Sidney, BC.;

Washington State Ferries recently shared an update on its Service Restoration Plan with the Town of Sidney, noting that it does not anticipate being able to operate the Sidney-Anacortes route until the summer of 2023 at the earliest.

The ongoing closure of the ferry service, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the result of a shortage of qualified crew members, which Washington State Ferries is working to address through a robust, ongoing recruitment effort.

“It is disappointing that this important connection between the Peninsula and the United States will continue to be suspended, however we recognize that Washington State Ferries is making every effort to restore its former routes,” said Mayor Cliff McNeil Smith. “The Town was looking forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ferry service this year with the community of Anacortes, which has been a Sister City to Sidney since 1996. We remain committed to this ferry route and look forward to its return.”

Washington State Ferries provides the ferry service through the Town-owned international ferry terminal at Tulista Park.

The ferry service began on a converted kelp carrier at the foot of Beacon Avenue in 1922. The route between Sidney and Anacortes has long supported tourism benefiting local and regional economies. It also connects friends and families across our shared border.

Media Contact:

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith
250-656-1139
mayor@sidney.ca