Additional sailings have been added to the Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay route for the long weekend, to meet an expected spike in demand. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LONG WEEKEND TRAVEL

Additional sailings added to BC Ferries schedule in & out of Nanaimo

Oct 7, 2021 | 1:47 PM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries are priming their runs with additional sailings to cope with an expected rise in traffic this long weekend.

Both the Canada Day and BC Day long weekends in July and August respectively are the busiest for the company, however Thanksgiving is “certainly up there”, according to spokesperson Deborah Marshall.

She said additional crossings on major routes were added to the weekend schedule to accommodate demand.

“I would caution that the Friday (Oct. 8) as well as the holiday Monday (Oct. 11) will be the busiest days over the long weekend.”

One extra round trip on both Friday and Monday on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route was added, while the Tsawwassen to Duke Point schedule remained relatively unchanged.

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Marshall said vehicle reservations are running out for the long weekend and those without should expect sailing waits.

Passengers are also encouraged to secure their passage through a free reservation process, first implemented in the summer.

“They’re not mandatory, it’s just an option of customers want travel certainty that they can book a foot passenger reservation for free in advance online on our website.”

Passengers must wear a mask while on board, however the BC Vaccine Card does not apply to ferry travel and no restrictions are in place based on vaccination status.

The company is also reviewing new regulations requiring marine operators of Canadian vessels with a crew of 12 or more to begin phasing in a mandatory vaccination policy for staff by the end of this month.

–with files from 97.3 The Eagle

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