Expect travel delays, as Islanders head to Vancouver for Eras Tour

Taylormania is swiftly taking over Vancouver, and Vancouver Island isn't far behind.

Many Islanders are preparing to head to the Eras tour this weekend, with a little extra planning to accommodate what's projected to be a busy travel weekend. 

Katy Wright, who lives in Nanaimo and won her Eras Tour tickets almost a year ago, says she originally thought she would have to travel to Toronto to see Swift in Canada and was happy to save on travel costs. when she announced tour dates in B.C.

Wright says she'll be taking Hullo Ferries over the day before the Sunday finale and staying with a friend to save money. 

"Thinking being in B.C. and being so close that it would be easy to find accommodations. However, it was quite difficult," said Wright. 

"I have family coming from out of province who have booked hotels for thousands of dollars, and as much as I am keen to do that, I need a bit more of an affordable option."

Hullo Ferries has added special sailings for the Eras tour, with an extra sailing from Nanaimo to Vancouver on each day, as well as two late-night sailings returning to the Island after each concert, at midnight and 12:30 a.m. Hullo has been offering late-night sailings after special events like Canucks games and concerts since September. 

According to Alastair Caddick, the CEO of Hullo Ferries, the company is expecting to take 1,000 fans over to the mainland and back each concert day and on Monday. 

"It's quite possible that Dec. 6-8 will be some of our busiest sailings of the year," said Caddick. "It's fun to have all these people excited about going over. It brings a good energy on board."

B.C. Ferries is also feeling "22," the song from Swift's album Red, with 22 additional sailings between Victoria and Vancouver — which it announced in February. 

The corporation told CBC that Swartz Bay sailings Friday through Sunday are already essentially sold out — despite the extra sailings — and to expect long wait times for those looking to travel without a reservation. 

In a statement, it recommended travelling during off-peak hours, having a reservation or travelling as a walk-on passenger —  although parking spaces may quickly fill up as well. 

Wright isn't taking any chances. She's heading over a day before her show and planning for extra travel time. 

She says it still hasn't sunk in that she's going to the concert, but that moment will come when she's in her full glam on her way to B.C. Place. 

"When we have our outfits on, we have all the glam, all the sparkles, all the friendship bracelets, and we're walking to the event and seeing all the other Swifties all dressed up that moment, it just feels like sisterhood is bigger," said Wright. 

"I'm really excited for that moment."