Ferry To Victoria From Vancouver (Expat Advice)

The charm of going between Victoria and Vancouver is appealing to those who are selective about their mode of transportation.

Most people will consider taking a car across on the ferry or hopping onto a bus for a quick ride. Yes, these are valid options and millions of people do this.

However, you can also just walk onto the ferry and go like this between the two cities. This is an exciting option and one that works well for those who want to get across quickly.

Before looking at this option, it’s essential to know how to go about taking a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria.

This guide is going to showcase what the process is going to entail.

How To Take A Ferry From Vancouver To Victoria

You are going to have to book a spot on a BC ferry.

This is a specialized ferry that runs between the two cities and is going to get you to where you want to be on time.

Where are you going to go to get onto the ferry?

You will be going to the Tsawwassen Terminal. This is going to be an hour out from downtown Vancouver and it’s the only option in the city.

When you are there, the ferry itself is going to come to Swartz Bay.

How long is it going to take?

This is going to depend on the time of day but it is timed to take approximately 90 minutes or so. You will want to also account for the waiting period as the ferry comes in and this can also include buying tickets to the ferry as required.

You should prepare for this and make sure you are giving yourself time if you don’t have a ticket in hand.

You will also want to be prepared for the timings for a BC ferry.

For the most part, you can take a ferry every hour between the two cities. This is going to run between 6 AM to 9 PM but it can go later during peak season.

We always believe it’s best to pick up your tickets beforehand. You will want to have the ticket in hand to make sure you do find a spot during peak season due to how common it is to travel between the two places.

Preparing For Ferry As An Individual

It’s also important to make sure you are getting a combo ticket.

If you are walking onto the ferry, you are still going to want a ride to the next part of Victoria as you are going to be dropped off at a set point where the ferry stops.

So, how are you going to go about doing this?

You are going to start by buying a bus + ferry combo ticket. This is going to let you take the bus after you get off the ferry.

You will start by going to the take the bus that is going to take you straight to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. This is going to roll onto the ferry, which is then going to make it easier for you to see the sights around you while on the ferry since it’s going to take around 90 minutes in the water.

After the ferry is in Victoria, you are going to get back onto the bus and it’s going to take you to Capital City Station.

You are welcome to catch another bus from here to go wherever you want.

If you are going to be taking this route, we do feel it’s best to get to the terminal 45-60 minutes in advance. This is going to make sure any hitches in your plan are not going to lead you to miss the ferry.

The more time you have, the easier it is to manage the situation in front of you.

You will also want to make sure you are booking in advance if you are going to be getting a combo ticket. This is a must and it’s going to ensure you get out in front of the rush on the day.

We often see people come during the summer when a lot of tourists are around. This is when you are going to end up in a situation where you don’t get to see enough of the city or you struggle with the ferry schedule in Vancouver.

Price For Ferry From Vancouver To Victoria

This is going to be a set fee.

The fee structure is:

Adult – $18

Children (5-11) – $8

Children (0-5) = FREE

Final Thoughts

Having lived in Vancouver, this is a fascinating experience as you take the ferry between Vancouver and Victoria.

During the warmer months, it’s quite the experience of stepping out and taking a look at the sights around you as you head to Victoria. We find it to be an enthralling experience.

Since you are also going to Vancouver Island, we do recommend camping on Vancouver Island and viewing the Vancouver Island waterfalls.