BC Ferries sailings see long waits for spring break weekend

BC Ferries is advising people to book ahead as it experiences a surge in passengers, as travellers make the most of the final days of spring break.

The last weekend of spring break is causing long wait times at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, especially as British Columbians choose to vacation closer to home.

The popular Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route had a three-sailing wait before the sunrise Friday, forcing those without reservations to wait until the afternoon to depart.

BC Ferries is reminding passengers to check the current conditions on its website and book ahead of time before heading to a terminal.

The company says spring break is one of its busiest travel periods as many families try to take advantage of school holidays to book getaways.

In a statement, BC Ferries adds it expects this season to be even busier.

It comes as fewer people are heading south of the border and looking to book local vacations amid the current tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

BC Ferries announced Wednesday that it is adding a new daily sailing from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay ferry terminal beginning June 19.

The new sailing will depart Tsawwassen at 4:30 p.m. daily from June 19 through Sept. 1, and bookings on the route are currently available on the BC Ferries website and app, the company said.

BC Ferries said the new summer route will help it “better manage peak-season demand,” ease pressure on terminals and improve the experience for both passengers and staff.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Ian Holliday