The ferries are completely reliable. The only factor (other than unforseen mechanical issues, of course) that affects sailings is strong, and I mean extremely strong, winds when docking. And even then, it is generally only the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria) run as the Tsawwassen terminal is at the end of a long peninsula and quite exposed. The Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) run is seldom cancelled even during high winds. These are large vessels operating in a sheltered part of the coast so they aren't affected by weather other than wind. And wind storms of a strength that would necessitate ferry cancellations are not a common occurrance here, especially in February. And I say this with intimate knowledge of BC Ferries in the Vancouver area.