A total of 95 extra BC Ferries sailings have been added between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland over May long weekend. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

may long haul

BC Ferries adds extra sailings between Nanaimo and Lower Mainland for May long weekend

May 16, 2023 | 4:56 AM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries is getting ready for their annual passenger surge over May long weekend.

Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said they do expect a very busy weekend starting on Thursday, May 18.

“We have added about 95 extra sailings to accommodate the passengers that we expect to see travelling with us this weekend. We do expect to see about 430,000 customers and about 170,000 vehicles throughout the fleet.”

Eighteen additional sailings were added between Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo), along with 11 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Sunshine Coast (Langdale).

An extra 66 sailings were added between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria), including 6 a.m. sailings on May 20 and 23.

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Marshall said people are already rushing to get their passage booked, with the majority of peak sailings between Nanaimo and Vancouver already reserved as of Monday, May 15.

“Reservations or bookings have been fully subscribed between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, as well as Horseshoe Bay and Langdale at the peak sailing times. So if customers don’t have a booking for those two routes, we would suggest travelling at off-peak times, or they might want to travel via Tsawwassen instead.”

Peak travel times include Thursday and Friday evening leaving Metro Vancouver, as well as on Monday as people return to Vancouver Island.

While there are still vehicle reservations available leaving Nanaimo, via both Departure Bay and Duke Point, spots on ferries heading towards the Island are filling up fast.

“We would suggest customers do arrive early, we do expect some queues at the terminals, and customers can check our current conditions on our website before they head out, or they can follow us on Twitter,” said Marshall.

For all up-to-date information on BC Ferries, you can go to their website BCferries.com or follow them on Twitter @BCFerries.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow