BC Ferries announces over 90 extra sailings for Victoria Day long weekend

BC Ferries has announced more than 90 extra sailings ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend, as well as the addition of extra staff.

Between Thursday, May 16, and Sunday, May 20, 92 extra sailings will take place between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Vancouver – Victoria:

• 66 extra sailings will take place on the Tsawwassen — Swartz Bay Route, including 6 am sailings on May 16, 17, 18, and 21.

West Vancouver – Nanaimo/Sunshine Coast: 

• 15 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay — Departure Bay route
• 11 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay — Langdale route

According to BC Ferries, the most popular travel times tend to be Thursday and Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning.

Monday afternoon tends to be the most popular time that travellers will return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to Metro Vancouver.

To avoid sailing waits, reservations, or travel outside peak times is highly recommended.

Customers with advance bookings, as well as walk-on passengers, are advised to arrive 45 to 60 minutes head of their sailing.

Alternative parking options or carpooling is also recommended, given that parking lots at major terminals will fill up quickly over the long weekend. BC Ferries will notify passengers via Twitter and on their website if parking terminals are full.

See also

• BC Ferries plans to sell wine and beer onboard this summer
• Catching a taxi could be even more difficult with Vancouver's record cruise ship season
• Vancouver passes motion on 30km/h limit pilot project for side streets and residential areas