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Travel advisory: Busy Weekend Expected View ×

Issued on: Friday, April 18, 2025

Easter Long Weekend
April 18 – April 21, 2025

Easter long weekend is a popular time for travel on the coast. Busy travel days are expected from Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21 on the following routes:


•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands
•    Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
•    Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
•    Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
•    Vancouver Island - Gulf Islands

Historically, the most popular day to travel from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast is Friday, from our Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Monday is typically the most popular day for travel back to the Lower Mainland.

Customers planning to travel with a vehicle without a reservation should be prepared for sailing waits during popular times to travel. If reservations are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times, typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings, or walk on board.

Click here to view Travel Tips and here for Service Notices.

We look forward to welcoming you on board this Easter Long Weekend.

For schedule information and bookings, visit bcferries.com. For up-to-date travel information, check Current Conditions and follow @BCFerries on Twitter.

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Sunset by the waters at Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island British Columbia

Northern Gulf Islands, BC

OVERVIEW

Escape to the quiet beaches and shores of the Northern Gulf Islands. Surrounded by sparkling water and stunning costal views, each Island community has its own pace, mild climate and outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whether you spend a day on the water kayaking between local bays around Quadra Island, or biking sun-kissed trails on Hornby Island, you will be left with memories for a lifetime. 

Northern Gulf Islands map with BC Ferries routes and nearby cities

Top things to do

Mountain biker biking across view of the open waters as the sun sets in Hornby Island BC
Credit: hornbyisland.com
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Mountain bike

Go on a thrilling mountain biking adventure on Hornby Island and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. 

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The interior of Sointula museum showcasing historic exhibits of Sointula BC
Credit: Darryl Luscombe / SointulArt
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Discover local history

Visit Sointula Museum to discover the history of Malcolm Island. Learn how Finnish immigrants working in Nanaimo coal mines in the early 1900s found a self-sustaining place of their own.

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Two kayakers kayaking in the waters near Gowlland Harbour Resort on Quadra Island BC
Credit: Gowlland Harbour Resort
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Kayak or canoe

Kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard in the protected channels and bays around Quadra Island.

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The outdoor Nuyumbalees totem poles at the Cape Mudge Resort also known as Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge in Quadra Island
Credit: Cape Mudge Resort
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Visit Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre

View Indigenous artifacts of cultural, artistic and historic value to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, and see the 3000+ year-old petroglyphs at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre on Quadra Island.

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A scuba diver exploring underwater reefs and corals near Flora Islet in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island BC
Credit: hornbyisland.com
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Scuba dive

Scuba dive near Flora Islet off St. John Point in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island, where six-gill sharks hang out from May to September. Or if you prefer to stay on land, stroll along the cliffs of the park to view wildlife.

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Logs near the water with tall mountains in the back at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park on Quadra Island BC

Quadra Island

Quadra Island is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature. Go kayaking, canoeing, or whale watching along the stunning coastline or explore some of the many hiking trails along the island. The vibrant arts community on Quadra Island provides artisan shops, galleries, and cultural events around the island to check out too.


 
 
 
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