BC Ferries is set to implement a system-wide annual fare increase of 3.2 per cent on April 1, as approved by the BC Ferries commissioner.  

However, the company is taking a targeted approach, making smart changes to maximize capacity, balance prices across routes and provide customers with new alternatives to save.

While drive-up fares on major routes will see an increase of 90 cents for adults and $7.60 for standard vehicles, BC Ferries emphasizes that this will primarily affect the 25 per cent of customers who don't already utilize prepaid, saver, or reservation-only fares.

Drive-up fares on minor routes will see smaller increases, averaging approximately 25 to 50 cents for adult passengers and 70 cents to $2 for a standard vehicle.

"These fare adjustments are consistent with the regulator-approved increases and are necessary to keep pace with rising costs," the company stated.

To mitigate the impact of the increases, BC Ferries is offering a 30 per cent discount on saver fares, encouraging passengers to book ahead and travel during off-peak times. This includes early morning, late evening and midday sailings during the week.

Foot passengers can also take advantage of saver fares for $15 when booking in advance on routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

"We expect that the addition of 350,000 Saver fares will help spread out demand, distribute traffic, and reduce congestion on our major routes, especially as we head into our busy peak summer season," said Joanne Carpendale, chief financial officer for BC Ferries.

"As we continue to face challenges with maintaining an aging fleet, we will continue to use every tool we have available to offer a broad range of fare options to better accommodate demand and meet customer expectations."

In an effort to manage capacity and discourage no-shows, the company is increasing no-show fees for saver and prepaid fares by $5 to $10 to encourage passengers to cancel unwanted bookings in advance.

Passengers on routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, Horseshoe Bay and Sunshine Coast and Comox and Powell River can still change their sailing up to one hour before departure or cancel four or more days in advance for a $5 fee.

Parking rates will also increase based on location and market rates.

Finally, food and beverage costs will see a 3.5 per cent increase, reflecting rising costs of ingredients, transportation, and operations. For example, a muffin will increase by 10 cents, while a BC Burger Combo will increase by 90 cents.

BC Ferries states that without additional vessels, handling peak-period travel remains challenging. Although discounted fares and incentives have helped shift demand, peak-season sailings remained 92 per cent filled in 2024, leaving little room for redistribution.

"Even with an expansion of Saver fares, demand has outpaced available space and we expect it will continue to do so in the future," the company added.

Last month, the company proposed to build five new major vessels, extend the life of two existing ships and a new net vessel to boost capacity and service. The BC Ferries commissioner will announce a decision on March 31 which will be vital to BC Ferries' ability to fulfill increasing demand.

For more details on specific fare changes, customers can visit the fare index at .