From Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, BC Ferries is adding over 135 extra sailings on major routes to ensure smooth sailing over the holiday season.
Ninety-eight sailings have been added to the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route, which is the busiest route in the fleet.
Thirty-eight extra sailings are scheduled between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay.
Dec. 23 is expected to be the busiest pre-Christmas travel day.
Post-Christmas, heavy traffic is expected Dec. 26 - 28, with Dec. 27 expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season.
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.
Starting Dec. 22, the schedules have been expanded on the three routes utilizing the Horseshoe Bay terminal (Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay – Langdale and Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island) to allow more in-dock time during this peak period in order to maintain on-time performance.
The Departure Bay and Bowen Island routes will revert to the regular schedules on Jan. 3.
Due to the upcoming major construction project at the Langdale terminal in January, the expanded Langdale schedule will continue beyond the holidays.
BC Ferries reminds customers travelling in vehicles with reservations to inform the ticket agent that they have a reservation when they drive up to the booth.
This self-identification helps expedite the ticketing process.
“For customers looking to get away this winter, BC Ferries Vacations is offering holiday retreats to Victoria and Vancouver that include ferry travel, hotel accommodation, and festive extras,” said Janet Carson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marketing and Travel Services. “Victoria boasts some great holiday activities such as the Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress and The Bay Centre, and the Magic of Christmas is always popular at Butchart Gardens.
“In Vancouver, the Christmas Market is in full swing at Jack Poole Plaza and the Capilano Suspension Bridge looks stunning with the Canyon Lights display.”
For any shoppers looking for last minute gift ideas, give the gift of travel.
BC Ferries’ gift certificates are great gifts and are available online.