Hullo Ferries

Hullo is a high-speed passenger-only ferry service operating between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo in British Columbia. Launched in 2023 under the brand of the Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC), it features sleek catamaran vessels, reservable seating across multiple tiers, free Wi-Fi, USB/AC charging ports and terminals situated near city cores.

The service emphasises convenience: the Vancouver terminal is located in the Coal Harbour area at the Harbour Flight Centre, steps from transit and the waterfront, while the Nanaimo terminal offers free shuttle service into downtown Nanaimo for ticket-holders. Boarding is simplified with no vehicle loading and shorter check-in times compared to vehicle ferry services.

Fares are offered in three levels (Comfort, Premium and Business) with one-way adult fares starting around CAD 39.99 in the base tier. Families, children, infants and seniors have discounted levels. The company also promotes round-trip savings and group discounts (e.g., 20 % off when booking three or more).

From an operations perspective, the vessels are Damen-built fast catamarans capable of cruising at ~38 knots, with a capacity of 354 passengers each. The company emphasises reliability, comfort and downtown-to-downtown access. As of early operation metrics, Hullo reported over 250,000 guests in its first nine months and achieved 100 % of scheduled sailings in one month.

However, a few caveats apply: because it is passenger-only, vehicles and bicycles are not accommodated (so travellers with a car will need to use alternate services). The terminal at Vancouver is outdoors and has limited shelter, so weather conditions may affect the waiting experience. In user forums, customers praise the speed and downtown access, but note higher fares compared to legacy vehicle ferry services and limited parking at the Nanaimo terminal.

In summary, Hullo presents a compelling alternative for foot-passenger travel between Nanaimo and Vancouver: speed, modern amenities and a central-city docking location are its strengths. For travellers with vehicles, oversized baggage or who prioritise low cost over premium convenience, standard ferries may still be more suitable.