5 Ways to Get From Vancouver to Victoria

1. BC Ferries

Cruising through the Strait of Georgia aboard a BC Ferries vessel comes with choices, and with many benefits, including fresh air out on the deck, breathtaking scenery you can only see from the water, and a good chance of spotting marine wildlife. Sail between Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, and Sidney, 30 minutes from Victoria; or between Horseshoe Bay, north of Vancouver, and Nanaimo. Either way, keep your camera ready, as whales, dolphins, and sea lions frequent this route, particularly in the spring and summer.

Another benefit of ferry travel is on-board amenities. Hungry? Food options include the Coastal Cafe, with some routes featuring White Spot for lunch and dinner, and a coffee shop. Want a keepsake to remember your trip? Passages Gift Shop stocks West Coast jewellery, clothing, books written by Canadian authors, and many other souvenirs. 

Insider Tip: Reservations are strongly recommended for vehicles travelling on busy weekends. If you prefer to travel without a vehicle, there is parking at the terminals, and connecting bus service is available.

3. Floatplane

To make the crossing in a decidedly West Coast way, fly with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Take off in the Vancouver harbour, and land about 40 minutes later in the Victoria harbour. The quick flight leaves you plenty of time to experience Victoria for a day, and frequent departures allow for lots of flexibility. Arrive early (or pay a small fee) to get a window seat. You won’t regret it. The views over Vancouver, the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia, and the Victoria harbour are stunning.

Insider Tip: Be sure to make reservations in advance. These small planes have limited seating capacity, and they can fill up fast.

5. Motor Coach

Sit back and relax in the comfort of a luxury motor coach with the BC Ferries Connector. The BC Ferries Connector leaves from downtown in both cities and drives you right on and off the ferry.

Insider Tip: Many of these routes sell out, so be sure to make reservations in advance.