---
title: "BC Ferries reservation change cuts sales at Horseshoe Bay businesses"
description: "A year after BC Ferries made reservations mandatory for vehicles on the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo route, local restaurants and shops report a drop in customers."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/west-vancouver-2026/news/horseshoe-bay-ferry-businesses-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-06T17:16:55.240Z"
---

A year after BC Ferries made reservations mandatory for vehicles on the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo ferry, local businesses say the change has cut the customer flow they depended on for decades, North Shore News reported on November 6, 2026.

Kim Montgomery, manager of Troll's Restaurant, told North Shore News that the restaurant has seen a decrease in sales of "about 30 per cent." Chris Greenfield, owner of the Troller Pub, said ferry traffic accounts for "about 80 per cent" of his business, and that the drop became most visible during the summer months.

## What changed

In October 2025, BC Ferries put a reservations-only travel system in place for the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) route. Vehicle passengers must book and pay ahead of time, arriving 30 to 60 minutes before their sailing. BC Ferries said the change was needed because construction upgrades at the terminal reduced vehicle holding capacity by 25 percent, North Shore News reported.

The first phase of construction, which removed an elevated holding deck, was finished in the summer of 2026. More work is expected for several years.

Before the change, travellers without bookings could wait in the terminal for the next available sailing, sometimes for two hours or more, and many would visit the shops and restaurants nearby. Ali Beach of Fresh Slice Pizza told North Shore News that now "people have to plan <span>

their travel

</span>

 like an airline" and do not have time to walk through the village.

The loss of one pedestrian bridge inside the terminal, and tighter security rules, also make it harder for people waiting in the car lineup to reach the village, according to North Shore News.

## The business response

The Horseshoe Bay Business Association is trying to bring new visitors to the village without relying on ferry wait times. Megan Sewell, the association's president, told North Shore News that a summer farmers market this year brought strong attendance. The association is also putting in marine-themed Christmas light displays for the winter. The Troller Pub is adding live music and trivia nights to draw more local customers.

## What comes next for Troll's

Troll's Restaurant, which has served Horseshoe Bay for 80 years, plans to close by the end of December 2027 at the latest. West Vancouver council approved plans for a 33-room hotel to be built above commercial space on the same corner, North Shore News reported.

West Vancouver Councillor [Linda Watt](/bc/west-vancouver-2026/candidates/linda-watt), who lives in Horseshoe Bay, told North Shore News she expects the changes will be positive once the hotel is built, since the developers are local. But she said the community faces a difficult period ahead: "We're in for a few rocky years here in the village."

Residents who want to support Horseshoe Bay businesses can visit the village for the upcoming Christmas light displays. Those who use the Horseshoe Bay ferry regularly can book vehicle sailings in advance at bcferries.com.

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