BC Ferries has cancelled more than 10 sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island over the next week as one of its vessels undergoes repairs.

The Spirit of Vancouver Island that services the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route will remain out of service until Apr. 7 due to a hydraulic issue. The vessel will dry dock on Mar. 31 for one week.

BC Ferries has cancelled 11 of its 57 sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay as a result.

It has also made modifications to its schedule on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. 

The company says its customer care team is notifying people who already have reservations on the affected sailings. 

Additional sailings have been added to the Metro Vancouver to Nanaimo route to give customers another option.

BC Ferries says it expects heavy traffic between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland this weekend and recommends travellers make a reservation before their trip.