Issued on: Tuesday June 27, 2023

This Canada Day long weekend, we expect busy travel days from Thursday, June 29 through Monday, July 3 on our Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands, Tsawwassen – Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes, and Vancouver Island to the other Gulf Island 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. The following Monday and Tuesday mornings are typically the most popular times for people to return to Metro Vancouver from Vancouver Island, Southern and Northern Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.

Be prepared for sailing waits if a booking has not been made in advance of travel – sailing waits are common during popular travel periods. If bookings are sold out, the best option to avoid waiting at the terminal is to travel during less busy times. These are typically mid-week days and early morning or late evening sailings. Also consider travelling as a foot passenger this long weekend. Foot passenger advance bookings are available on the Vancouver Island - Mainland routes.

Canada Day Long Weekend Travel Tips:

• Multiple Sailing Waits - Customers without a booking will face multiple sailing waits and may not be able to travel. Consider travelling as a foot passenger or during less busy times of the day to avoid sailing waits. Foot passenger bookings are available on most sailings between the Mainland and Vancouver Island this long weekend.
• Ride-share, if possible – Vehicle deck space fills up quickly. Customers are encouraged to carpool or take public transit. For schedule information visit TransLink,  BC Transit or BC Ferries Connector Service.
• Consider parking options – Parking lots at our terminals fill up quickly on long weekends. You can find out approximately how much parking space is available by checking Current Conditions for the terminal you plan to depart from (bottom of the page). Parking availability can change rapidly from one sailing to the next. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal to ensure your travel goes as planned.
• Arrive Early - Customers with bookings should plan to arrive at the terminal 45-60 minutes before their scheduled departure to account for traffic congestion outside the terminal and to check-in on time for their booking.
• Assured Loading Tickets (ALT) and Experience Cards – To avoid delays at the terminal, consider loading your ALT and Experience cards in advance of travel by using our website.
• Prepare for warm weather – pack your sunscreen, a sun hat and plenty of water for you and your pets. Misting stations will be in place for customers to cool down at major terminals, as well as many minor staffed terminals.
• Follow local traffic laws – Drive safe and obey posted speed limits on all roadways, including rural communities such as the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands.

For full schedule information and bookings, please visit bcferries.com. For the most up-to-date travel information, check Current Conditions and follow @BCFerries on Twitter.