BC Ferries announces over 90 extra sailings for Thanksgiving long weekend

BC Ferries has announced additional sailings ahead of the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.

According to a statement from the company, 93 extra sailings are being added between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast.

Specifically, BC Ferries’ Vancouver to Victoria route (Tsawwassen — Swartz Bay), as well as West Vancouver to Nanaimo route (Horseshoe Bay — Departure Bay) and West Vancouver to Sunshine Coast route (Horseshoe Bay — Langdale), will benefit.

The extra sailings include:

• 74 extra sailings on the Vancouver to Victoria route (Tsawwassen — Swartz Bay)
  • Including 6 am departures from both Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen from October 11 to 15
• 13 extra sailings on the West Vancouver to Nanaimo Route (Horseshoe Bay — Departure Bay)
• Six extra sailings on the West Vancouver t0 Sunshine Coast route (Horseshoe Bay — Langdale)

According to the BC Ferries, the most popular sailing times are expected to be Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning for passengers travelling towards the islands.

The most hectic day of the stretch will likely be Monday, with a number of families and passengers returning to Metro Vancouver from their weekend trips.

• See also: 
  • BC Ferries’ annual fare-increase cap approved for next 4 years
  • Singh proposing $30M funding for BC Ferries to help cut fares
  • BC Ferries planning world-class hub upgrade for Horseshoe Bay terminal (RENDERINGS)

To ensure that travellers receive their sailing of choice, BC Ferries asks for reservations to be made ahead of time.

Walk-on passengers are advised to arrive 45 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing. The holiday Monday is typically the most popular day of the year for those travelling on foot.

Parking lots at major terminals are also expected to be at maximum capacity before the weekend even begins, so carpooling, public transit, and finding alternate locations to park is recommended.