BC Ferries cuts some long weekend Vancouver-Victoria sailings
Posted June 28, 2023 9:46 am.
Last Updated June 28, 2023 2:00 pm.
There will be fewer BC Ferries sailings between Vancouver and Victoria this Canada Day long weekend due to a delay in repairs to one vessel.
In a news release sent Wednesday morning, the company says the Coastal Celebration experienced “unexpected complications with its propulsion system,” causing a delay in its return from dry dock.
As a result, there will be eight fewer daily sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay from Wednesday until July 3. The vessel was supposed to be back in operation on June 15 but is now expected to return on July 4.
Deborah Marshall, a spokesperson with BC Ferries, says those without reservations should be prepared to wait.
“Anybody with a booking, we have moved those bookings over to other sailings that will be in operation with the three ships. But if customers are planning on travelling without a booking over the long weekend between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, they can expect some sailing waits,” she told CityNews.
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The company assures no reservations have been cancelled, but some have been moved around.
“Customers with reservations, who will make up the vast majority of those sailing this weekend on that route, will not be impacted,” the transport company stated.
Those without reservations are advised to consider travelling as a walk-on passenger, as Ferries notes that there will be limited vehicle space.
In anticipation of the busy travel weekend, BC Ferries says there will be more staff on hand at the Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay terminals to deal with long lineups.
“We will have hydration stations, misting stations, and some games and things for children as they wait at the terminals to hopefully make their travels a little more smooth this weekend,” Marshall said.
“The weather is supposed to be hot this weekend. Make sure you bring plenty of water not only for you but your pets who may be travelling in the vehicle with you.”
BC Ferries says about 180,000 vehicles and about 500,000 total passengers are expected to be travelling this long weekend. Peak days are expected to be Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
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