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August 30, 2021
BC Ferries offers travel tips for the Labour Day long weekend
VICTORIA – The last long weekend of summer is almost here. BC Ferries has some travel tips for customers planning to take the ferry between Thursday, September 2 and Tuesday, September 7, including families who want to squeeze in one more summer trip before the kids go back to school.Historically, the most popular travel times are Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning, with lots of travellers departing from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Labour Day Monday and the following Tuesday morning are typically the most popular times for people to return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Long Weekend Travel Tips
- Reserve in advance – Book early to secure a spot at the sailing day and time of your choice. Customers with flexibility can travel at less busy times and take advantage of reduced fares to avoid the rush. Book online at bcferries.com. Customers with a booking do not experience sailing waits.
- Be prepared for sailing waits if you do not book in advance – Sailing waits occur when demand at peak times exceeds ferry system capacity. If reservations are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times. For example, Saturday or Sunday departing from Swartz Bay and Departure Bay are good times to travel.
- Travel as a foot passenger – Leave the car at home. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal. Foot passengers can now make bookings on the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes.
- 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 scheduled departure.
- Mandatory masks – As announced by the Public Health Officer, masks are once again mandatory in all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, on BC Ferries vessels and at terminals for customers 12 years of age and older. This includes vehicle decks on major vessels. Some exceptions apply.
- Respect fellow passengers and crew – High traffic volumes can be stressful for both customers and employees. BC Ferries has a zero tolerance policy for abuse, including verbal abuse, towards employees. Our employees are professionals doing their best to meet everyone’s needs.
For full schedule information, current conditions, reservations and promotional offers, please visit bcferries.com. For the most up-to-date travel information, follow @BCFerries on Twitter.
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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 emergency line at (250) 516-7211.