BC Ferries Sport Experience Program

Through the BC Ferries Sport Experience Program, BC Ferries and viaSport provide travel support to eligible not-for-profit sport organizations and athletes.

Vouchers may be used by athletes traveling to compete in:

• International Events, National Championships, Western Canadian Championships, Provincial Championships, Selection Camps hosted in British Columbia
• Does not include: B.C. High School Provincial Championships, pre-season, tournaments, regular season league or event play

Who can apply?

Applications may be submitted, individually or for a group, by the following:

• Athletes aged 18 years and younger, or someone representing the athlete (e.g. parent, guardian, coach)
• Not-for-profit provincial sport organizations
• Not-for-profit local sport organizations, clubs and associations that are:
  • a member in good standing of an appropriate provincial sport organization OR working in partnership with an appropriate provincial organization; and
  • demonstrate inclusive and equitable practices that maximize sport, recreation, physical activity and leadership opportunities in the community
• Coaches or officials traveling to a recognized certification or professional development opportunity

If you are affiliated with a Disability Sport Organization you can apply for the BC Ferries Disability Sport Experience Program.

Applications for ferry vouchers must be received at least 10 business days (between and including Monday to Friday, not including weekends and public holidays) before the first day of travel in order to be considered. Exceptions will not be made for late applications.

Funding is available for travel through March 31, 2026

Important Update for Voucher Holders – Horseshoe Bay Terminal

Starting October 15, 2025, BC Ferries requires reservations for all travel from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) due to terminal construction. If you’re using a voucher or gift certificate, please:

• Call BC Ferries at 1-888-223-3779 to book and pay in advance
• Provide your voucher number during the call
• A credit card is required to hold the booking (no-show fees apply)
• Bring your voucher to the terminal with you just in case.

Travel from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) remains unchanged — you can still book online with a voucher.

More info: www.bcferries.com/hsb-travel

Grant Statistics

The BC Ferries Sport Experience Program features an annual total value in-kind budget of $100,000. Last year, viaSport received 626 applications, and 418 applications were fully or partially issued ferry vouchers. On eligible applications, the expected success rate is approximately 65%.

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