The MV Kwuna marked its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 2, a milestone for the smallest vessel in BC Ferries’ fleet and a mainstay of daily life on Haida Gwaii since 1975.
Part of the K-class, the Kwuna has provided uninterrupted service between Skidegate and Alliford Bay for half a century, linking Graham and Moresby Islands across one of the most scenic and culturally significant marine routes in British Columbia. The short crossing is a vital connector for residents, moving vehicles and passengers between the two islands year-round.
Built and launched in 1975, the vessel is named after Kwuna Point near the Alliford Bay terminal. “Kwuna” is the Haida word for “point.” Its distinctive design includes built-in ramps at both ends, allowing it to dock directly onto concrete landings — a system unique in the BC Ferries network.
The anniversary celebration in Skidegate featured cake and a fully dressed vessel, with decorative flags from bow to stern and signal flags reading “Kwuna 50” and “Haida.” Former crew members attended, bringing historical and current photographs of the vessel in operation over the decades.
The Kwuna began service on September 2, 1975, operating on an 11-hour schedule. Before that, a private ferry had run the route since 1969 under heavy provincial subsidies. In its first year of BC Ferries service, adult foot passenger fares were 50 cents one way, children’s fares were 20 cents, and a vehicle with driver cost $1.50.
A letter from then minister of highways Alex V. Fraser to Senior Captain Ken Eaton in November 1980 notes that the inaugural run of the Queen of Prince Rupert from Prince Rupert to Skidegate took place on or around November 16, 1980.
Across the BC Ferries fleet, other vessels have also reached major milestones. The Queen of New Westminster, built in 1964, is the oldest in service. The Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam, Queen of Cowichan, Quinsam, Quinitsa, Khloke, and Klitsa date from the mid to late 1970s, while the Tachek and Quadra Queen II were built in the 1960s.
In a message marking the Kwuna’s anniversary, BC Ferries called the route “one of the most stunning in the province, crossing the waters of a truly majestic region in Haida Nation territory.”
The Kwuna remains in good condition, fully compliant with Transport Canada safety requirements and maintained through regular refits. BC Ferries says there are no plans to replace it.
