BC Ferries is reminding travellers that they may experience long waits on popular sailings over the long weekend.
Today, the company Tweeted that customers planning to travel between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale without a booking should consider travel at less busy times to avoid waits.
Booking vehicle reservations in advance is recommended to guarantee the sailing of your choice.
Customers without a booking should expect sailing waits during peak travel times. If your schedule is flexible, travel at less busy times.
From Sept 3-7, less busy times are:
- For the Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale) route, the 9:25 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. sailings departing Horseshoe Bay, and the 6:20 a.m., 8:15 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. departing Langdale.
- For the Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay) route, the 6:25 a.m. and 10:40 p.m. departing Horseshoe Bay, and the 6:25 a.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10:40 p.m. departing Departure Bay.
All walk-on and vehicle passengers will be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings at all times when at terminals and on board vessels except:
- When inside a vehicle
- When consuming food or drinks, provided physical distancing is maintained
- Children under 2 years of age
- Medical condition or disability that inhibits the ability to wear a mask
- Persons unable to place or remove a mask without assistance
- BC Ferries employees working behind a physical barrier or within employee only areas provided physical distancing is maintained
Customers are also asked to arrive at least an hour before your sailing. Transport Canada COVID-19 screening is in effect. Foot passengers are advised to arrive at least an hour in advance as sailings may reach passenger capacity.
Foot passenger space is expected to sell out on Friday from Horseshoe Bay, and Sunday and Monday from Departure Bay. To avoid sailing waits, foot passengers can travel from Tsawwassen, Swartz Bay or Duke Point at these times.
"Grab and go" and limited hot food services are available on select routes between Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Southern Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and North Coast. All hot food will be served in packaging for customers to take to their vehicles, outer deck or limited cafeteria seating. Some Passages onboard stores have reopened.
