BC Ferries adds 171 extra sailings in anticipation of holiday crowds

BC Ferries says it’s adding more than 170 additional sailings this month to cope with anticipated holiday travel volume.

The extra sailings will be scheduled between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1, serving Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Most of the sailings will be on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route, with 37 on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route and six from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

BC Ferries says the popular holiday travel times from the mainland to Vancouver Island have traditionally been between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23. The busiest days of the season moving in the other direction are usually Dec. 26 and Dec. 27.

1:45 BC Ferries awards contracts for new ferries

The company is advising travellers to book reservations in advance to ensure they get on their preferred sailing and to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early.

Walk-on passengers are advised to get to the terminal at least 45 minutes before their sailing.

Passengers without reservations are also being warned to be prepared for sailing waits.