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.
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July 20, 2021
BC Ferries' fourth Island Class ferry transits Panama Canal
VICTORIA – BC Ferries’ newest hybrid electric ship is now preparing for its trip home to British Columbia, after transiting the Panama Canal over the weekend. Island 4, as it is temporarily named, departed Damen Shipyard Galati in Romania in early June under its own power. BC Ferries expects the ship to arrive in B.C. by mid-August.
The Island Class are battery equipped ships designed for full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure becomes available. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service.
To follow the ship’s journey and track its progress including course, position and speed, visit vesselfinder.com and search for Island 4. BC Ferries will take ownership of the new Island Class ferry upon final inspection at Point Hope Maritime in Victoria, B.C.
BC Ferries looks forward to welcoming the vessel into service next year. Island 3 and Island 4 will be officially named later this year. Together these ships will provide two-ship service on the Campbell River – Quadra Island Route starting in 2022.
Photo attached
BC Ferries, Communications
Victoria: (250) 978-1267
Customer Contact:
Victoria: (250) 410-1465
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our emergency line at (250) 516-7211.
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Island 4 departing Romania bound for B.C. earlier this year.