BC Ferries Joins with Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), Pelee Island Transportation Company to Carry More Than Nine Million Cruise Tourists During Victoria Day Holiday Travel Surge in Canada

BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), Pelee Island Transportation Company, Eastern Marine Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Ferries, Toronto Island Ferries, Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nimpkish Ferry, Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Northern Sea Wolf are all stepping up. Yes, these leading ferry operators—BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, STQ, Pelee Island Transportation Company, Eastern Marine Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Ferries, Toronto Island Ferries, Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nimpkish Ferry, Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Northern Sea Wolf—are ready to carry the country into a record-setting holiday season.

This Victoria Day, the energy is high. The momentum is real. And BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, STQ, Pelee Island Transportation Company, Eastern Marine Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Ferries, Toronto Island Ferries, Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nimpkish Ferry, Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Northern Sea Wolf are preparing to carry more than nine million cruise tourists. That’s right—carry more than nine million cruise tourists during the Victoria Day holiday travel surge.

Moreover, BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, STQ, Pelee Island Transportation Company, Eastern Marine Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Ferries, Toronto Island Ferries, Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nimpkish Ferry, Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Northern Sea Wolf have reinforced their fleets, upgraded services, and added sailings. They’re geared up to carry more than nine million cruise tourists with confidence, safety, and care.

Now, with terminals buzzing, weather clearing, and vessels launching, the countdown begins. BC Ferries, Marine Atlantic, Ontario Ferries, Quebec-Labrador Ferry, STQ, Pelee Island Transportation Company, Eastern Marine Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Ferries, Toronto Island Ferries, Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nimpkish Ferry, Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Northern Sea Wolf are all hands on deck—ready to carry more than nine million cruise tourists through the Victoria Day holiday travel surge.

As the Victoria Day long weekend nears, BC Ferries is sounding the horn on a season of transformation and unprecedented volume. With projections indicating over 9 million passengers and nearly 4 million vehicles to be transported between May 15 and September 2, 2025, the company is preparing for its busiest summer yet.

This isn’t just a spike in travel. It’s a milestone moment for Canadian coastal transportation—and BC Ferries is going full steam ahead to meet demand.

Rising Demand Sparks Bold Action

BC Ferries has faced rising pressure from aging vessels, expanding tourism, and terminal congestion. But in response, the organization has made sweeping moves to prepare.

A total of 21 vessels have undergone refits to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve service reliability. These upgrades include modern fuel-saving technologies like fairing cones and variable frequency drives, deployed on key ships like the Queen of Oak Bay and Coastal Renaissance.

These investments aren’t just technical—they’re strategic. With more sailings, smoother performance, and reduced environmental impact, BC Ferries is aligning with both passenger expectations and sustainability goals.

Over 1,000 Extra Sailings for Summer Travelers

To tackle summer congestion head-on, BC Ferries is adding over 1,000 extra round trips across its most popular routes. That includes a new 4:30 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay, targeting peak traffic times and reducing bottlenecks on Vancouver Island routes.

The increase in service is designed to keep lines moving, ferries on time, and passengers satisfied during the busiest months of the year.

Boosting Capacity Where It’s Needed Most

On the Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island route, the Queen of Capilano has been cleared to carry an additional 150 foot passengers, bringing total capacity to 600 passengers and crew. This change will help ease crowding during weekend and holiday surges while improving the overall passenger experience.

More space means fewer waitlists, faster boarding, and more breathing room for island commuters and tourists alike.

Seamless Travel Experience Through Expanded Staffing and Upgrades

This summer, over 600 seasonal and operational staff have been hired to manage the surging crowds. Their goal? Ensure each trip runs efficiently, safely, and comfortably. From loading zones to customer service counters, BC Ferries aims to reduce delays and elevate the passenger journey.

In addition, BC Ferries is expanding pet-friendly options, with five more ships now offering outer deck areas for furry companions, adding to the existing 12 pet-equipped northern route vessels.

New Passenger Amenities and Cultural Experiences

Travelers sailing between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay will soon experience the new Seascapes Lounge on two Spirit Class ships—a luxurious upgrade that adds comfort and premium services for longer sailings.

Meanwhile, those on Inside Passage routes can look forward to point-of-interest announcements that highlight the unique cultures, histories, and traditions of the coastal First Nations communities. This initiative, created in partnership with Indigenous leaders, adds depth and meaning to every journey.

Smart Pricing Strategies to Ease Peak-Time Stress

To encourage off-peak travel and ease crowding, BC Ferries is offering over 350,000 Saver fare spaces this summer. These discounted slots help spread travel demand more evenly throughout the day and week, rewarding flexible travelers while freeing up space during peak times.

The result? Shorter waits. Less congestion. And better experiences for all.

A Glimpse Into the Future: Next-Gen Vessels on the Horizon

Beyond this summer, BC Ferries is preparing for the next decade with four Island Class vessels expected in 2026, followed by four major new ships arriving between 2029 and 2031.

These additions will replace aging vessels, increase overall capacity, and bring BC Ferries closer to its goal of a more modern, sustainable, and resilient coastal fleet.

Call to Action for Travelers

BC Ferries is urging all passengers to book in advance, especially during long weekends and summer peak periods. Up-to-date schedules, fare information, and service advisories are available on the company’s website—an essential tool for navigating high-volume days.

Meanwhile, travelers are advised to arrive early, remain flexible, and check for live sailing conditions before heading to the terminal.

The Summer Outlook: Busy, Bold, and Better Prepared

British Columbia is bracing for a tourism boom—and its ferry system is rising to the challenge. With extensive planning, service expansion, and a customer-first approach, BC Ferries is turning potential chaos into carefully choreographed momentum.

As the Victoria Day long weekend kicks off the Summer 2025 travel season, travelers across the province can expect a smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable ride.

Because this summer, BC Ferries isn’t just moving passengers—it’s moving forward.