For Immediate Release
22-025
June 28, 2022

BC FERRIES OFFERS TRAVEL TIPS FOR CANADA DAY
Summer schedule now in effect

VICTORIA – The July long weekend marks the unofficial launch of summer and this year will involve holidays on both sides of the border.  Not only will Canadians be celebrating the Canada Day long weekend, our American friends also will be commemorating Independence Day. For the first time in six years, July 1 and July 4 will bookend the same weekend. 

Vehicle volumes are expected to be very high throughout the summer. On major routes, schedules are designed to provide maximum capacity at peak travel times.

The Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route, which is the busiest route in the fleet, will be serviced by four vessels that will provide up to 32 sailings per day. The Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay) route will be serviced by three ships that will deliver up to 22 sailings per day. On the Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) route, two vessels will offer 16 sailings per day.

Summer service on the Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale) route includes an additional vessel providing extra sailings Thursday through Monday. In addition, between Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and the Southern Gulf Islands, a second ship will provide two additional round trips Monday to Thursday and four additional round trips on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

BC Ferries understands the importance of providing reliable ferry service, especially for ferry dependent communities and customers who use the ferry system to get to work, school, medical appointments, or to visit family and friends. Transitioning to summer service levels required adjusting ship and crew schedules on some sailings. Customers with bookings on affected sailings are being contacted.

Canada Day and Summertime Travel Tips
 

• Book in advance – Book early to secure a spot on the sailing time of your choice. Book online at bcferries.com. Customers with advance bookings do not experience sailing waits, even when multiple waits are reported. Customers with flexibility can travel at off-peak times to avoid the rush and in many instances travel at a reduced fare.
   
• Customers travelling with vehicles without an advance booking will likely experience sailing waits at peak times.  Be prepared for sailing waits if you are travelling without a booking. 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.
   
• Consider parking options – Parking lots at the major terminals also fill up quickly on long weekends. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal to avoid traffic congestion. Parking lot status by terminal is provided via Twitter @BCFerries and on our website.
   
• Arrive early – Customers with advance bookings should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes early for their anticipated sailing. If you have an important appointment or connection with an other ferry or flight, travel on an earlier ferry.
   
• Travelling on Saturday of this long weekend is also an option since heavy traffic is expected Thursday into Friday morning and Sunday into Monday morning.  It’s always a good idea to check current conditions before heading to the terminal and review the routes-at-a-glance page.
   
• Prepare for warm weather – pack your sunscreen, a sun hat and plenty of water for you and your pets.

For full schedule information, travel tips, current conditions and bookings, click here. For the most up-to-date travel information, follow @BCFerries on Twitter.