For Immediate Release
21-054
December 12, 2022

BC FERRIES OFFERS TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

VICTORIA – Wherever customers are travelling for the holidays, BC Ferries wants to get you there safely. More than 680,000 passengers and 270,000 vehicles are expected to travel on a BC Ferry over the season, and for customers sailing between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, BC Ferries is adding more than 150 extra sailings.

Between Thurs., Dec. 22 and Mon., Jan. 2, BC Ferries is adding:
 

• 110 extra sailings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - Victoria (Swartz Bay)
• 35 extra sailings between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) - Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
• 6 extra sailings between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) - Sunshine Coast (Langdale)

Typically, the most popular travel time over the holidays before Christmas Day is Dec. 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 after Christmas Day will be Dec. 26 and 27, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Duke Point, Swartz Bay and Langdale terminals. BC Ferries is also adding a number of additional sailings between Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands.

Due to traditionally low demand on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, BC Ferries reminds customers sailing schedules are reduced on some routes. Please check individual schedules online while making your holiday travel plans.

Holiday Travel Tips
 

• Book in advance – Book early to secure a spot on the sailing day and time of your choice. Customers with flexibility in their travel plans can sail at off-peak times to avoid the rush, and take advantage of Saver fares on select sailings.

 

• Arrive early – Customers with a booking 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. Please refer to current conditions and plan accordingly.

 

• Expect sailing waits at popular times - Sailing waits are common during popular travel periods for customers without a booking. If bookings are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times. These are typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings.

 

• Ride-share, if possible – Customers are encouraged to carpool or travel as a foot passenger. Vehicle deck space fills up quickly.

 

• Travel the coast car free - Take public transit to and from major terminals. For schedule information visit TransLink or BC Transit.

 

• Consider parking options – Parking lots at the major terminals fill up quickly at peak periods. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal to avoid traffic congestion. When parking lots fill up, BC Ferries informs customers via Twitter @BCFerries and on the website.

 

• Be prepared for winter conditions - Stay updated with road conditions by following @DriveBC and dress for cold and wet weather including appropriate footwear to avoid slips, trips and falls.

 

• Check Current Conditions and All Routes at a Glance for the status of your sailing on your day of travel. Follow @BCFerries on Twitter for regular updates, seven days a week.

For full schedule information, current conditions, bookings, and promotional offers, please visit bcferries.com. For the most up-to-date travel information, follow @BCFerries on Twitter.