TRANSLINK, BC Transit, and BC Ferries are encouraging travellers to know before they go and choose sustainable modes of transportation when visiting friends and family this long weekend.
With over 420,000 ferry passengers expected to travel on BC Ferries from Thursday through Tuesday, the Thanksgiving long weekend is typically the most popular weekend of the year for walk-on passengers.
To ensure smooth sailing for customers travelling between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast, BC Ferries is adding 85 extra sailings this long weekend and encouraging customers to travel on foot, as parking lots at major terminals and vehicle deck space fill up quickly.
Walk-on passengers can make free reservations when travelling on routes connecting Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, as well as on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route, to avoid sailing waits. BC Ferries customers can also take advantage of saver fares, which can be booked for select off-peak sailings on many routes to help reduce lineups during peak hours.
TransLink customers can get direct access to and from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on the 620 bus at Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line. For travellers heading to and from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, the 257 and 250 buses offer service to and from downtown Vancouver. TransLink will continue to monitor capacity and add additional buses as required.
TransLink services on Thanksgiving Day (October 10):
- Customers will only pay a one-zone fare for all transit modes.
- Bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services will operate on a Sunday / holiday schedule.
- West Coast Express will not be in operation.
- The TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office, and Lost Property Office will be closed.
For riders travelling between the Mainland and Vancouver Island, BC Transit provides direct routes to and from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal from downtown Victoria on buses 70, 71, and 72.
Children 12 and under ride public transit for free across B.C., as part of the provincial government’s Get On Board program.
BC Transit is encouraging customers to use NextRide for real-time bus tracking and trip planning. BC Transit and TransLink customers can also use the Transit App. TransLink customers can consult Trip Planner to map out of their journey or call the Customer Information Desk at 604.953.3333.
More information:
Victoria Regional Transit System
