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
Take a scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island and explore its parks, beaches, mountains, and more. Enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, fishing, surfing, and ziplining in the summer, or skiing, snowboarding, and storm watching in the winter. Savour local craft beer, wines, and farm-fresh food. Visit Victoria, the largest city on the island, where you can find friendly locals, unique shops, and waterfront dining.
Top things to do
Sightsee
Visit BC’s capital city of Victoria to sample local food, taste fresh craft beer at Phillips, Hoyne or Vancouver Island Brewery, go sight-seeing at the parliament buildings, explore the Malahat Skywalk, or check out the beautiful famous Butchart Gardens—in bloom all year.
Credit: Destination BC / Ben Giesbrecht
Explore caves
Go caving nearby to discover stalagmites (upward-growing formations) and stalactites (icicle-shaped formations), sinkholes and underground rivers.
Credit: Victor Wong
Learn to surf
Learn to surf in the laid-back surfer town of Tofino, try stand-up paddleboarding or simply relax on one of the local beaches across the Island.
Credit: Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism
Play a round of golf
Golf at your choice of local golf courses, including championship courses designed by Les Furber, or test your skills at one of the mini-golf courses in Parksville.
Credit: Tourism Victoria / Jordan Dyck
Visit historic sites
Visit historic sites and museums to learn about Indigenous culture and BC's past.
Explore cities
Victoria
Visit the quaint waterfront city of Victoria for a captivating blend of natural beauty, history and culture. Known for having the mildest climate in Canada, there is plenty to see and do in Victoria year-round. Get out out on the water and book a kayaking lesson or join a wildlife tour, or stick to strolling the cobblestone streets for quaint shops, and dining at world-class restaurants.
Victoria is also known as the Garden City, with flowers blooming all around town, has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and is home to the historic BC Parliament Buildings.
Tofino
Visit the popular destination of Tofino, in Tla-o-qui-aht territory, to see the rugged beauty of the west coast. With laid-back surfer vibes, the downtown offers a variety of charming shops and restaurants.
The beach is the place to be in any weather here, spending sunny beach days enjoying endless sandy beaches or watching Mother Nature put on a show with epic storm watching opportunities.
Whether you are catching a wave while surfing, or catching an unbelievable sunset, this is a Vancouver Island gem you won't want to miss.
Nanaimo
Sail from Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo for a stop in Vancouver Island’s second-largest city. Socialize with friends over a round of golf at one of several local golf courses, or stroll through the Old City Quarter. Looking for adventure? Canoe, kayak or paddleboard along the waterfront, or explore natural wonders at nearby provincial parks and waterfalls.
Port Hardy
Take a trip to the peaceful, waterfront town of Port Hardy, nestled on Northern Vancouver Island. Whether you prefer to be on the water or on land, there's an adventure in Port Hardy for everyone; from diving and fishing, to hiking and camping.
