BC Ferries warns of busy long weekend with two out-of-service ships
If you’re headed to Vancouver Island for the long weekend, BC Ferries is warning that travel will be very busy, especially since two ships are currently out of commission.
In a news release, the ferry operator noted that those travelling on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes should plan ahead, as temporary service adjustments are in place while repairs are being made on the Queen of Oak Bay and the Queen of Surrey.
Both vessels are 44 years old and are experiencing delayed out-of-service periods that are now extending into May. However, BC Ferries says the ships should be repaired in time for the summer season.
The company explained that the Queen of Surrey’s annual refit has been delayed due to “unplanned” and required repairs on the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster and the 44-year-old Queen of Oak Bay.
The Queen of Coquitlam is currently substituting for the Queen of Surrey and wasn’t able to provide the additional relief service needed for the long weekend.
BC Ferries is advising travellers to book reservations in advance to reserve a spot and avoid travelling without a reservation during the peak weekend times.
“…Customers without reservations should expect very limited standby availability during peak travel days: Thursday and Friday heading to Vancouver Island, and Sunday and Monday returning to the mainland,” stated BC Ferries.
The company recently approved the order of four new vessels to operate on its major routes linking Metro Vancouver with Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The new ships are expected to be in service in 2029.
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