Santa trades the rails for a Harbour Cruise, as the Jingle Boat Express is introduced

The MV Inside Passage will become the
Jingle Boat Express on December 11th

A popular opportunity for the young and old alike to take a short journey with Santa is making its return to the North Coast this year, though Santa will be making use of a new form of transportation for this years trip.

With the Jingle Bell Express morphing into the Jingle Boat Express this December.

The much anticipated journey previously made use of a VIA Rail train to take Santa and his visitors on a trip out to the North Pacific Cannery Museum and back. A popular journey which in the last few years became a bit of a challenge to schedule, owing to the increased use of the rails heading to Ridley Island and the Fairview Container Terminal.

That increase in traffic on the main line, eventually led to the annual journey to be left on the siding last year, bringing an end to the tradition for a least one year.

With disappointment in the eyes of many a youngster from that situation, three local groups have taken up the challenge of a bringing back the popular event, with a definite twist that offers up a very North Coast solution.

Northern Savings Credit Union, Success by Six and the Prince Rupert Port Authority put together the plan to set sail with the Jingle Boat Express, sharing word of the new adventure last week.

This year, Santa will make a shift to the water on Thursday, December 11th as the Motor Vessel Inside Passage will become something akin to  Santa Sleigh I on the day, providing a tour of Prince Rupert harbour for those in the Christmas Spirit.

The first journey of the day will set out from the Atlin Terminal Dock at 10 AM, the second one has a noon hour departure. Passengers are advised to arrive at least a half an hour before their sailing time.

Tickets in the past for the Jingle Bell express went fast and the same rush for seats is expected for the Jingle Boat Express. 

Those looking to take part in the journey can pick up their tickets this Saturday, November 15th at Northern Savings Credit Union, ticket sales will be available at the Third Avenue location for one hour from 9 AM to  10 AM. 

But be advised quantities are limited.

There are 100 tickets available for each of the two sailings. The cost is five dollars a ticket with a maximum of four per person.

Any updates to the Jingle Boat express plan will be found on the Northern Savings Credit Union website, which currently has ticket information posted at this time.