BC Ferries Gears Up for Record-Breaking Summer Travel
As summer travel season kicks off, BC Ferries is preparing for what could be its busiest summer on record. With last year’s nine million passengers and 3.7 million vehicles setting new highs, the provincial ferry service expects similar or greater demand this year-despite operating an aging fleet and stretched infrastructure.
Aging BC Ferries Limits Capacity, No Immediate Relief in Sight
Stephen Jones, Vice-President of Engineering, highlighted the challenge: “All our players are on the pitch and the bench is empty.” The fleet and terminals are aging, and rising demand adds pressure. While all 37 vessels will be in service this summer, no new ships will arrive until 2026 at the earliest, when four new Island-class vessels are scheduled to debut.
BC Ferries Expands Sailings and Undertakes Major Refits to Meet Growing Demand
BC Ferries has completed 21 major refits since last summer, investing $75 million annually in maintenance, with plans to increase spending to over $100 million in the next five years. To accommodate travelers, the company will add 1,000 extra sailings on popular routes and introduce new services, including a 4:30 p.m. one-way sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay starting June 19.
Capacity Boosts and Customer Service Improvements
The Queen of Capilano ferry will increase passenger capacity by 150 during peak times, accommodating up to 600 passengers and crew. Customer service has also improved, with call wait times reduced from seven minutes to 75 seconds and enhanced online tools showing real-time reservation check-in status to help travelers plan better.
Booking Tips and Travel Advice for Passengers
BC Ferries urges customers to book early and consider off-peak travel times or less busy routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Arriving 45 minutes before sailing is recommended, and those without reservations should expect potential waits.
New Vessels on the Horizon-but Capacity Challenges Remain
Four new Island-class vessels arriving in 2026 will serve smaller routes, while four larger replacement vessels approved in 2025 will replace the oldest major ships between 2029 and 2031. However, a proposed fifth vessel was not approved, raising concerns about future capacity as demand continues to grow.
Economic Impact of Delays and Capacity Constraints
The BC Trucking Association estimates that a single cancelled sailing costs the sector over $100,000, highlighting the economic stakes tied to ferry reliability. Without additional vessels, growing wait times and service disruptions could affect coastal communities, supply chains, and tourism.
Insight:
BC Ferries faces a critical summer balancing record demand with an aging fleet. While new vessels promise relief in the coming years, travelers should prepare for busy routes and plan ahead to ensure smooth journeys this season.
