The Ferry is the cheapest way to travel from Vancouver to Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island.

FYI: Victoria is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, while Vancouver is on the mainland. Vancouver and Victoria, as well as the rest of Vancouver Island, are located in the province of British Columbia (“BC”).

Vancouver – Victoria Ferry Info:

Where does the car & passenger ferry to Vancouver Island depart from? How far from downtown Vancouver is it?
It departs from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, which is 24 miles (38 kms) south of downtown Vancouver, BC.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for ferry service to Victoria, BC (on Vancouver Island). The other ferry terminal is in Horseshoe Bay and does not have direct sailings to Victoria. For information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry, click here.

Timesaver Tip: If you’re taking a Vancouver - Victoria ferry between 4PM and 7 PM, allow extra time to get to the ferry terminal because of traffic volume.

Where does it arrive?
The Vancouver - Victoria ferry doesn’t actually dock in Victoria. It arrives on Vancouver Island at Sidney, BC, which is located 20 miles (32 kms) north of Victoria, BC, and is a 30 minute drive to downtown Victoria.

When does the ferry for Vancouver Island depart?
Victoria ferries depart 7 days a week, 365 days a year. First sailing is usually at 7AM, and the last one around 9PM.

Where do you buy tickets for the Vancouver Island ferry?
You can purchase them online from BC Ferries, or at the ferry terminals.

What does the ferry to Vancouver Island cost?
These prices are current as of Feb/2007, in Canadian dollars, and do not include taxes and surcharges:
Passengers: Adult $10.55 Child (5-11) $5.30
Cars: $33 - $35
Payment: You can pay with cash or credit card only.
Tip: for discount rates, it's worth looking into mid-week sailings which can sometimes be cheaper in the low season.

Vancouver to Victoria Ferries

What kind of boat do you travel to Victoria on?
BC ferries use large passenger ferries with room for 2000 passengers as well as 470 vehicles.

Insider Tip: If you’re on the ferry during evening hours, and the sky is clear, make your way up to the front of the boat – it’s nice and dark up there, and that allows for splendid views! You’ll see the night sky, the glistening ocean, nearby cabins dotting the shorelines of the Gulf Islands, and, on the return trip, the twinkling lights of Vancouver at night in the distance.

Do they serve meals on the ferry?
You can buy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the ferry in the full-service cafeteria, as well as snacks and drinks.

Victoria BC

Attractions to see in Victoria / Vancouver Island include:

• Buchart Gardens
• Inner Harbor, Empress Hotel & Shops
• Wax Museum & Undersea Gardens
• Whale Watching Tours

Places to Stay Near the Vancouver – Victoria Ferry:

Coast Tsawwassen Inn - The Coast Inn is a favorite for overnights before and after your sailing on the ferry. Only 5 minutes away from the ferry terminal, with clean comfortable rooms, swimming pool and breakfast each morning.

Accommodation Near Victoria Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island:

Miraloma on the Cove - travellers to Vancouver island rave about this luxurious little inn tucked away near the water's edge in Sidney, BC. This heritage inn features an outdoor jacuzzi, high-speed internet in every room and a continental breakfast buffet each morning. The Miraloma is located a short 5 minute drive from the Swartz bay ferry terminal.

Ferry to Vancouver Island / Vancouver - Victoria Ferry