To ensure smooth sailing over the holidays, BC Ferries had added over 150 extra sailings to the three major routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Most of the extra trips will added to the busiest route in the fleet, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay – with over 100 extra sailings. The Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay will see over 40 extra sailings and extra has also been added to the Tsawwassen to Duke Point run on Saturdays.
If you plan to walk-on, BC Ferries suggest to take public transit to terminals, since pay-parking areas can fill up at busy times.
Based on past years, BC Ferries expects Dec. 23 to be the busiest travel day before Christmas, while Dec. 27 is the busiest post-Christmas travel day.
The extra sailings started Dec. 18 and will continue through Jan. 3.
Sailing schedules are reduced on some routes Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, due to traditionally low demand.
BC Ferries has posted a calendar of forecasted busy sailings for the major routes on its website, which is a great tool to consult when making holiday travel plans.
