iN VIDEO: Free Shuswap ferry service on rail trail set to return for second season

A one-of-a-kind ferry service in the Shuswap is gearing up for its second season after a successful inaugural run last summer.

Operated by the Sicamous Ferry Society, it takes pedestrians and cyclists from downtown Sicamous across the Sicamous Narrows Channel to the start of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail, free of charge.

Last summer the boat was in service for ten weeks and transported more than 10,000 passengers, offering visitors from far and wide a unique and memorable experience.

“Our new directors are very excited and proud to have the ferry back for the second season,” said society member Ali Watson in an email to iNFOnews.ca. “There is much planning on the backend to ensure success of this amazing project that Sicamous is proud to call its very own.”

Thanks to sponsors, volunteers and fundraising efforts by the society over the winter, the free ferry will be operating for a longer season starting on the Easter Long weekend.

“Our plan is to run on weekends only until May Long weekend and at that time we’ll run seven days per week,” Watson said.

While sections are currently under construction, the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail will run along 50 kilometres of abandoned rail corridor from Sicamous to Armstrong when completed. The ferry shuttles riders from the Martin Street Boat Launch located at the west end of Martin Street to Sicamous Beach and access to more than 14 kilometres of trail edging along Mara Lake.

Access to the trail is limited as construction on R.W. Bruhn Bridge Highway 1 that spans Sicamous Narrows Channel is causing road closures. The multi-year project is replacing an aging two-lane bridge with a new four-lane structure with the project completion expected in 2027, with commuters currently using an alternate route on Highway 97A/97B to travel between Sicamous and Salmon Arm during closures.

“The bridge is definitely causing difficulties to get access to the trail,” Watson said. “The ferry is a much easier and safer option to gain access to the rail trail.”

The operation of the ferry is dependent on donations and is run by volunteers with the exception of trained boat captains. In November, the society launched a fundraising gala that brought in almost $30,000 for the project.

The non-profit society is currently seeking sponsorship through donations and advertising on the vessel to help pay for operations.

Go here for more information or to sponsor the ferry service.