BC Ferries urges travellers to plan ahead as sailings fill up for Thanksgiving long weekend

The BC Ferries vessel Spirit of Vancouver Island leaves Tsawwassen, B.C., bound for Swartz Bay, on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

BC Ferries is warning travellers to brace for heavy traffic and full sailings this Thanksgiving long weekend.

The company says advance planning will be key to avoiding long waits and missed trips.

Ferry traffic is expected to be heaviest outbound from Metro Vancouver on Friday, Oct. 10 all day, and Saturday, Oct. 11 in the morning and afternoon.

Return traffic is expected to peak on Sunday, Oct. 12 in the early afternoon and Monday, Oct. 13 all day.

Drivers and foot passengers are being urged to book ahead whenever possible, as popular sailings to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are already nearing capacity.

The company recommends arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure and checking the BC Ferries website for real-time updates on delays, weather, and sailing waits.

Parking lots at major terminals often reach capacity early in the day.

Travellers are encouraged to use public transit or arrange drop-offs to reduce congestion. Walk-on passengers should also plan to arrive well ahead of their sailing time to avoid lineups at ticket kiosks.

Once on board, drivers are reminded to park close to the vehicle in front, switch off car alarms, and leave vehicles on enclosed lower decks during the voyage. Pets are welcome, but must remain leashed or in carriers, with indoor and outdoor pet areas available on most ships.

BC Ferries says courtesy and preparation help keep sailings on schedule.

With terminals expected to be busy throughout the long weekend, the company is urging travellers to plan ahead, stay informed, and give themselves plenty of time to get where they’re going.

The company is also reminding customers that a major change is coming to one of BC Ferries’ busiest routes. Starting Oct. 15, all vehicles travelling from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo will need to book and pay in advance.

Drive-up fares will no longer be available on that sailing as the terminal undergoes upgrades.

More information and real-time sailing updates are available at bcferries.com