BC Ferries cancels 11 scheduled sailings due to repairs

Ferry traffic to and from Vancouver Island is expected to be heavier than normal this weekend, thanks to the cancellation of 11 out of 57 sailings.

The cancellations come after The Spirit of Vancouver Island was taken out of service due to a hydraulic issue. It’s expected to dry-dock for one week, beginning on March 31, as it undergoes repairs.

“Heavy traffic is expected on several sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island this weekend,” BC Ferries said in a statement. Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening are expected to be busy as well.

In particular, BC Ferries added that late Sunday afternoon at Tsawwassen will be “extremely” busy. “Customers may wish to consider travelling earlier from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Sunday to avoid heavy traffic.”

The following modified sailing schedule will be in effect Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31, as well as on Sunday, April 2:

From Tsawwassen

7 am, 9 am, 11 am, noon (Sunday only), 1 pm, 2 pm (not on Sunday), 3 pm, 4 pm (Sunday only), 5 pm, 6 pm (Friday only), 7 pm, 9 pm

From Swartz Bay

7 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm (Sunday only) 3 pm, 4 pm (not on Sunday), 5 pm, 6 pm (Sunday only), 7 pm, 8 pm (Friday only), 9 pm

BC Ferries has also added additional sailings on the Metro Vancouver – Nanaimo on Sunday, April 2:

From Tsawwassen

5:15 am, 7:45 am

From Duke Point

5:15 am, 7:45 am

More information on the cancellations and sailing schedule can be found on the BC Ferries website.