BC Ferries adds more sailings for Thanksgiving weekend

In anticipation of a busy weekend, BC Ferries is adding more sailings between the mainland and Vancouver Island, along with the Sunshine Coast.

Eighty-five extra sailings are being added between Thursday and Tuesday, Oct. 11. The service is expecting more than 420,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles to use the system during the four-day period.

#BCFNews
We're adding 85 extra sailings over Thanksgiving long weekend between #MetroVancouver, #VancouverIsland and the #SunshineCoast. More than 420,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles are expected from Thursday through Tuesday.

Travel tips: https://t.co/39EHgaO2o9

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— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) October 3, 2022

The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route between Vancouver and Victoria will be getting 66 extra sailings, as it is the most popular route in the fleet.

There will be a dozen extra sailings on the West Vancouver to Nanaimo route, and seven extra trips from West Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast.

“The Thanksgiving long weekend is typically the most popular weekend of the year for walk-on passengers,” BC Ferries said in a statement. “At peak times, some sailings may reach passenger capacity and some walk-on customers may experience a sailing wait. Walk-on passengers can make a free booking on the three routes connecting Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island as well as on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route.”

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The transportation service also has some tips for travellers this weekend. These include:

• Booking in advance
• Travelling during less busy times
• Rideshare if possible
• Use public transit to the terminals
• Consider parking at the terminals Arrive early
• Check current conditions