The new Sicamous Ferry had its maiden voyage Wednesday morning, though temporarily using a smaller boat.
The ferry started running on July 2 to connect people to the Beach Park and Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail during construction on the Bruhn Bridge. For the first week, however, it will offer just one route using a temporary, smaller boat.
The service will run daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on a continuous loop from the Finlayson Boat Launch 鈥� where there will be a green pop up tent and info boards 鈥� to the Beach Park at the north end of the pedestrian bridge over the lagoon. From there, users can cross the bridge to the main beach, with an alternate access available from the Silver Sands Road parking lot.
For this week, no bikes will be allowed on the smaller boat, but will be once the service transitions to the 45-foot patio boat that will have a railing, benches and a bike rack. Four legged passengers will also be welcomed aboard.
"Dogs will be allowed on 鈥� as long as they're on their best furry-friend behaviour (and a leash)!" Sicamous communications coordinator Campton Hancock said in an email.
As a free service offered through the newly formed Sicamous Ferry Society that chair Mike Miltimore said is "to create yet another unique and memorable experience for anyone who explores our region," the ferry is being funded through donations and sponsorships.
The ferry is expected to run until mid-September. Any questions can be emailed to .
