Since I was just on the mainland having travelled round trip on BC Ferries, paid my $142 Canadian for a car and two people, battled the summer crowds and tourists from all over that I was thinking alot of these travellers have never been on a boat before. Perhaps I should take a moment on the verge of the Labor Day long weekend to chat about this. If you are going to be heading out for a cruise across the Juan De Fuca for the first time, regardless of your departure point, read on.
The biggest single mistake people make when integrating BC Ferries into their travel plans is they don't plan. It's not just a matter of showing up, paying your fare and going for a ride. Plan ahead! Know when you are travelling, the time in which you are hoping to depart and check the web site for BC Ferries. You are going to find a wealth of information. Just don't assume that because you want to take the 8am departure out of Tsawassen that you are going to get on that boat. There are times that I just refuse to sail, if I can help it. Peak times, which includes the early early sailings and later afternoon. Try to make your plans, if you can, to include a mid-week, mid-day departure. Less traffic, more room to move and shorter line-ups in the buffett line. Also, if your lucky a bit cheaper. for example, BC Ferries has a cost saver special on right now until the 10th of September if you choose to sail in off-peak times like 10am or 1pm. Although this is rare, and you really do have to watch their web site for when these deals are in effect. Because we are talking about travelling over the Labor Day weekend, of course none of this applies.
Tip #1. If you know when you want to travel, try and take advantage of their "Reservations" option. Contrary to what some people may have informed you, the cost of the reservation is above and beyond the actual cost of the fair. So, yes! It's in addition.
Tip #2 To skirt the issue of having to wait in line for 45 minutes (half the time it takes to make the crossing) to get your burger, either take your own lunch or eat before you go. Than you can sit out on the deck and not miss any fabulous photo opportunities.
While you are waiting in the que, at either Tsawassen or Schwartz Bay, there is plenty to do if you don't want to be sitting in your car on a nice day. Tsawassen Ferry Terminal has recently gone through an extensive upgrade which now offers gift shops, several food selections, coffee and clean washrooms. There are even spots for the kids to play. Schwartz Bay, is similar, with less of the botique style shops. However, you can browse the tents, buy your Pacific Smoked Salmon, Kettle Corn and locally hand crafted jewellry.
Let's cut to the chase here. You are going to be in for huge line-ups. It's part of life on the West Coast. Sometimes these can be 3 and 4 sailing waits. Translated, half your day sitting idle in a huge parking lot. Take a book, take a deep breath, visit BC Ferries on the web before you go and enjoy the holiday.
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