Metro Vancouver to Victoria ferries booking quickly Thursday

B.C. Ferries Tsawwassen ferry terminal on Friday May 19th, 2023. (CityNews Image)

By Charlie Carey

Posted June 29, 2023 6:57 am.

If you’re hoping to get on a ferry to Vancouver Island before the long weekend, you might be waiting for a while.

The Canada Day long weekend hasn’t arrived yet, but it’s already super busy on the BC Ferries system.

The first three sailings on Thursday between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay have already sold out, while the remaining sailings are booking up fast.

On Wednesday, BC Ferries warned about possible delays over the weekend because a vessel that was supposed to be fixed in time for the long weekend was still in dry dock.

The company says the Coastal Celebration experienced “unexpected complications with its propulsion system,” causing a delay in its return.

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.

Listen live to CityNews 1130 every 10 minutes on the ones for all major traffic and ferry updates. You can also follow us on Twitter @CityNewsTraffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

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