We are planning to go from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on the 18th of August (Saturday) around 10am with a single car.
The next (sunday) we plan to go from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay around at 12.50pm or 2:15pm.
Should I make a reservation? Or arriving early is enough?
2007-08-02 16:38:56 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Vancouver
Well, I'm catching a ferry tomorrow, Saturday of a long weekend when one of the ferries broke down today. I'll let you know how I did without a reservation.
You definitely should consider it. But for many reasons it is more of an issue for your return trip instead of the way there. It does partially depend on how tight of a schedule you need to keep.
First of all, you want to effectively spend on your reservation. If you spend the $15 (week in advance) or $17.50 for the 10am ferry, then you better be sure you are arriving around 9:30am. Those ferries leave every hour but frequently a 1 ferry wait.
The return trip is a little more intense for several reasons. There are fewer departures each day. One of the Victoria Ferries carries 100 more vehicles than these ones. Sunday is the busiest day for ferries, followed by Friday and Thursday. This ferry doesn't leave every hour, it is usually a longer wait between ferries.
Also, if you are arriving from a Nanaimo hotel it is a bit easier to figure out how long it will take you to get to the Terminal than it is on the Vancouver side.
2007-08-03 10:28:04 · answer #1 · answered by JuanB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't mind the extra $17.50, I would make the reservation. You want to travel on the weekend, which are the busiest days for the ferries. For me, the money is worth not sitting in a hot parking lot for hours - especially with kids!
I hope you enjoy the island, it is a beautiful place with so many amazing things to see and do.
2007-08-03 01:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by Teacher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion, make reservation on line earlier.
I had ever drove a car took ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver island in August,same as your shcedule, it's summer peak time.
When I went to Tsawwassen , many vehicle were line up in front of the gate.
http://www.bcferries.com/
2007-08-03 00:14:54 · answer #3 · answered by Jeff L 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its an extra $15 to $17 so its up to you
2007-08-02 23:56:39 · answer #4 · answered by isotope2007 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would recommend it if you don't want a sailing wait for 2 or more hours. Summers are murder. And now that they are privatized they seem to break down a lot more.
2007-08-06 17:32:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
MAKE A RESERVATION...if you want to be for sure on the ferry. :)
2007-08-06 18:46:02 · answer #6 · answered by ~Live Laugh Love~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋