BC Ferries adds 110 sailings in anticipation of busy long weekend
BC Ferries is planning to add 110 extra sailings to its schedule over what is expected to be a busy May long weekend.
The ferry service said Monday it would provide the additional sailings between Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island from Thursday, May 19, to Tuesday, May 24.
BC Ferries said its recent hiring blitz, in which it took on approximately 500 new employees, will allow the company to accommodate the additional holiday traffic.
The extra trips include 74 sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, including 6 a.m. departures on May 19-21 and 24.
The Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route will see 25 extra sailings over the long weekend, while the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route will have 11 extra sailings.
"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 in a statement Monday.
"Historically, Monday afternoon is the most popular time for people to return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast."
Travellers are advised to take public transit to the ferry terminal, if possible, as parking spots are expected to fill up quickly. Travellers are also advised to book tickets in advance and arrive 45 to 60 minutes before their scheduled departure.
BC Ferries estimates it will transport 300,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles between Thursday and Monday. The company says it expects to serve more than 20,000 hamburgers, 5,000 bowls of ice cream and 21,000 cups of coffee over the same period.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.