Both BC Ferries and Hullo are preparing for a huge influx of people this long weekend. (Dreamstime/NanaimoNewsNOW illustration)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

crowded sailings

Some Nanaimo crossings already cancelled as local ferry companies prep for busy long weekend

Aug 31, 2023 | 2:40 PM

NANAIMO — The unofficial end of summer will likely mean some packed ferries to and from Vancouver Island.

Not only does the Labour Day long weekend represent the final opportunity for many to get away during the warmer months, it serves as moving day for those heading to school or university away from home.

BC Ferries are planning 1,503 round trips across their network and are expecting roughly 520,000 passengers and 200,000 vehicles on board those sailings.

“With over 1,800 BC ferry team members working the long weekend, customers can expect to see all ticket booths open at peak times, hydration and misting stations,” a statement from the company read. “In addition, the company has taken steps to ensure relief crew is on standby for key positions.”

No additional sailings for the weekend are planned with BC Ferries already operating at their peak schedule.

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Long weekend plans for BC Ferries did not get off to a good start with a mechanical issue on the Coastal Renaissance.

They’ve preemptively cancelled the 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. departures from Duke Point and corresponding return sailings from Tsawwassen through at least Monday, Sept. 4.

“Helping our customers with alternate travel arrangements and compensation for cancelled sailings is a priority,” BC Ferries stated in a service notice. “Our Customer Service Centre is reaching out to customers to let them know if space is available on an alternate sailing, or if their booking must be cancelled.”

Typical traffic volumes see larger crowds heading toward Vancouver Island beginning Thursday, Aug. 31 through Saturday, Sept. 2, with those people returning Sunday into holiday Monday.

Already, reservations for the weekend were largely sold out at Departure Bay and Duke Point as of Thursday afternoon.

“Customers travelling without a confirmed booking are strongly encouraged to be dropped off at the terminal and travel as foot passengers as standby vehicle spaces are extremely limited.”

Meanwhile, Hullo fast ferries are preparing for their first long weekend of operation.

After a weather-interrupted debut in mid-August, which forced a reduction in their schedule, Hullo has added sailings for the long weekend between downtown Nanaimo and Vancouver.

The original four daily round trip schedule will run Thursday through Monday, Sept. 4 before the company settles into three daily departures from each side through September.

Boats will leave daily at 6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Nanaimo, returning at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Vancouver beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Shuttle service on the Nanaimo side to connect the terminal to the city’s downtown is expected by month’s end, while Hullo said an announcement of select late-night sailings this fall will come in the weeks ahead.

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