BC Ferries says they are adding 93 extra sailings for Thanksgiving long weekend, including some 6 a.m. departures between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.
There will be 74 extra sailings on the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria) route, including 6 a.m. departures on Oct. 11, 12, 14 and 15.
There will also be 13 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) route and six extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Langdale (Sunshine Coast) route.
BC Ferries said the most popular travel times are Thursday and Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The most popular travel day of the long weekend will be Thanksgiving Monday, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Swartz Bay and Langdale terminals. BC Ferries also said the Thanksgiving long weekend will be the most popular for walk-on passengers. Some walk-on passengers may see sailing waits.
Southern Gulf Island customers (Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano and Saturna Islands) are being reminded the holiday Monday schedule will be in effect after 2:00 p.m. on October 14.
Passengers travelling from Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands also have the option of sailing via Swartz Bay terminal.
BC Ferries is recommending travellers make a vehicle reservation earlier to secure a spot and then arrive 45 to 60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes before their anticipated sailing.
People going to Metro Vancouver from Nanaimo are asked to consider travelling via Duke Point if they want to avoid the rush at Departure Bay.
CHEK News
