Updated February 17, 2022, 2:47 pm:

Busy Travel Weekend Expected (February 17 – 21, 2022)

This Family Day, we are expecting a busy weekend of travel from Thursday, February 17 through Monday, February 21 on our Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen - Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes.

Historically, the most popular travel times are Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning, with many travellers leaving from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Family Day Monday and the following Tuesday morning are typically the most popular times for people to return to Metro Vancouver from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Here’s a snapshot of what we expect the busiest days to be on our major routes:

Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and Duke Point

• Friday will be the busiest day for travel from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen to Duke Point. If you don’t have a booking, consider travel on early morning or late evening sailings to reduce the likelihood of sailing waits.
  If your plans are flexible, consider walking on board or book in advance for travel on Thursday or Saturday.

Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands

• The busiest days for travel will be all day on Friday, Saturday morning and all day on Monday. Sailings from Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands are fully reservable. Consider booking in advance for travel on Saturday afternoon, Sunday, or Tuesday, or travelling via Thru Fare between Tsawassen and transferring at Swartz Bay to the Southern Gulf Islands.

Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay and Langdale

• Friday and Saturday will be the busiest days for travel on these routes. Customers travelling without a booking may experience multiple sailing waits. To reduce the likelihood of sailing waits, consider walking on board or travel on early morning or late night sailings.

Langdale to Horseshoe Bay

• Monday will be the busiest day for travel from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay. If your plans are flexible, consider walking on board or book in advance for travel on Sunday or Tuesday.

Swartz Bay and Duke Point to Tsawwassen

• Monday will be the busiest day for travel on these routes. If your plans are flexible, consider walking on board or book in advance for travel on Sunday or Tuesday.

Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay

• Monday will be the busiest day for travel on these routes. If your plans are flexible, consider walking on board or book in advance for travel on Sunday or Tuesday.

Family Day Long Weekend Travel Tips

• Book in advance – Book early to secure a spot on the sailing day and time of your choice. Customers with flexibility in their travel plans can sail at off-peak times to avoid the rush, and take advantage of Saver fares on select sailings.  

• Arrive early – Customers with a booking should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers should arrive 45 minutes before their anticipated sailing. Please refer to current conditions and plan accordingly.

• Be prepared for sailing waits if not booked in advance – Sailing waits are common during popular travel periods. If bookings are sold out, the best option to avoid sailing waits is to travel during less busy times. These are typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings.

• Consider parking options – Parking lots at the major terminals fill up quickly at peak periods, and the Horseshoe Bay Parkade continues to be closed until further notice. 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 the website.

• Ride-share, if possible – BC Ferries encourages customers to car-pool or travel as a foot passenger. Vehicle deck space can fill up quickly and will be sold out at popular times. The route between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) - Nanaimo (Departure Bay) may also reach foot passenger capacity at peak travel 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.