Ferry
Water-based transportation has many fringe benefits. You get an unlimited supply of fresh, salty air, a deck-side view of breathtaking scenery not available on land and a high probability of spotting marine wildlife – whales, seals, porpoises, sea lions and marine birds are common sights in BC waters.
Ferries are the most popular mode of transport between the mainland and Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and the most economical by far. They also provide access to the Sunshine Coast, an inlet-studded stretch of coastal mainland that cannot be reached by road, and to Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands in Northern BC, a fascinating archipelago rich in Haida culture and in flora and fauna.
Numerous ferry operators, including BC Ferries, offer scheduled passenger and vehicle service from the mainland and Vancouver Island to many ports of call along BC's coast. The BC ferry system was named one of the "World's Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides" by the Society of American Travel Writers (2009).
Show More
BC Ferries
BC Ferries is the primary provider of coastal ferry service in the province. Its 35 vessels service up to 47 ports of call. Vancouver Island-Lower Mainland crossings take 95 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route.
Two particular routes are once-in-a-lifetime journeys: travel past the rocky shorelines, lush rainforest, plunging waterfalls, abandoned fish canneries and isolated lighthouses of the stunning, fjord-like Inside Passage; or cruise through the dramatic archipelago of rainforest-draped islands and inlets of the Discovery Coast Passage, past snow-capped mountains and remote villages. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, including Orcas, grey and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, grizzly and black bears, elk and deer.
Inland Ferries
In some places, the BC government provides free passenger/vehicle ferry service across lakes and rivers that are not spanned by bridges.
Water Taxis
Water taxis provide access to many remote islands and inlets along the coast. They also ferry people short distances in waterfront cities and towns. For more information, contact the Visitor Centre closest to your intended destination.
Alaska Marine Highway System
The Alaska Marine Highway System provides scheduled vehicle and passenger service between southeast Alaska and Prince Rupert.
Ferries from Washington State
Several scheduled vehicle and passenger services are available between ports along the coast of Washington State and southern Vancouver Island.
BC Ferries Terminals
- Tsawwassen: Located approximately 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, at the end of Highway 17.
- Swartz Bay: Located approximately 30 minutes north of Victoria, at the end of Highway 17.
- Horseshoe Bay: Located approximately 25 minutes northwest of downtown Vancouver, off of Highway 99 and Highway 1.
- Departure Bay: Located approximately 5 minutes north of Nanaimo, off of Highway 1.
- Powell River: Located on the Sunshine Coast, approximately 5 minutes south of Powell River, off of Highway 101.
- Duke Point: Located approximately 10 minutes south of Departure Bay, off of Highway 1.
- Langdale: Located on the Sunshine Coast, approximately 5 minutes northeast of Gibsons, off of Highway 101.
Other Major Ferry Terminals
- Downtown Victoria: Several independent passenger transport companies depart from Victoria's downtown Inner Harbour.
- Downtown Sidney: Washington State Ferries depart from downtown Sidney, approximately 30 minutes north of Victoria.
Show Less
Hide Map
Main Address
Activity/Branch/Terminal
Visitor Centres
1 - 4 of 4 Results
Page:
1
A trip to British Columbia is not complete without a cruise on BC Ferries. Sail through spectacular scenery aboard our modern fleet of vessels with 25 routes throughout coastal British Columbia, including 3 connecting Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Circle Routes are a natural using BC Ferries with service to the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands. Iconic cruises include the 15 hr Inside Passage between Port Hardy & Prince Rupert, as well as the Discovery Coast Passage between Port Hardy & Bella Coola and the mystical Haida Gwaii between Port Hardy and Skidegate. Visit bcferries.com for travel deals & itinerary suggestions.
View Details
BC Ferries Vacations Packages & Deals
Bringing the coast within reach. Check out our packages & deals-including Discover Coast & Inside Passage packages.
More info>
430 Belleville St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1W9
Black Ball Ferry Line operates the MV Coho providing daily passenger & vehicle ferry service in a scenic 90-minute crossing between Victoria, BC & Port Angeles, WA. Enjoy Duty Free shopping, Gift Shop & inviting Cafeteria while viewing panoramic vistas of the Inner Harbour, Strait of Juan de Fuca & Olympic Peninsula from our expansive outer decks.
With over 50 years of service, the MV Coho provides a classic ship experience for your next exciting journey to the Olympic Peninsula or Victoria. Our Captain & Crew look forward to to welcoming you on-board the ship.
View Details
Escape to Victoria, BC from $89 PP for Ferry + Hotel
Escape to Victoria, BC from $74 pp, d/o. Package includes ferry & hotel.
More info>
254 Belleville St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1W9
Travel between Seattle & Vancouver Island is fast & convenient aboard a high-speed Victoria Clipper passenger ferry. Daily, year-round, enjoy a 2.5 hr to 3 hr cruise through Puget Sound & the Strait of Juan de Fuca en route to Victoria's Inner Harbour. Clipper Vacations also offers hotel accommodation packages in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna & beyond. If you are heading to Seattle or Vancouver for an Alaska cruise, see more of BC with our pre/post cruise packages. See website for Seattle to Victoria ferry schedule & for travel deals.
View Details
Other businesses with Ferry
1234-N Wharf St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 3H9
Victoria Harbour Ferry Tours is world-renowned as one of the best guided tours in the province of British Columbia. Experience marine life, historical landmarks, First Nations history, unique sailing & yachts, seaplanes, waterside dining, float home communities & friendly skippers. Join thousands of sightseers & watch the free Harbour Ferry water ballet on summer Sundays at 10:45 am, performed in the Inner Harbour. A Harbour Ferry Tour is a great family outing taking in 45 min of one of the most unique harbours in Canada. Special family & senior rates.
View Details