BC Ferries Warns of High Volume and Sold-Out Sailings Over B.C. Day Long Weekend

Expect High Volume on B.C. Day Long Weekend

BC Ferries is warning travellers to be prepared for a jam-packed B.C. Day long weekend, which is “historically our busiest travel weekend of the year.”

Last year, the company saw approximately 130,000 vehicles and more than 405,000 passengers during the August long weekend, and it expects to see a similar number this year.

“This year, demand has been extremely strong, and advance bookings are already fully sold out on many of our major routes and we expect that total vehicle space will also reach capacity before the end of the day,” said BC Ferries spokesperson Lilian Kim on Friday.

Travel Tips and Foot Passenger Capacity

Anyone who hasn’t already reserved a vehicle space on Friday is encouraged to walk on, as it is “very rare that foot passenger space reaches capacity.”

Ideally, BC Ferries recommends that people leave their vehicle at home and take public transit or get dropped off at one if its terminals this long weekend, as the parking lots at the terminals can fill up fast.

Before leaving, travellers can visit the BC Ferries current conditions webpage for real-time updates on sailing and terminal information, says the company.

“We know how important the B.C. Day long weekend is for families, visitors and the communities we serve. We appreciate our customers planning ahead and checking conditions before travelling,” said Kim.

Peak Travel Days

BC Ferries says the busiest days of the B.C. Day long weekend are Thursday, Friday and Monday on routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and from Metro Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast.

More long weekend travel tips can be found on the BC Ferries website.

“Our teams are ready and looking forward to welcoming customers on board and helping everyone travel safely throughout the holiday weekend,” said Kim.