BC Ferries cancels remainder of Tuesday’s sailings on major route due to looming storm

Turbulent weather is affecting ferries as well as traffic this Tuesday afternoon and evening. 

With a wind warning in effect for southern Vancouver Island and snowy conditions, BC Ferries has cancelled the remainder of its Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen sailings on November 29th. 

BC Ferries announced the cancellations of all sailings after 3 p.m. between Vancouver and Swartz Bay.

#BCFHeadsUp
A storm system is arriving to BC's coast. Strong winds have resulted in a number of sailing cancellations this afternoon.

Check #CurrentConditions before you travel here ???? https://t.co/IivrRkMPql

We'll keep you updated here too ????#BCStorm @DriveBC @ECCCWeatherBC pic.twitter.com/smeHflljB9

— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) November 29, 2022

According to Environment Canada, strong southeast winds are expected for Greater Victoria and southern Gulf Islands in the evening on Tuesday, November 29th, with wind gusts reaching upwards of 70 to 90 km/h.

Related:

Greater Victoria could see wind gusts up to 90 km/h Tuesday night

“The risk is widespread this evening in Greater Victoria, but the higher risk area is in the eastern sections of the city near Haro Strait,” said Environment Canada in a statement Tuesday Morning. 

The cancelled routes are as follows:

• 3 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 3 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 5 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 5 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 7 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 7 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 9 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 9 p.m. departing Tsawwassen

In the evening, the wind is expected to change to a westerly direction making it safer on the route’s path for the ferries to travel. 

The Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Spirit of British Columbia will resume normal operation Wednesday morning with their first sailing opportunity at 7 a.m.

At the time of this publication, all November 30th sailings between Tsawwessen and Swartz Bay have vacancies.