B.C. Ferries adds 115 extra sailings to address long weekend demand

B.C. Ferries will add 115 extra sailings on its most popular routes to ease May long weekend crowds.

The additional service will be in effect from Thursday, May 17 through Tuesday, May 22.

The Queen of Cumberland will also return to service in the Southern Gulf Islands beginning Friday, May 18.

The ferry company expects Thursday and Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to be its busiest periods, with the majority of traffic departing from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals. Monday is also expected to be a busy day for travellers returning home following the long weekend.

Travellers are being advised of what will likely be peak waiting times or to make reservations on reservable routes.

The additional sailings include: METRO VANCOUVER-VICTORIA ROUTE:

■ 73 extra sailings on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route including 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. sailings, and a 10:50 p.m. sailing departing Swartz Bay on Monday

(Those headed to and from the mid-island can also consider the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route, with up to 16 sailings per day.)

WEST VANCOUVER-MID ISLAND/SUNSHINE COAST ROUTES:

■ 18 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route

■ 12 extra sailings on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route

■ 12 extra sailings on the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay route

For more information and the latest update, visit the B.C. Ferries website at www.bcferries.com.