a problem to be a stickler for detail!! It's one hour fifteen (1h15m).

[@dylanbyrne955]

It’s fast and as a result a little bit less smooth of a ride than typical ferry’s but it’s really about convenience not comfort

[@davepubliday6410]

BC Ferry foot passenger is $17, and you can do it in 2½ hours including bus to Horseshoe Bay. These private services have been tried and tried again and always go bankrupt after a few years.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Fair enough

[@tellsitasitis]

The downfall of booking ahead with this ferry is the weather. It can get quite wavy and people start getting sick. Not pleasant in bad weather

[@PlanetPatrick]

I've had VI friends have their trip cancelled due to poor weather.

[@mikerogersonwtf]

It's great if the timing works out.

[@PlanetPatrick]

That can be the catch.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

I find the lack of shelter for customers and the distance to the boat off-putting - I believe it is a fair walk between passenger parking and the terminal too? If I'm going to give up the comfort of traveling by car, I don't want to do the whole journey soaking wet from the frequent rain. If I wasn't driving, I'd rather pay the extra and do Harbour Air

[@PlanetPatrick]

Seems like that is a good option in your case. And the price I’m told is decent.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

@@PlanetPatrick I wonder if the service depends on students from Nanaimo - always a heavy contingent on the BC Ferries routes

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

Have you never consulted a weather forecast? The Hullo service works well for people who live in Nanaimo or are visiting someone who can pick them up in Nanaimo. BC Ferries adds an extra 2 hours in each direction and costs ~$100 each way. If you are going into Vancouver for a day trip that's 6 hours just in transportation. I agree that harbour air is a great option that many overlook.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

@@TheNewGreenIsBlue as a walk on, BC ferries is about $15

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

@ this was replying to someone who was comparing with the comfort of travelling by car... obviously walk on with BC ferries is going to be cheaper, but you've also got to shlep yourself from blue the terminal.

[@BUILDYBUNCH]

Thanks!

[@PlanetPatrick]

No problem!

[@kevinwelsh7490]

Signage to guide you approaching the terminal by car for drop-off/pick-up is non-existent. Tip: you have to drive circuitus around a gigantic imported new cars storage lot. Good luck.

[@PlanetPatrick]

It did take us a little while to find the terminal too!

[@thecount1001]

i always prefer honest reviews, to dishonest reviews, of just about anything.

[@PlanetPatrick]

How charming!

[@sharethelove5034]

U can fly for $65. 00

[@PlanetPatrick]

That's much cheaper than I expected!

[@sharethelove5034]

@ Chrome from Vancity Vanlife did the flight and he mentioned $65.00 Canadian.

[@lightplane]

You'll be lucky to find flights that cheap now. Discount flights with no luggage on the seaplanes are about $140.

[@Mary6661]

They have cheap deals at slow hours during day. I've seen sometimes $49. Sign up for harbour and they email last minute deals the day of for same day travel..

[@PlanetPatrick]

@@Mary6661 Those sale prices are very competitive. Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@Mary6661]

Bc ferries is more than half the price and more ammenitiesnans better site seeing

[@PlanetPatrick]

Not sure what happened there in the second half, but definitely the scenery is easier to see as you can go outside.

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

The fast cats are back

[@PlanetPatrick]

Were they around under a different company before?

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

@PlanetPatrick Its just a reference to a big scandal from the 90's. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_ferry_scandal

[@Green__one]

​@@PlanetPatrickit's a reference to BC ferries fast cat fairies which were around very briefly many years ago. Completely different, much bigger vessels designed for cars as well as people. Unfortunately BC ferries gave up on them very shortly after they were introduced.

[@PlanetPatrick]

@ seems like a shame they couldn’t keep those running

[@Green__one]

@@PlanetPatrick I'm reaching way back in my memory, but I believe the excuse given was that they were too costly, and didn't save enough time because they were forced to slow down through many places due to the wake caused by their speed.

[@bloodsling]

Only $10 or so more than the older ferry,and goes right downtown..it's no contest.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I agree!

[@codyeasonBGR]

Ya company shoukd be on keeping those bathrooms clean

[@PlanetPatrick]

I reckon they should

[@johnarnold893]

It's only 20 bucks more to fly so this would be a no go for me.

[@PlanetPatrick]

I'm seeing some comments saying the flight has become more expensive. I'd like to try it too, though.

[@rockfishmiller]

I'll fly.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Probably faster!

[@OntheRightTrack-b9t]

Too slow. The ferry between Hong Kong and Macau is much faster. The harbour traffic there is much more crowded than Vancouver. So far, no collision after decades of operation.

[@ClownTown15000]

No one on earth calls it Vancouver City.

[@Mary6661]

Van

[@PlanetPatrick]

Hi, I do!

[@purrljoy5567]

HULLO not HELLO

[@PlanetPatrick]

Indeed 👀

[@brentmclovin9332]

Clean the damn bathrooms between sailing!

[@PlanetPatrick]

I do agree!

[@alpe5801]

interesting how "Honest Review" has become an international symbol for nothing to see here

[@PlanetPatrick]

Well that’s interesting.

[@cactus3796]

your accent is annoying

[@PlanetPatrick]

Thanks! I’ll let all of Ireland know on your behalf.

[@Bob1956Canada]

faster to fly and you can't take vehicles on this tiny ferry

[@PlanetPatrick]

That is correct.

[@Bob1956Canada]

@@PlanetPatrick I usually take a truck and deliver and or pick something up like animal feed firewood vehicles etc.