BC Ferries to introduce waitlist pilot for Comox–Powell River sailings before busy long weekend

BC Ferries is reminding Easter travellers to plan ahead for the long weekend.

Travellers are advised to book early or choose off‑peak sailings to secure space.

“Booking early and choosing less busy sailings where possible gives customers more certainty and helps keep everyone moving through the system — especially during busy periods, when demand is high and we’re operating within a constrained system,” said Melanie Lucia, vice‑president of customer experience.

Meanwhile, BC Ferries has rolled out new tools that could help with finding a spot on busy or sold‑out sailings.

Sailing alerts are being expanded to include the Duke Point to Tsawwassen route. The alerts are already available for the Comox to Powell River and Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay routes.

Additionally, a new waitlist pilot project is launching Thursday, April 2 for the Comox to Powell River route.

This allows customers to join a waitlist for a sailing where bookable space is sold out and will be automatically booked and charged if space becomes available, based on their position in line.

“As demand continues to grow on our busiest routes, tools like sailing alerts and waitlists give customers more ways to secure the sailing they want — even when bookable space is initially full,” added Lucia.

Customers are reminded that anyone travelling by vehicle from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo must book their sailing in advance.

Wylie Henderson
Wylie Henderson
Wylie is news director for Vancouver Island, bringing more than a decade of broadcast experience to the role. A Vancouver native, he moved to the Island in 2025 with his wife and stepdaughter after a long run on the airwaves in the Kootenays. He is committed to delivering timely, reliable and community-focused news to listeners across the region. A lifelong Vancouver Canucks and B.C. Lions fan, Wylie is just as comfortable breaking down a game as he is breaking down a news story. Away from the newsroom, he can often be found on the golf course, cycling or lacing up his skates for a game of hockey. For Wylie, keeping listeners informed about what matters locally is more than a job, it’s a passion.

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