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
Northern BC is an other-worldly adventure that you have to experience to believe.
From lush coastline to rugged wilderness and hiking through rainforests, Northern BC’s variety of outdoor activities attract visitors from around the globe.
Learn about local Indigenous culture and history, and step into a world of awe-inspiring nature; including whale watching, grizzly bear viewing tours and more.
Top things to do
Credit: Destination BC / Grant Harder
Discover local history
Learn about the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest at the Museum of Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts, maps and photos from the past.
Credit: Tourism Prince George
View the northern lights
Gaze at the stars and keep a look out for the Northern Lights at the Prince George Astronomical Observatory.
Credit: Destination BC/Grant Harder
Hike through rainforests
Explore the boardwalk trail on the Tow Hill hike in Haida Gwaii and find yourself immersed in a gorgeous rainforest.
Credit: Destination BC/Dave Silver
Mountain bike
Go on a thrilling adventure and go mountain biking in extensive biking trails of Pidherny Mountain at Prince George.
Credit: iStock.com / R_Koopmans
Visit Balance Rock
Visit the natural wonder of Balance Rock, near Skidegate—a fascinating large boulder on the shoreline, left over from the last ice age.
Explore cities
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert offers an unforgettable getaway for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, hiking and fishing, all while soaking in the area’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Smithers
Smithers, BC is a small town between Prince George and Prince Rupert. With its lively cultural scene, there’s plenty to do in both the colder and warmer months. Enjoy festivals golfing, and fishing in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, and the Bulkley Valley Museum in the winter.
Prince George
Take a scenic adventure along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to visit Price George, known as the Northern Capital of BC. With over 100 city parks and almost 100 km of trails, there’s lots of fun to have in the great outdoors.
Tlell
Located on the east coast of Graham Island, Tlell holds an adventure for everyone that visits. Explore the trails in the area, like Pesuta Shipwreck Trail or immerse yourself in culture at the annual musical festival.
