B.C. Day long weekend brings record crowds to ferries, airport and parks

The B.C. Day long weekend, starting Friday, July 31, is shaping up to be the busiest travel period of the summer—and potentially the year. Capacity across transit, air, and road infrastructure is stretched.

BC Ferries reports that advance vehicle bookings on their busiest routes and sailings are now essentially sold out for the long weekend. Last year during the same period, their major routes carried about 130,000 vehicles and over 405,000 passengers. Demand this year has been "extremely strong," the ferry service said.

For those still planning to travel with a vehicle, long wait times are likely, and securing a later sailing is not guaranteed. Walking on as a foot passenger remains the best option; foot passengers can generally board their preferred sailing without a reservation. BC Ferries urges travellers to avoid driving to the terminal—instead, take public transit, the BC Ferries Connector, or arrange to be dropped off. On the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route, all vehicle customers are required to have a reservation and to have paid in advance.

Vancouver International Airport expects 340,400 travellers from Friday, July 31 to Monday, August 3, making it the busiest long weekend of the season. YVR recommends checking flight status before arriving and pre-booking parking.

The B.C. government has warned that nearly 130 active wildfires are burning across the province, and roads may be busier than usual or affected by fire closures. Plan and check road conditions before heading out.