The 58-year-old Powell River Queen sails her last run on the Campbell River to Quadra Island BC Ferries route next week and the public is invited to bid farewell to the vessel.

On Jan. 17, BC Ferries will host an event at the terminal in Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island to commemorate the day. Spokesperson Deborah Marshall says that cake and beverages will be available and people are encouraged to share stories about their experiences with the ship as it completes its last run in the early evening.

The Powell River Queen shortly after being launched in 1965. Image courtesy of BC Ferries.

The Powell River Queen was built in Victoria in 1965 and only served on two BC Ferries routes. From 1965 to 1991, it was the Earls Cove to Saltery Bay run on the mainland, and for the past 32 years it has served on the Campbell River to Quadra Island route, Marshall says.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 18, that route will be served by two new island class hybrid diesel electric vessels, nearly doubling capacity and sailings in a bid to reduce congestion and sailing waits at terminals.

Marshall discusses the legacy of the Powell River Queen in the interview below with CKTZ News: