B.C. Ferries is adding 167 sailings over the holiday period for people travelling between the Vancouver area, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
There will be 128 added sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay Dec. 17-Jan. 3, 33 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay Dec. 19-28, and six added sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Dec. 23-27.
In the past, the most popular travel times during the holidays have been Dec. 20-23 for traffic going from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. After Christmas Day, favoured travel days tend to be Dec. 26 and 27 for traffic on trips from Departure Bay, Swartz Bay and Langdale.
Holiday travel tips include booking in advance and travelling at off-peak times such as mid-week, early-morning and late-night.
There are “saver” fares on select sailings.
People should also plan to arrive at the terminal early — 45 to 60 minutes by vehicle and 45 minutes for walk-on passengers.
Parking lots at major terminals tend to fill up during peak periods, so consider coming by public transit or getting dropped off, B.C. Ferries says.
