BC Ferries is preparing for a busy long weekend by adding 110 scheduled sailings on popular routes.
The company has also recently hired about 500 employees to support increased service levels, and recruitment continues.
The extra sailings have been added to routes linking Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast between May 19 and 24.
Between Vancouver and Victoria, 74 sailings have been added, including a 6 am sailing.
Another 25 extra sailings will be available on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route, and 11 extra sailings for Horseshoe Bay – Langdale were added.
“The highest volumes of travellers are generally seen leaving Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning,” said BC Ferries. “Historically, Monday afternoon is the most popular time for people to return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.”
Over the course of the long weekend, BC Ferries will operate about 2,400 sailings — which is about 19,200 nautical miles, or the distance from Vancouver to Halifax and back twice.
More than 300,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles will be transported, and about 20,000 burgers, 5,000 bowls of ice cream and 21,000 cups of coffee will be served to passengers.
Of course, BC Ferries recommends reserving your ferry in advance, car-pooling, or walking on the boat to make sure your travels go smoothly.
