BC Ferries adding over 170 extra sailings for the holiday season

Dec 10 2019, 7:24 pm

BC Ferries is adding 171 extra sailings over the holiday season “to make travel easier for customers sailing between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast.”

Beginning on Thursday, December 19, and running until Wednesday, January 1, the company said it is adding select sailings on a number of routes, including:

  • 128 extra sailings on the Vancouver – Victoria route (Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay), the most popular route in the network, including the following:
    • 6 am departures from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay on December 23, 26, and 27
    •  10 pm departure from Tsawwassen on December 21
  • 37 extra sailings on the West Vancouver – Nanaimo route (Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay)
  • Six extra sailings on the West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast route (Horseshoe Bay – Langdale)

According to BC Ferries, the most popular travel times over the holidays are typically between December 20 and 23 for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

The most popular travel days over the holidays will be December 26 and 27, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Swartz Bay, and Langdale terminals.

Even with the extra sailings scheduled, BC Ferries is still advising customers to plan ahead to minimize issues while travelling. They offer the following tips:

  • Reserve in advance – Make a vehicle reservation early to secure a spot on the sailing of your choice. Customers with flexibility can travel at off-peak times to avoid the rush. Reserve online at bcferries.com.
  • Arrive early – Customers with reservations should plan to arrive at the terminal 45 60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes before their anticipated sailing.
  • Be prepared for sailing waits – At popular times, customers travelling without a vehicle reservation may experience sailing waits.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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