Travel advisory:
Busy weekend expected
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Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Busy weekend expected
BC Day long weekend is the busiest weekend of the year for ferry travel on the coast. Our major routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are expected to be at or near capacity for vehicles during peak times.
Be prepared for sailing waits if a booking has not been made in advance of travel. Depending on when you arrive, there may be limited or no space available for drive-up vehicles. Check Current Conditions before leaving for the terminal for the latest sailing and capacity information, and check Service Notices for operational updates.
If your plans are flexible, consider taking transit and travel as a foot passenger. Walk-on bookings are available on our major routes at no additional cost and are recommended to help secure your preferred sailing. BC Day long weekend travel tips can be found here.
OVERVIEW
Escape to the quiet beaches and shores of the Northern Gulf Islands. Surrounded by sparkling water and stunning costal views, each Island community has its own pace, mild climate and outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whether you spend a day on the water kayaking between local bays around Quadra Island, or biking sun-kissed trails on Hornby Island, you will be left with memories for a lifetime.
Top things to do
Credit: hornbyisland.com
Mountain bike
Go on a thrilling mountain biking adventure on Hornby Island and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
Credit: Darryl Luscombe / SointulArt
Discover local history
Visit Sointula Museum to discover the history of Malcolm Island. Learn how Finnish immigrants working in Nanaimo coal mines in the early 1900s found a self-sustaining place of their own.
Credit: Gowlland Harbour Resort
Kayak or canoe
Kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard in the protected channels and bays around Quadra Island.
Credit: Cape Mudge Resort
Visit Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre
View Indigenous artifacts of cultural, artistic and historic value to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, and see the 3000+ year-old petroglyphs at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre on Quadra Island.
Credit: hornbyisland.com
Scuba dive
Scuba dive near Flora Islet off St. John Point in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island, where six-gill sharks hang out from May to September. Or if you prefer to stay on land, stroll along the cliffs of the park to view wildlife.
Explore cities
Quadra Island
Quadra Island is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature. Go kayaking, canoeing, or whale watching along the stunning coastline or explore some of the many hiking trails along the island. The vibrant arts community on Quadra Island provides artisan shops, galleries, and cultural events around the island to check out too.
