BC Ferries cancels multiple sailings ahead of busy Canada Day weekend
BC Ferries is cancelling several sailings between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland ahead of the Canada Day long weekend.
The ferry service says a problem with the Queen of Alberni's piston assembly has forced the cancellation of the following sailings between Nanaimo, B.C., and West Vancouver on Thursday:
- 7:40 a.m. out of Departure Bay
- 10:00 a.m. out of Horseshoe Bay
- 12:25 p.m. out of Departure Bay
- 2:45 p.m. out of Horseshoe Bay
- 5:00 p.m. out of Departure Bay
- 7:20 p.m. out of Horseshoe Bay
- 9:30 p.m. out of Departure Bay
- 11:40 p.m. out of Horseshoe Bay
Engineers are working diligently to resolve the issue as well as make repairs to the vessel's main engine cylinder head and liner, according to BC Ferries.
"The repairs to the Queen of Alberni are significant, and with a number of tests and trials remaining to ensure it is ready to sail, there is a potential impact to service for Friday, July 1," the ferry service said in a statement.
Travellers are encouraged to make alternative travel plans and book in advance
"Our customer service centre will contact customers with bookings on the cancelled sailings to let them know if we have space available to accommodate them on the next available sailing or if their booking must be cancelled," the ferry operator said.
The cancelled sailings were announced as BC Ferries prepares for one of its busiest travel weekends of the year.
"For the first time in six years, July 1 (Canada Day) and July 4 (Independence Day for our American friends) will bookend the same weekend," the ferry service warned.
"We anticipate high vehicle volumes from Thursday, June 30 through Monday, July 4. As a result, vehicle volumes are expected to be very high throughout the weekend."
Customers are encouraged to carpool or travel as foot passengers if possible. Walk-on passengers are advised to consider taking public transit or get dropped off at the terminal as parking will be limited.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
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.
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.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.