It’s another bumper-to-bumper day for BC Ferries this Boxing Day.
Following a slew of cancellations over Christmas Day due to high winds, those attempting to travel between Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island will face cancellations or multiple sailing waits this Thursday.
All sailings before 9 am between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay and before 8 am between Tsawwassen and Duke Point were cancelled due to adverse weather, with Environment Canada’s severe weather warning predicting high winds and large waves in the Strait of Georgia.
This has backed up the sailing schedule considerably, especially when factoring in the increased traffic inherent to the holidays.
As of noon on December 26, the next available sailing for vehicles from Duke Point to Tsawwassen is the 3:15 pm with an estimated 19% vehicle space availability. The 5:45 pm sailing on the same route has just 12% remaining, and the 8:15 pm has just 13%.
The next available sailing from Tsawwassen to Duke Point is the 5:45 pm, which is also filling up fast.
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It’s a similar story for those trying to reach Victoria from Vancouver or vice-versa, with the next available sailing for vehicles departing Swartz Bay for Tsawwassen at 4 pm with 9% remaining and 3:15 pm at 18% remaining when directions are switched.
Even those who are hoping to avoid the traffic and walk onto the ferry have seen a wait. One customer on X noted that some foot passengers hoping to make a 10 am sailing had to wait for the 11 am.
Wow, even BC Ferry foot passengers with reservations can’t get on the 10 am, they have to wait for the 11. Crazy busy, cars lined up outside the terminal. #bcferries
— Robert Randall 🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@rwrandall) December 26, 2024
Another passenger posted a video showing the conditions on December 25, which resulted in the cancellations and subsequent backup today:
This is from a few hours ago, when things were “mild”. Not something I’d want to be out in. Can’t imagine docking in that. But feel free to go out in a boat of your choice. pic.twitter.com/eRQFowzsNY
— Susan Simmons (@MS_athlete) December 25, 2024
While the wind warnings have subsided since this morning, Greater Victoria remains under a special weather statement warning of higher-than-usual tides.
Those hoping to travel via BC Ferries today or tomorrow will need to reserve soon, as even the early sailings for December 27 are beginning to book up.