Currently, the pass is used by BC Ferries' passenger and vehicle ferry runs between B.C.'s Lower Mainland, the southern Gulf Islands and Swartz Bay on southern Vancouver Island.
At one time these ferries operated on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route, but due to limitations placed on their speed when transiting Active Pass—after an accident they were required to operate in the more maneuverable docking mode rather than cruising mode—it is no longer feasible to run them on that route.
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Following this defeat, the colonial government responded with one of the largest military operations in British Columbia's history, which took place on the east coast of Vancouver Island and extended throughout the waters and islands of Active Pass, Trincomali Channel and Stuart Channel.
Active Pass is named after the American survey ship USS Active, the first steam vessel to navigate the pass.