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Most people travelling to Victoria from the mainland catch a ferry.
Vehicle and passenger services are available from various points in BC and Washington State. Be sure to allow a little extra time if you're driving to a ferry terminal during peak hours (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and at the start and end of long weekends). If you're travelling in your own vehicle, you can avoid lengthy line-ups during busy weekends and holidays by reserving ferry tickets in advance.
Once in Victoria, hop aboard a water taxi for a scenic cruise around Victoria's harbour. Great for both local commuting and sightseeing, water taxis make stops at several wharfs and waterfront hotels.
Ferry Services
BC Ferries
BC Ferries is the primary provider of coastal ferry service in the province and one of the most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world. The company provides scheduled vehicle and passenger services between Tsawwassen (just south of Vancouver) and Swartz Bay. Motorists can also plan a more elaborate itinerary and "island-hop" through the scenic southern Gulf Islands. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is approximately 30 minutes north of Victoria, at the end of Highway 17.
Other BC Ferries routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island are: Vancouver-Nanaimo, Powell River-Comox, Bella Coola-Port Hardy and Prince Rupert-Port Hardy.
> BC Ferries details
Black Ball Transport (M.V. Coho)
Black Ball Transport offers scheduled vehicle and passenger services on the M.V. Coho between downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington.
> Black Ball Transport details
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries offers vehicle and passenger services between Anacortes, Washington, and Sidney (north of Victoria) and the San Juan Islands, Washington.
> Washington State Ferries website
Victoria Clipper
Clipper Navigation offers passenger-only services between Seattle, Washington, and Victoria.
> Victoria Clipper website
Victoria San Juan Cruises
Victoria San Juan Cruises offers seasonal, passenger-only services between downtown Bellingham, Washington, and downtown Victoria.
> Victoria San Juan Cruises website
Victoria Express
Victoria Express offers seasonal, passenger-only services between downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington. The company also offers seasonal, passenger-only sailings between Victoria and the San Juan Islands, Washington.
> Victoria Express details
Victoria Harbour Ferry
Victoria Harbour Ferry provides cruises around the city’s Inner Harbour. These little passenger-only ferries hold up to 12 people and have regularly scheduled stops at a number of popular wharfs and several waterfront hotels.
> Harbour Ferry details
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