how far in advance do i need to reserve bc ferry with a car
 

will be travelling june 16-28. 3 passengers and my car between vancouver/victoria/mayne. i realize they recommend reservations but i don't see anything on their website regarding how many days in advance do i need to reserve. what to you think? would like to keep itinerary as flexible as possible. thanks.

Given that the boats that serve the islands are much smaller than the mainline ferries, I think you have two choices: either pick a date and stick with it, or take a chance on a long wait at the dock.<BR><BR>The mainline boats on the Twawwassen - Swatz Bay route are large craft holding over 400 vehicles. The others are much smaller. The Mayne Queen holds about 70 vehicles. <BR><BR>You might want to be flexible, but if you are sitting at the dock waiting for a boat, you are suddenly very inflexible. I think it depends on where you want the flexibility. You don't have unlimited choice with your airplane reservations!! <BR><BR>Also May 19 is a holiday Monday.<BR>You can anticipate higher traffic.<BR>My suggestion is to pick a time and date and lock it in, now. If you want to change it later, do so if you have the option. I had rather do that than spend 4 hours parked in a ferry line.<BR>

I agree with Bob-I come and go from Mayne a number of times a year and always use Reservations.<BR><BR>Even with Ressies the Ferry system-especially the Gulf Islands Ferries aka 'Goofies'-are notorious for being hours behind time leaving people fuming.<BR><BR>It's not unusual to see Police called to the Tswasswen terminal in summer to calm irate customers who threaten Ferry staff over untenable delays.<BR><BR>I realise that bringing this issue to the attention of Board users is something of a disservice to the BC Tourism business.<BR><BR>But I too have been absolutely LIVID after showing up an hour early for a Ferry reservation and then having to wait two hours past sailing time with no info available and only illiterate part-time Ferry staff to deal with-BC Ferry Supervisors are notorious for making themselves scarce.<BR><BR>It's a lovely trip but the Ferries used on the Gulf Islands run are ancient-be prepared for all manner of delays/excuses/mediocrity.

Geez. You have incompetents like that in Canada too? I though the USA had kidnapped them all and put them to work down here. I did not know the situation was THAT bad. <BR><BR>I guess I lead a sheltered life because I have only ridden the big boats: Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen; <BR>Horseshoe Bay - Nanaimo and Nanaimo - Tsawwassen.<BR>I have not had a problem with delay or with boarding. Of course I have picked my times to be mid morning, right after the going to work push is over.<BR><BR>

Speaking of incompetence, my Canadian calendar lists the May holiday in the wrong week! So thanks Bob Brown for mentioning the right one as I am just in the middle of making vacation plans and find now that I need to switch weeks.<BR><BR>ltt,<BR>Just so you don't get the wrong impression, as it stands now on the BC ferries once you make a reservation you are stuck with it. So if you decide to change the date or time you'll lose $15.

thanks all but i still don't see an anser to my question. i know i need reservations - do i need to make the 2 days in advance? 2 weeks in advance? thanks again.

itt<BR>Had it occurred to you that what you ask cannot be answered? Next time I will not respond with any information. <BR>Or if you want the obvious answer, &quot;Far enough in advance to get on the boat.&quot;<BR>

ltt: your question was answered with lots of thoughtful detail. Nobody can give you any more specific responses without a crystal ball!

The last two responses are correct. Normally, according to BC Ferries, 90 minutes beforehand will do. But if they're really busy, well, you'd need longer.

Since summer is very busy with LOTS of travellers, if you are fairly certain of the dates, I'd book as far ahead as you can. The bigger boats carry hundreds of cars, but why take the chance. Even though the website says you can book even a few hours before departure, what they don't say is that there may not be any space left. Last summer I booked 4 weeks ahead and had to take my second choice on departure times for the date I needed. Sooo, if the website permits booking as we speak, and you are certain of the date you want, go ahead and do it now. If not, do it as soon as your plans are firmed up. And yes, they really mean it when they say you must have checked in no later than the times they indicate on their website. Once you get to the parking area, you'll see what I mean. Have lots of fun.