Thanksgiving Long Weekend
October 5 – October 10, 2023

Thanksgiving long weekend is a popular time for travel on the coast. This year, from Thursday to Tuesday, we expect to welcome over 380,000 passengers and 175,000 vehicles on board.

Foot passenger traffic is anticipated to be especially high due to post-secondary students travelling home for the holiday weekend. Foot passenger wait times may occur at peak times and customers travelling on the major routes are strongly urged to make a reservation to secure a spot on their desired sailing.

Busy travel days are expected from Thursday, October 5 through Tuesday, October 10 on the following routes:

• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands
• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
• Vancouver Island - Gulf Islands

Historically, the most popular times to travel from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are Thursday and Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Monday and Tuesday morning are typically the most popular times for travel back to the Lower Mainland.

The Coastal Renaissance remains out of service as repairs are being completed. Customers travelling the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes are reminded no additional holiday weekend sailings will be added to the schedule as a result. However, the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route will have four vessels in operation, with 70 additional sailings.

Thanksgiving Long Weekend Travel Tips:

• Travel off peak or walk on board – 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.
• Expect sailing waits at popular times – Sailing waits are common during popular travel periods for customers without a booking. 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 travel 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. Vehicle deck space fills up quickly.
• Parking – Parking lots fill up quickly at major terminals on long weekends. Public transit, ride-share or drop-offs are good options if they work for you. For schedule information visit TransLink, BC Transit or BC Ferries Connector.
• Arrive Early – Customers with bookings 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. Have your booking number ready at the ticket booth and tap to pay for a quick check in.
• Car Alarms – Please consider disarming your car alarm while on board for the benefit of other passengers, their pets and our crew. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do so.
• Assured Loading Tickets (ALT) and Experience™ Card – To avoid delays at the terminal, load your ALT and Experience™ Card in advance of travel on bcferries.com

We look forward to welcoming you on board this Thanksgiving Long Weekend.

For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our @BCFerries X Account, check Current Conditions or visit bcferries.com.