Pioneer settlers on Hornby Island, off the east coast of Vancouver Island, found the temperate climate and arable soil ideal for raising animals and growing produce on market farms. In 1929 an Island resident, Albert Savoie, built and operated a small motor vessel, the Water Lily, ferrying people and farm produce between Hornby and Courtenay.

The Water Lily was followed by a succession of passenger vessels built by the Savoie brothers, including the Hornby Island V, a two-car ferry that operated from Phipps Point and Shingle Spit on the west coast of Hornby to Gravelly Bay on the east coast of Denman Island. In the decade that followed the launching of the Hornby Island V in 1961, the number of residents and summer tourists increased to the point where a larger vessel was needed. Albert built the 6-car Lorraine S-2, which served the route from 1962 until his retirement in 1971. The Department of Highways then brought in a larger vessel, the Rolf Bruhn, replacing it a year later with the Westwood, appropriately renamed the Albert J. Savoie. Since 1985, the BC Ferry Authority has operated the Hornby Island ferry service.

Coastal Transportation
Ferry Service to Hornby Island
Song: Albert J. Savoie
Learning Activities
Extension and Research Activities
Resource List

 SS Loraine S at Gravelly Bay, Denman Island (Hornby Island in background) circa 1965 (Photo: George McLachlan)

The Hornby Island V beached for almost ten years at Phipps Point, Hornby Island
(Photo: George McLachlan)

SS Loraine S crossing from Hornby Island to Denman Island in 1971 (the last year this ferry would run)
(Photo: George McLachlan)