Crowds pack BC Ferries, Vancouver airport as long weekend begins

Vancouver International Airport and BC Ferries experienced an influx of passengers Friday as the B.C. Day long weekend kicked off.

There are busy roads, ferries and airports as thousands of people head out for the B.C. Day long weekend.

BC Ferries terminals have been seeing heavy traffic since Friday morning.

All vehicle reservations on major routes are sold out for the day, with drivers facing long lines before even reaching the toll booths.

Those without a booking are being urged to arrive early and prepare for long waits.

The B.C. Day long weekend is typically the busiest travel period of the year for BC Ferries. More than 580,000 passengers and over 200,000 vehicles are expected to sail between now and Monday.

To meet the demand, BC Ferries says its full summer schedule is in effect, with every available vessel in service.

In the spring, the company also added more staff and sailings, and completed maintenance and refits to prepare for the summer rush.

This weekend is also seen as a major test of the ferry system’s reliability, following years of challenges caused by aging vessels and growing demand.

Officials say operations ran smoothly over the Canada Day long weekend, and they’re hoping for a similar result this time around.

For those without a reservation, BC Ferries recommends considering alternative sailing times. Saturday night may be the best option for outbound travel, while Sunday evening is shaping up as the most promising return window.

BC Ferries is also reminding travellers that foot passenger space remains available on many routes.

Travellers looking to avoid the congestion might want to leave their vehicles behind and walk onboard instead.

Travellers are advised to check current sailing conditions and terminal webcams at bcferries.com before heading out.

YVR back on track

After a number of delays Thursday night, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) says operations are once again running smoothly.

YVR communications manager Alyssa Smith said the airport is expecting one of its busiest weekends of the year, with about 360,000 passengers expected to pass through between Friday and Monday.

“We are just working that much more closely with our different airport partners to make sure our operational plans are all synching,” Smith said.

“That we do have adequate staffing at our curbs, in our terminals, right down to our baggage halls.”

Smith said travellers should give themselves plenty of time to get to the airport. Those flying domestically are asked to arrive two hours before departure, while international travellers should arrive three hours ahead.