Extra sailings between Nanaimo and Vancouver are being added to the holiday travel schedule for BC Ferries. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

ALL ABOARD

Holiday schedule adds 35 extra sailings between Nanaimo & Vancouver

Dec 13, 2022 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries are ramping up for the holiday season.

The company has added 35 extra sailings between Dec. 22 and Jan. 1 between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver. Another combined 116 sailings were also added over the same time between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, as well as Horseshoe Bay and Langdale.

Ferries’ Deborah Marshall said the additional crossings are timed to meet peak demand.

“We do expect Dec. 23 to be the busiest day pre-Christmas, then Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 will be the busiest days post-Christmas day.”

Upwards of 680,000 passengers and 270,000 vehicles are expected to travel during the holiday season.

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Traffic flows typically see volume move from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island before the holiday, then returning after Dec. 25.

As of Monday, Dec. 12, reservations were sold out for a number of routes on Christmas Eve, as well as other days both before and after Christmas Day.

Marshall said those without a booking should expect to have some waits.

“We would suggest you do arrive at the terminals early, we will see some sailing waits at the most popular times.”

She said those travelling as foot passengers will have an easier time getting where they need to be in a timely manner.

Marshall also said transit should be strongly considered for travellers, with terminal parking lots almost guaranteed to fill up early.

More information on the added sailings, as well as available reservations, is available on the BC Ferries website.

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