Holiday travel plans for many in Vancouver and across British Columbia have been thrown into disarray due to a combination of ferry delays and significant highway closures. The disruptions, occurring on December 23, 2025, are creating major headaches for those hoping to visit family and friends during the festive season.
Transportation Network Faces Major Strain
The issues are widespread across key transportation corridors. Ferry sailings have experienced substantial delays, impacting the vital connection between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, as well as other coastal communities. Simultaneously, several major highways crucial for holiday travel have been shut down.
Specifically, Highway 17 and Highway 144 are confirmed to be closed. While Highway 11 has reopened, its closure earlier contributed to the overall travel chaos. These routes are essential for both inter-provincial travel and movement within British Columbia, leaving many drivers searching for lengthy detours or cancelling their trips altogether.
Compounding Factors and Wider Context
The travel woes in British Columbia are part of a broader pattern of disruptions affecting Canadians during this holiday period. The news of ferry delays and highway closures comes alongside other significant travel alerts, including lane closures on Highway 401 in London, Ontario, for construction work.
Federal authorities continue to urge caution for Canadians travelling abroad, with specific warnings for popular destinations like Mexico and France. The convergence of domestic infrastructure issues and international travel advisories underscores a challenging holiday travel landscape.
The timing of these disruptions, just two days before Christmas, is particularly problematic, as it represents one of the busiest travel windows of the year. Travelers are advised to check the latest updates from BC Ferries and DriveBC for real-time status reports on sailings and road conditions before embarking on any journeys.
Looking Ahead for Travellers
With the closures and delays in effect, the immediate outlook for holiday travel remains difficult. The situation highlights the vulnerability of key transportation infrastructure to disruptions, especially during periods of peak demand. Passengers facing ferry delays should expect longer wait times at terminals and potential sailing cancellations.
For those whose travel plans are disrupted, exploring alternative routes where possible or considering travel date adjustments may be necessary. The ongoing issues serve as a stark reminder for all travellers to build extra time into their holiday itineraries and prepare for unexpected delays during the winter season in Canada.
