BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver was extremely busy on a Friday, with the West Vancouver police advising people to stay away if possible. The Highway 1 leading to Horseshoe Bay was heavily congested due to traffic from Whistler and ferry traffic. Police warned that anyone without a vehicle reservation on BC Ferries would not be sailing on Friday and would be turned away. Aaron Krombholz, who was waiting in line to board a ferry, mentioned that there were long line-ups of cars on the Sea to Sky Highway. He recounted his experience of trying to catch a ferry on Thursday night and ultimately having to leave the terminal on Friday morning after realizing they would not be able to board any ferries.
BC Ferries urged travelers to inform traffic controllers of their reservations as they could be turned away if they do not have one. The organization also advised customers to plan ahead, especially those traveling on busy routes such as Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale. Customers without reservations were warned to expect very limited standby availability during peak travel days, specifically Thursdays and Fridays heading to Vancouver Island and Sundays and Mondays returning to the mainland. Melanie Lucia, the vice-president of customer experience at BC Ferries, emphasized the importance of planning ahead during peak travel times to ensure a smooth journey.
On the day of the incident, Krombholz reported that cars were backed up on Highway 1 to the Caufield Exit, which was over four kilometers away from the ferry terminal. He recounted speaking to other travelers who had reservations but were unable to reach the gate to pay and enter the queue for their boat. BC Ferries acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers and advised them to communicate with traffic controllers upon arrival about their reservations to avoid being turned away. The organization is working to keep travelers moving smoothly during peak travel times, especially during long weekends when many people are visiting family, supporting local businesses, and exploring the province.
The heavy congestion at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal highlights the challenges faced by travelers during peak travel days, such as long weekends. The influx of traffic from both Whistler and ferry traffic contributed to the significant delays and difficulties experienced by travelers without reservations. BC Ferries is working to manage the situation by advising customers to plan ahead, communicate their reservations to traffic controllers, and be prepared for limited standby availability on peak travel days. Despite the challenges, the organization is striving to ensure that travelers can continue to explore and enjoy all that British Columbia has to offer.
In response to the congestion at the terminal, BC Ferries is taking steps to streamline the boarding process and manage the high volume of travelers. By encouraging travelers to plan ahead, communicate their reservations, and be prepared for limited standby availability, the organization aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience for all passengers. As the demand for ferry services increases, especially during peak travel times, BC Ferries is working to adapt and address the challenges faced by travelers to keep them moving efficiently and safely. The incident at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal serves as a reminder of the importance of planning ahead and being prepared for potential delays during busy travel periods.
