For Immediate Release
23-029
August 31, 2023

BUSY TERMINALS EXPECTED OVER LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Fall sailing schedules take effect September 5

VICTORIA - Between August 31 and September 5, BC Ferries will sail 1,503 round trips fleet-wide to help an anticipated 520,000 passengers and 200,000 vehicles get to their destination.

With over 1,800 BC ferry team members working the long weekend, customers can expect to see all ticket booths open at peak times, hydration and misting stations and children’s performers at the larger terminals. In addition, the company has taken steps to ensure relief crew is on standby for key positions, such as licensed officers, to help mitigate unanticipated staffing challenges.

Advanced bookings for the Labour Day weekend show high passenger and vehicle volumes westbound from the mainland to the islands from Thursday to Saturday. Sunday through Tuesday will see high traffic eastbound as travellers return home.

Customers travelling without a confirmed booking are strongly encouraged to be dropped off at the terminal and travel as foot passengers as standby vehicle spaces are extremely limited.

BC Ferries will provide updates on available deck space on Current Conditions and our @BCFerries X account. Customers are advised to check for updates prior to travelling to terminals.

Starting Sept. 5, fall sailing schedules go into effect.

Between Sept. 5 and October 9, the Queen of Alberni will continue to sail in place of the Coastal Renaissance on the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route. These sailings are contractually required sailings under the Coastal Ferry Services Contract. As a result, the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes will experience some sailing cancellations.

Due to the integrated nature of the ferries system, and BC Ferries’ obligation to complete a specific number of sailings under the Coastal Ferry Services contract, when a vessel becomes unavailable to sail for an extended period of time, it creates a ripple effect as there are no spare vessels available. Scheduling changes are specifically designed to impact the fewest customers on the smallest number of routes possible.

Those with reservations on the cancelled sailings on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes will be contacted by our Customer Care team to let them know if space is available on an alternate sailing. It’s expected all impacted customers will be accommodated. Bookings that must be cancelled will be refunded in full and a voucher for free ferry travel at another time will be provided.

Those travelling without reservations can continue to drive up and access standby space. For long weekend travel, it is still advisable to plan early and make reservations.

The Coastal Renaissance’s #2 drive motor is being assessed by Marine Engineers and a repair plan is being prepared. It does not yet have a return to service date.
 

Backgrounder

 

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Media Contact:
BC Ferries, Media Relations
Victoria: (250) 978-1267

Customer Contact:
Victoria: (250) 410-1465
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)

Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our off-hours line at (250) 516-7211.