B.C. Ferries Cancels Sailings on Major Routes Ahead of Busy Easter Weekend
B.C. Ferries has announced the cancellation of several sailings on two major routes just before the busy Easter long weekend, citing two vessels being out of service. The disruptions affect the Tsawwassen-Duke Point and Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay routes, which are critical for travel between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Vessels Out of Service Cause Significant Disruptions
The ferry company has warned passengers of "service adjustments," including schedule changes and reduced capacity, as the Easter weekend approaches. This period is traditionally a popular time for travel, with many people planning trips between the mainland and the island.
The issues stem from two major vessels being unavailable. The Spirit of Vancouver Island is out of service due to a persistent generator problem that required additional repairs after it briefly returned to service earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Queen of Surrey's return from its annual refit has been delayed, further compounding the service disruptions.
Specific Cancellations and Schedule Changes
On the Duke Point to Tsawwassen route, six sailings have been cancelled before the weekend due to the delayed return of the Queen of Surrey. The affected sailings include:
- The 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. departures from Duke Point on Thursday
- The 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departures from Tsawwassen on Thursday
- The 9 a.m. sailing from Duke Point on Friday
- The 11:30 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen on Friday
Additionally, some sailings have been cancelled on the busy Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route, which will operate on a revised schedule from April 1 to April 8. B.C. Ferries has stated that it will attempt to book affected passengers on alternate sailings or provide full refunds for cancelled bookings.
Company Response and Passenger Alternatives
Stephen Jones, Vice President of Engineering at B.C. Ferries, acknowledged the frustration caused by these disruptions, especially during a peak travel period like Easter. In a statement, Jones emphasized that the company's crews and engineering teams are working around the clock to safely return both vessels to service as quickly as possible.
"These are complex systems, and while this work is critical to ensuring the vessels operate safely and reliably, it can take time to fully resolve issues — particularly as vessels age," Jones explained.
Passengers traveling between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are advised to consider alternative routes, such as the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route. However, due to ongoing construction at the Horseshoe Bay terminal, vehicles must be booked and paid for at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
B.C. Ferries is scheduled to hold a media briefing on Thursday to provide further updates on operations, including mechanical issues and service disruptions as the long weekend approaches. The company continues to monitor the situation closely and urges passengers to check for the latest information before traveling.
