To help ensure our passengers can best enjoy their holiday travel, BC Ferries is adding more than 152 extra sailings between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
BC Ferries says customers are being proactive in finalizing their plans for holiday travel and 62 percent of bookable space has already been now reserved.
“Getting your desired travel times locked in doesn’t have to take a holiday miracle though – there are several things people can do now and on the day they’re sailing with us to make their trip as festive and relaxing as possible,” BC Ferries said.
“Between Thursday, Dec. 21 and Mon., Jan. 1, BC Ferries is adding 112 extra sailings between Vancouver Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, 34 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, 6 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale. Typically, the most popular travel time over the holidays before Christmas Day is Dec. 23 for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.”
The most popular travel days over the holidays after Christmas Day will be Dec. 26 and 27, with traffic returning from the Departure Bay, Duke Point, Swartz Bay and Langdale terminals. BC Ferries is also adding a number of additional sailings between Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Due to traditionally low demand on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, BC Ferries reminds customers sailing schedules are reduced on some routes. Please check individual schedules online while making your holiday travel plans.
Holiday Travel Tips
Check Current Conditions and All Routes at a Glance for the status of your sailing on your day of travel. Follow @BCFerries on X for regular updates, seven days a week.
Arrive early: Customers with a booking should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes before their anticipated sailing. Please refer to current conditions and plan accordingly.
Expect sailing waits at popular times as they’re common during popular travel periods for customers without a booking. If your preferred bookings are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times. These are typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings.
Ride-share, if possible – Customers are encouraged to carpool or travel as a foot passenger. Vehicle deck space fills up quickly.
