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Very Busy Thanksgiving Weekend Expected - October 7-12

Update as October 6, 8:25 am:

 

BC Ferries is expecting a busy long weekend ahead, especially on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route, while the Spirit of Vancouver Island remains out of service for repairs. We recognize the impact this will have on our customers' travel experience and want to offer some information to assist with travel planning this coming weekend.

We have redeployed the Coastal Renaissance to provide service over the long weekend on this route. Capacity will be reduced, however, as the Coastal Class vessel carries 310 vehicles and 1604 passengers and crew compared to the Spirit Class vessel which carries 358 vehicles and 2100 passengers and crew.

What customers should know:

  • Limited bookings are still available on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route and the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) route; for travel certainty, we recommend booking in advance.
  • Customers without a booking should arrive prepared for sailing waits, as standby space will be limited.
  • Historically, the most popular travel times are Thursday and Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning for traffic moving from Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Thanksgiving Monday will be the most popular travel day, with traffic sailing from Nanaimo (Departure Bay), Victoria (Swartz Bay) and the Sunshine Coast (Langdale).
  • Consider travelling outside of peak sailing times.
  • Travel as a foot passenger and, if possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal. Terminal parking lots are expected to reach capacity early in the weekend. Foot passengers can now make bookings on the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes; space remains available for foot passengers without reservations on these routes.

 

More travel tips for the Thanksgiving long weekend are available on our website, here: https://www.bcferries.com/news-releases/bc-ferries-expects-very-busy-thanksgiving-long-weekend

COVID-19 protocols remain in place. Please continue to wear your mask in all indoor public spaces (some exceptions apply), practice physical distancing, sanitizing and hand washing, and respect your fellow passengers and crew.

 

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