Travel advisory: Anticipated Adverse Weather Conditions - Tuesday, November 19 to Wednesday, November 20 View ×

Reposted: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

We are actively following a rapidly intensifying storm that is expected to reach parts of British Columbia’s West Coast by Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The adverse weather conditions may impact travel through Wednesday, November 20.

Travellers are advised to check our Service Notices page prior to travel for any possible service disruptions.

The safety of our passengers and crew is of primary importance to us, and we will continue to monitor this weather system and share information as it becomes available. For further information regarding any weather warnings in place, please visit Environment Canada.

For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our @BCFerries X Account, check Current Conditions or visit bcferries.com.

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Important: Livestock reservations must be made as single one-way bookings. If you need to make a return booking, book two one-way sailings.
 

Booking travel with livestock online

Livestock includes large animals such as: cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, mules, donkeys, game animals, llamas and alpacas. This definition also includes commercial quantities of live fish, shellfish, rabbits, rodents, birds of prey and poultry such as chickens, chicks, geese and turkeys. 

Commercial quantities of honey bees being transported to or from Vancouver and Vancouver Island or Sunshine Coast are also defined as livestock. To avoid potential issues at the terminal, call 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) to book transportation of honey bees.
 
Household pets such as cats, dogs, parrots and other birds, mice, rats, gerbils, rabbits and fish, are not considered livestock.

Livestock can only be transported if it is travelling in a vehicle.


Important boarding and vehicle information
  • Your booking will only be valid for the specific sailing you chose, and the size of vehicle you added to the booking
  • If your actual vehicle length differs by more than 5 ft. (1.5 m) from the length provided in your booking, your booking will not be honoured
  • Foot passengers and motorcyclists are not eligible to travel with livestock
  • If you travel without a booking, you will be loaded on the next available sailing based on deck space availability, with a maximum one sailing wait even during popular sailing times
  • If you are transporting livestock in a vehicle over 5,500 kg GVW, you must book as a commercial vehicle online or by phone

 


How to book livestock online

It’s easy to book livestock travel on our website. After you’ve entered your vehicle details on the booking screen, select the option to add livestock to your booking. Book now.

 

It is best to book ahead to avoid unnecessary waits at the terminal when travelling with livestock.
 

Vehicle travel with livestock
View check-in times, ferry loading details, change and cancellation policies for bookable routes, information if you're late for your livestock booking, and more.

View important travel information 

View cancellation and change policies

 

More livestock information

Drop sheets
All vehicles carrying poultry and any non-self-contained livestock vehicles are required to spread drop sheets around the vehicle, both at the terminal and on board the ferry. If weather conditions make it difficult to put down drop sheets, please ask for assistance when you arrive at the terminal.
Livestock medical emergencies
If you have sick or injured animals requiring transportation from Vancouver Island to the mainland due to a medical emergency, you and your animal/s will be given priority loading on the next available sailing whether you have a booking or not.

Advise the ticket agent on arrival, or call 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) in advance. You will be required to produce verification as to the nature of the medical emergency from an appropriate medical authority at the terminal, i.e. a veterinarian.
Livestock shelter
To limit exposure to the sun or wind, some terminals have sheltered areas near the vehicle lanes that you can use while waiting to board the ferry. Ask the ticket agent when you arrive at the terminal to see if there is shelter space available.

Important: Some terminals have limited shaded areas or wind protection.
Refrigerated vehicles

If you need to keep your vehicle powered during a sailing, the following ferries are equipped with (limited) electrical outlets:

Southern routes:

Northern routes (tie-downs also available):
  To request access to an electrical outlet on board these ferries, advise the ticket agent on arrival at the ticket booth.
Travelling with your pet on the ferry

Pets

Your small pets, including dogs, cats, birds and more, are welcome on our ferries and ride for free.

Find out more 
Driving your vehicle on board BC Ferries

Driving on board

What you need to know about travelling on our ferries with a vehicle.

Find out more 
Travelling with Dangerous Goods on BC Ferries

Dangerous goods

See what goods are classified as dangerous, and learn how to declare them before you travel.

Find out more 
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