Easter travellers, this is for you!
If you’re hopping on a ferry this Easter long weekend, you might want to plan ahead, especially if you’re heading to or from Vancouver Island.
BC Ferries is bracing for high travel demand over the holiday, and with two of its major vessels temporarily out of commission, they’re encouraging travellers to book in advance, be flexible with travel dates, and consider alternate routes.
The busy Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay–Langdale routes are expected to be especially congested.
Travellers without a reservation should brace for limited standby availability, particularly on Thursday and Friday heading to the Island, and Sunday and Monday returning to the Mainland.
To avoid travel stress, book early to lock in your spot, avoid peak travel days, go on as a foot passenger, or explore alternative routes.
“We know people are travelling this long weekend to visit family, support local businesses, and enjoy all that this beautiful province has to offer,” said Melanie Lucia, Vice President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries.
“British Columbians rely on the ferry system, and we’re doing everything we can to keep them moving. With a little extra planning, there are still ways to travel smoothly and stay connected to the places and people that matter.”
Why are sailings reduced?
Two key vessels, the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Oak Bay (both 44-years-old), are undergoing extended refits due to unexpected repairs and tight dry dock availability.
These delays are stretching into early May and impacting the number of sailings typically available during the Easter rush.
“This isn’t just about one ship—it’s about the challenge of operating a fleet where many major vessels are more than 40 years old,” said Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries.
“That’s why we’re moving quickly on the four New Major Vessels recently approved by our regulator, with the goal of awarding vessel construction contracts by June.”
To fill in the gaps, the Queen of Coquitlam is stepping in for the Queen of Surrey, but that means it’s not available for extra sailings over the holiday period, adding another wrinkle to the scheduling crunch.
But don’t expect to say goodbye to the Queen of Surrey or Queen of Oak Bay just yet. Both ships will continue serving passengers even after the new vessels arrive in 2029, thanks to planned life extensions.
So if you’re heading out this weekend, pack a little patience, check those sailing schedules, and get ready for some classic BC coastal travel.
Happy sailing, and Happy Easter!
