BC Ferries is predicting the August long weekend will, once again, be one of the busiest travel times of the year on the ferry system.
Last year BC Ferries carried more than 650,000 passengers, and the company says the traffic will likely start to build Thursday afternoon.
The Tuesday following the long weekend is also expected to be busy for sailings out of Langdale.
Extra long-weekend sailings on the Langdale-Horseshoe Bay route include a late morning round trip on Aug. 1 and 8 as well as additional mid-week round trips Aug. 6 and 7 and a 6:45 p.m. sailing out of Langdale on Aug. 4.
There are no extra trips scheduled for the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay route.
BC Ferries is also offering a few tips for people planning to take the ferry this weekend, and the biggest is “be prepared for waits.”
• If you can’t make a reservation, aim for a less busy time. Ferries has posted its predictions for times you’re least likely to encounter heavy traffic at:
www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/long-weekend-tips.html
• Arrive early. If you have a reservation, BC Ferries recommends getting to the terminal 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Walk-on passengers are encouraged to arrive 45 before the sailing.
• Follow traffic control signs and flaggers.
• If you’re planning to leave a vehicle at the terminal, check parking lot conditions and consider options. According to Ferries parking lots at the major terminals, including Langdale, fill up quickly on long weekends. If possible, choose public transit or arrange to be dropped off at the terminal.
• Ride-share, if possible. BC Ferries encourages customers to car-pool or travel as a foot passenger. Vehicle deck space can fill up quickly and will be sold out at popular times.
