More bookable space coming soon on Route 17 (Comox to Powell River)

Travel demand on Route 17 continues to grow, and BC Ferries is introducing changes this summer to improve travel certainty, reduce congestion, and make better use of available space during peak periods.


Why this change is needed

Route 17 is a ferry‑dependent connection for coastal communities and an essential service for daily travel, medical appointments, and important life events.

Since 2019:

  • Vehicle traffic on the route has increased by about 25%,
  • Advance bookings have grown by more than 300%,
  • During peak periods, demand exceeded capacity on thousands of sailings, leading to long waits, terminal congestion, and customers being left behind.


What’s changing

Recent improvements at Little River terminal are increasing vehicle holding capacity and separating drive‑up and reservable traffic to improve traffic flow and reliability.

Starting June 15, 2026, BC Ferries will:

  • Expand advance booking options on Route 17
  • Continue to offer drive‑up space on every sailing
  • Better balance demand across sailings throughout the day

These changes are designed to improve loading reliability and help more customers sail as planned.


More affordable travel options

BC Ferries is also expanding lower‑cost travel options on Route 17 this peak season, including:

  • More than 25,000 Saver fares expected to be available this peak season
  • New Saver fare options for both under‑height and over‑height vehicles
  • A limited‑time promotion offering free travel for children aged 11 and under on select bookings.

These options build on recently introduced tools like booking alerts and digital waitlists, which help customers plan ahead during busy travel periods.


Learn more

More details on reservable space, fares, and timing are available here.

For more information on booking alerts and sailing waitlists visit bcferries.com/waitlists.

BC Ferries engagement staff will be on board the Salish Orca in early June sharing information and answering questions ahead of the June launch.

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