B.C. Ferries is adding about 175 sailings between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2 to accommodate expected demand. On the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route — the busiest of all runs — an additional 130 sailings are being added. The Departure Bay-Horsehoe Bay route will see 46 more sailings.
Another eight sailings will be added between Horsehoe Bay and Langdale.
Dec. 23 is expected to be the busiest day prior to Christmas, B.C. Ferries said in a statement. After Christmas Day, Dec. 26 -Dec. 28 are predicted to the most in-demand.
B.C. Ferries is putting on 6 a.m. sailings for Dec. 23, 26, and 27 in both directions at Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.
As of Dec. 21, the schedules on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay-Bowen Island routes are being expanded to give ships more time in dock during this extra-busy period. It takes longer to load vessels when traffic is heavy. Those routes out of Horseshoe Bay, along with the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route, will be under new schedules starting Jan. 2.
To check out routes that B.C. Ferries predicts will be the most popular, between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, go to bcferries.com.
B.C. Ferries is also discounting fares for early morning and late-night sailings between Dec. 21 and Jan. 3. These lower fares are being offered on a total of 260 sailings between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and from Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
The corporation suggests that anyone wanting to catch a discounted sailing make a reservation. It is reminding travellers that reservation rates are $10 if booked seven days or more in advance of a sailing.
