The truth about living with BC Ferries
Are ferries a deal breaker when moving to BC's Sunshine Coast?
Read the full blog post on Val’s website: https://t.ly/LivingWithFerries
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://t.ly/FerryVideo
If you’re thinking about visiting BC’s Sunshine Coast, or maybe even moving here, there’s one question that always comes up: what’s it like relying on the ferry?
At first, it can feel like a barrier. After all, getting to and from Vancouver means planning around BC Ferries. But the reality is much simpler than most people expect. My experience is that you’ll probably use the ferry far less than you think.
Local living becomes the norm
Most people arrive assuming they’ll head into the city all the time. In practice, that quickly fades. Life on the Sunshine Coast fills in with local shopping, local routines, and local activities. Trips to the Lower Mainland become occasional, not constant. For many residents, it’s just a handful of crossings each year, usually for things like flights, appointments, or visiting friends.
This, of course, depends on your lifestyle. If you commute for work, have family in the Lower Mainland, or your kids participate in organized sports, you’ll likely use the ferry more often. But for those living and working locally, it rarely feels like a burden.
Plan in advance
The key to making it all work smoothly is simple: plan ahead.
Reservations are your best friend, especially in the summer. Showing up without one can mean long waits, sometimes multiple sailings. Booking in advance turns the experience into something predictable instead of something stressful.
It’s also smart to build in extra time when it matters. Whether you’re heading to the airport or a time-sensitive appointment, ferries (like any form of travel) can be affected by delays. A little buffer goes a long way.
When things go wrong
Every now and then, things do go sideways. Sailings can be delayed or even cancelled, though it’s not common. When it happens, flexibility, and a bit of patience, make all the difference.
Over time, you’ll pick up small habits that improve your ferry experience: bring snacks, arrive early, and consider walking on if you don’t need your vehicle.
Are ferries a deal breaker?
Living with a ferry requires a bit of planning. But in return, you get a lifestyle that feels slower, calmer, and more connected.
So, is the ferry a deal breaker? For most people, not even close.
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I’ve been in this home and the updated kitchen is gorgeous! There’s a tiled backsplash that makes the space chic and modern, as well as new appliances and countertops.
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See the full listing (with more photos) here: https://t.ly/5726EmilyWay
Call Val for your viewing
If you’d like to see 5726 Emily Way in person, I can give you a tour and show you how this home ties into the bigger picture of life on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Val Labrecque - REALTOR®
RE/MAX City Realty Gibsons
Call or text Val: 604-399-8935
Email Val: info@vallabrecque.ca
Connect with Val & Paul
We’re Val and Paul and we’re a married couple who live on BC’s Sunshine Coast! We moved from Alberta to Gibsons in 2014 and love our life on Canada’s West Coast! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and email newsletter and you’ll learn what it’s like to live in the most beautiful place in Canada.
Val Labrecque is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX City Realty Gibsons.