Expect long lineups beginning Friday at BC Ferries terminals, with nearby one million people expected to travel on board over the next week. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

nearly one million people

‘Get a reservation if you can:’ BC Ferries bracing for busy holiday travel

Dec 20, 2024 | 10:47 AM

NANAIMO — Friday marks the start of the busy holiday rush for BC Ferries.

Over 475,000 vehicles and 990,000 passengers are expected to travel on board a ferry across the company’s network over the holiday season, meaning long waits for those who haven’t planned ahead.

BC Ferries spokesperson Shiryn Sayani said the busiest days are expected to be Friday, Dec. 20 and Monday, Dec. 23, then both Boxing Day and Friday, Dec. 27.

“It’s great to walk on as a foot passenger if you can when vehicle reservations aren’t available. It helps with all the planning ahead, considering off-peak times, trying to get a reservation if you can. On any route, if you’re travelling without a reservation just try to avoid travelling on those peak days.”

As of Friday morning, several reservation options were still available for peak times leaving Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals.

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Traffic volumes during holiday periods typically see traffic move from the Lower Mainland towards Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast before a holiday, then return afterwards.

A handful of sailings were cancelled by BC Ferries between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay for Thursday, Dec. 19 and Friday, with the Queen of Surrey undergoing what the company is calling “required maintenance”.

It’s anticipated to return to service on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route on Saturday.

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