BC Ferries sailings in and out of Nanaimo are expected to see some record numbers this summer. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

plan ahead or expect a wait

‘We’re running at full capacity:’ Nanaimo terminals expected to be busy as summer begins

Jun 27, 2025 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — With school out for the summer, local travellers can begin preparing for what’s poised to be a busy time at local ferry terminals.

Another record season is on the horizon for BC Ferries, with the company saying they’ve done everything they can do to ensure some clear sailings over the busiest months of the year.

Company spokesperson Sonia Lower told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ve got a full complement of vessels ready to go after 21 different refits performed during the winter and spring.

“All thirty seven of our vessels, every single one of the fleet, has been prepped to sail and is in service, and they’re all deployed. We have no substitute, so we’re ready to get people to where they need to go.”

To prepare for an onslaught of families on summer vacation, international tourists and other travellers, over 1,000 rounds trips have been added to the summer sailing schedule, with a focus on the major routes including both Nanaimo connections in and out of Departure Bay and Duke Point.

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Lowe said the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay connection is one which get very busy during peak times, and sometimes more availability and better travel options can be found going through Duke Point.

A new once-daily sailing from Tsawwassen to Duke Point began June 19 and sees the Queen of Alberni make the crossing, leaving the Lower Mainland at 4:30 p.m.

But regardless of terminal, passengers should expect busy sailings.

“We’re expecting traffic levels to be very similar [to last year]. We’re running at full capacity, and [last year] we carried our highest volume of traffic ever. We had around 22 million passengers and about nine million vehicles.”

Lowe added successful travel through the BC Ferries network can be more easily achieved through planning ahead.

“Get a reservation if you can, we also have our saver fares available if you can travel at not busy peak times, say, early in the morning or late at night.”

Over the Canada Day period, the busiest sailings are expected to be on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1, however congested crossings are also anticipated for most sailings beginning Friday, June 27.

More information on peak travel periods, along with current conditions and reservations, is available here.

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