B.C. Ferries has scheduled 89 extra sailings for the long weekend, including 70 on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen run and 11 on the Vancouver-Nanaimo route.
Spokeswoman Astrid Braunschmidt noted Easter is always busy — but just how busy can depend on other circumstances.
When Easter falls outside of spring break — as it does this year — there tend to be more travellers.
Pleasant weather also tends to boost passenger numbers. Environment Canada is forecasting sun on Saturday and a mixture of sun and cloud on Sunday in Greater Victoria, Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland. Friday and Monday are expected to bring a few showers.
“B.C. Ferries is expecting we are going to have a lot of extra people travelling over this Easter long weekend,” Braunschmidt said.
She said that this evening, Friday morning and Monday afternoon are expected to be the busiest times. Travelling at off-peak hours can help avoid delays.
B.C. Ferries recommends booking reservations for automobile travel and arriving 30 to 60 minutes prior to reserved sailing times.
Foot passengers should arrive 45 minutes ahead of their anticipated sailings. B.C. Ferries warns that parking lots can fill up on busy days, so foot travellers should consider taking public transit or arranging a ride to and from terminals.
