Orcas Islanders urged to support ferry run to Sidney by walking on the ferrry March 29

Contributed by Lance Evans,Executive Director, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is urging Islanders to show their support of the International ferry run (Anacortes – San Juan Islands – Sidney, BC) on the first day of service for the new schedule, March 29.

With financial pressures looming in Olympia, legislators have sought to cut service levels at Washington State Ferries, with the possible cancellation of the Sidney, BC ferry. The loss of this ferry run to and from Canada – and the resulting overall reduction in ferry service – would put San Juan County at a great disadvantage. As the only ferry-dependent County in the State, any reduction in service means greater travel hardships for residents and visitors alike.

The Chamber is encouraging Orcas Islanders to ‘go international’ for the day! It is expected that several state legislators and Washington State Ferry officials will be taking this ‘start-of-season’ trip, and a strong local turnout is needed. We hope Orcasians will wear something that will get you noticed – Orcas sweatshirts, hats and the like would be perfect! Make a sign or banner … show our island’s support of our ferries!

The walk-on cost of the round-trip is $32. Passengers will need to present government issued photo ID, such as a drivers’ license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. The ferry departs Orcas Island at 8:40 am (reservations not needed for walk-ons), arriving at Sidney at 10:45 am. You will disembark in Sidney, then take the 11:40 am sailing to Friday Harbor, arriving at approximately 1:30 pm. You will disembark, go through Customs, and walk-on the 2:15 pm ferry to Orcas, arriving at approximately 3:00 pm.

A long day, but a more beautiful excursion you can’t find … and it will let everyone know how important this ferry connection is to Orcas Island! is urging Islanders to show their support of the International ferry run (Anacortes – San Juan Islands – Sidney, BC) on the first day of service for the new schedule.

With financial pressures looming in Olympia, legislators have sought to cut service levels at Washington State Ferries, with the possible cancellation of the Sidney, BC ferry.  The loss of this ferry run to and from Canada – and the resulting overall reduction in ferry service – would put San Juan County at a great disadvantage.  As the only ferry-dependent County in the State, any reduction in service means greater travel hardships for residents and visitors alike.The Chamber is encouraging Orcas Islanders to ‘go international’ for the day!  It is expected that several state legislators and Washington State Ferry officials will be taking this start-of-season trip, and a strong local turnout is needed.

We hope Orcasians will wear something that will get you noticed – Orcas sweatshirts, hats and the like would be perfect!  Make a sign or banner … show support of our ferries!

The walk-on cost of the round-trip is $32.  Passengers will need to present government issued photo ID, such as a drivers’ license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.  The ferry departs Orcas Island at 8:40 am (reservations not needed for walk-ons), arriving at Sidney at 10:45 am.  You will disembark in Sidney, then take the 11:40 am sailing to Friday Harbor, arriving at approximately 1:30 pm.  You will disembark, go through Customs, and walk-on the 2:15 pm ferry to Orcas, arriving at approximately 3:00 pm.

A long day, but a more beautiful excursion you can’t find … and it will let everyone know how important this ferry connection is to Orcas Island!