With the August long weekend almost approaching and more people beginning to travel within the province, BC Ferries is encouraging travellers to plan ahead.
In a media release on July 28, the publicly owned company offered the following tips to help ensure smooth and safe journeys for its customers.
• Booking in advance is strongly recommended to guarantee the sailing of your choice. Customers travelling without a booking on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route should expect multiple sailing waits.
• Those with flexible schedules should travel at less busy times. For Horseshoe Bay-Langdale, less busy times are the 9:25 pm and 11:30 pm sailings departing Horseshoe Bay, and the 6:20 am, 8:15 pm and 10:30 pm departing Langdale.
• The most popular travel times are generally Thursday and Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday morning. Historically, BC Day Monday and the following Tuesday morning are popular times for people to return from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
• Arrive at least an hour before your sailing. Transport Canada COVID-19 screening is in effect and takes a little longer at check-in. Foot passengers should also arrive at least an hour in advance as sailings may reach passenger capacity.
• Bring and wear a face covering at terminals, on board and/or if you choose to leave your vehicle.
• Remain in your vehicle if you’re driving on board, where possible
• “Grab and go” limited hot food and items on select vessels and routes; take them back to your vehicle, or to an outside deck as limited seating is available in the cafeteria.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from passengers and crew.
BC Ferries urges responsible behaviour while on board, including maintaining physical distance from other passengers while seated and moving around the vessel, and wearing a face covering when physical distancing isn’t possible to maintain, according to the release. The company does not tolerate any abuse, including verbal abuse, toward its employees. A customer who abuses an employee will be denied service.
For full schedule information, current conditions and reservations, go to bcferries.com.
