NEW CANADIAN FERRY ROUTES SET.

Byline: Seattle Times

Starting in late May, British Columbia will offer a new ferry route to its central coast, a rugged stretch of mountains and fjords dotted with remote communities, most not served by roads.

The Mid Coast passenger and vehicle ferry will depart from Port Hardy, on the northeast tip of Vancouver Island, and go north to the communities of Klemtu, Ocean Falls, Shearwater, Namu, Bella Bella and Bella Coola (which also can be reached by road).

The new ferry service is aimed to better serve residents and promote tourism, focusing on the area's rich native heritage and outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, kayaking and camping. The route also opens up a new road/ferry circle tour: Drive from southern British Columbia northwest through the Cariboo and Chilcotin to Bella Coola, take the new ferry to Port Hardy, drive south down Vancouver Island and back to mainland British Columbia or Washington by ferry.

Vehicle reservations will be accepted for the Mid Coast ferry, which begins service on May 24. Although scheduling still is being completed, there will be an express run, a 13- to 18-hour trip between Port Hardy and Bella Coola, and "milk runs" with stops at all the towns.

B.C. Ferries information: [phone] or [phone].