For Immediate Release
22-032
July 26, 2022

PREPARING FOR A BUSY BC DAY LONG WEEKEND

VICTORIA – With the BC Day long weekend approaching, BC Ferries is preparing to move nearly 140,000 vehicles and more than 400,000 passengers. To manage the heavy traffic volumes, the fleet is operating at maximum capacity and will be providing more than 2,500 sailings and covering more than 22,000 nautical miles Thursday through Monday.

The Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route, which is the busiest route in the fleet, will be serviced by four vessels that provide up to 32 sailings per day. The Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay) route has three ships that deliver up to 24 sailings per day. On the Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) route, two vessels 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. Between Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and the Southern Gulf Islands, a second ship will provide two additional sailings Monday to Thursday and four additional sailings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Customers can take advantage of Saver fares which can be booked on select off-peak sailings on many routes. They are the most affordable fare choice and help reduce the pressure on long line ups at peak travel times.
    
BC Ferries appreciates the professionalism of staff and the patience of customers as the company navigates one of the busiest long weekends of the year. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and everyone is encouraged to be respectful, kind, calm, and safe. 

B.C. 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 afternoon or Sunday morning of this long weekend is also an option since heavy traffic is expected Thursday and Friday, and Sunday afternoon and Monday.  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.