For Immediate Release
22-015
May 16, 2022 

BC Ferries Adds 110 Extra Sailings for the May Long Weekend

Follow travel tips for smooth sailing on this busy long weekend

VICTORIA – BC residents and visitors have places to go and people to see over the May long weekend, and BC Ferries wants the journey to be as enjoyable as possible. 

BC Ferries has recently hired approximately 500 employees to support increased service levels and recruitment continues. From May 19 to 24, BC Ferries is scheduling 110 extra sailings on the most popular routes linking Metro Vancouver with Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Vancouver – Victoria route:

• 74 extra sailings on the most popular route Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay, including 6 a.m. sailings on May 19, 20, 21 and 24.

West Vancouver – Nanaimo and Sunshine Coast routes:

• 25 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route
• 11 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route

The highest volumes of travellers are generally seen leaving Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning. Historically, Monday afternoon is the most popular time for people to return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Fun long weekend facts

• Over the course of this weekend, BC Ferries will operate approximately 2,400 sailings to get travellers to their destination; that’s approximately 19,200 nautical miles, the driving distance from Vancouver to Halifax and back twice
• Over 300,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles will be transported from Thursday through Monday
• Over 20,000 burgers, 5,000 bowls of ice cream and 21,000 cups of coffee will be served

May Long Weekend Travel Tips

• Ride-share, if possible – Customers are encouraged to car-pool or travel as a foot passenger. Vehicle deck space fills up quickly.
• Consider parking options – Parking lots at the major terminals fill up quickly on long weekends. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal to avoid traffic congestion. When parking lots fill up, BC Ferries informs customers via Twitter @BCFerries and on our website.
• Book in advance – Book early to secure a spot on the sailing time of your choice. Customers with flexibility can travel at off-peak times to avoid the rush. Book online at bcferries.com. Reserved customers have no sailing waits, even when multiple waits are reported.
• Check-in – Follow traffic control flaggers, have your booking reference number ready upon arrival at the ticket booth to expedite the check-in process.
• Arrive early – Customers with advance bookings should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes early for their anticipated sailing. 
• Be prepared for sailing waits if you are travelling without a booking. Non-reserved vehicle traffic can experience sailing waits at peak times.

For full schedule information, current conditions and bookings, please visit bcferries.com. 

For the most up-to-date travel information, follow @BCFerries on Twitter.