BC Ferries adds more than 170 extra sailings for the holidays

BC Ferries is adding 171 extra sailings to make travel easier for customers sailing between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Between Thursday, Dec. 19 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, BC Ferries is adding:

128 extra sailings on the Vancouver – Victoria route (Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay), the most
popular route in the network, including:
6 a.m. departures from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay on Dec. 23, 26 and 27
10 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen on Dec. 21

37 extra sailings on the West Vancouver – Nanaimo route (Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay)

6 extra sailings on the West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast route (Horseshoe Bay – Langdale)

Historically, the most popular travel times over the holidays are between Dec. 20 and 23 for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

The most popular travel days over the holidays will be Dec. 26 and 27, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Swartz Bay and Langdale terminals.

Holiday travel tips

Reserve in advance: Make a vehicle reservation early to secure a spot on the sailing of your choice. Customers with flexibility can travel at off-peak times to avoid the rush. Reserve online at bcferries.com.

Arrive early: Customers with reservations should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes before their anticipated sailing. Refer to current conditions and plan accordingly.

Be prepared for sailing waits: At popular times, customers travelling without a vehicle reservation may experience sailing waits. The best times to travel are posted on the Travel Planning pages at bcferries.com.