New reservation systems for BC Ferries travellers will provide extra options for those looking to get on board near-sold out sailings. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

plan ahead

Sailing alerts and other tools expanding ahead of busy long weekend on BC Ferries

Apr 2, 2026 | 5:42 AM

NANAIMO — New technology is being deployed across the wider BC Ferries network to ensure a maximum number of people can travel this Easter long weekend.

A new sailing alert system, which is currently in place on three routes including between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo’s Departure Bay, will expand on Thursday, April 2, to include Tsawwassen and Duke Point crossings.

BC Ferries spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow said the tool triggers an alert to registered customers when an opportunity might arise to get on board a fully booked sailing.

“We have started to introduce [the tool] across a number of our routes, including some of the major routes. Essentially, you sign up in the same way that you would with the wait list, but you would just be notified, and then you would have to go and reserve the space yourself.”

A similar but more involved tool is being piloted between Comox and Powell River, which would see customers join a waitlist for a specific sailing and then be automatically notified, booked, and charged for a crossing when space opens up.

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Marlow said they’re continuing to gauge response from customers, with the feedback set to be key in determining how the technology rolls out to the wider network.

Wider rollout of the technology comes ahead of the busy Easter long weekend, with many in B.C. having four days off work.

“This is our fourth busiest long weekend of the year. Last year, our major routes carried over 100,000 vehicles and over 300,000 passengers, and we’re expecting similarly high demand this year, so it’s certainly going to be a very busy one.”

Peak travel times for travellers going from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland or Sunshine Coast include the morning and afternoon of Good Friday, then both Easter Sunday and Monday.

Availability on most sailings remains on Thursday, April 2 and late on Tuesday, April 7.

However, a few sailings between Duke Point and Tsawwassen have been cancelled for April 2 and 3rd, due to a vessel’s delayed return to service following a refit, according to BC Ferrys.

The Thursday, April 2, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. sailings from Duke Point have been cancelled, as well as the cooresponding returns trips from Tsawwassen.

Meanwhile, the 9 a.m. sailing on Friday, April 3, from Duke Point is also cancelled, as well as the 11:30 a.m. ferry leaving from Tsawwassen.

Traffic coming to Vancouver Island is expected to be heaviest on Thursday and Good Friday.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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