A Guide to the Vancouver - Victoria Ferry

Vancouver - Victoria Ferry – Schedules, Price, Ferry Terminals, and more


Vancouver Victoria Ferry

By Darrin Robertson, VTT Editor - Updated: January 17, 2023

BC Ferries Vancouver - Victoria Ferry

BC ferry on it's way to Victoria!

One of the most asked questions by tourists in Vancouver is how to ride the Vancouver Island ferry. We hope this page will answer some of those questions and give you a better idea of BC Ferries sailings to from Vancouver to Victoria, BC.

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:

How many different ferry lines are there to Victoria?
Just one: BC Ferries. Their website: www.bcferries.com

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 more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry.

Timesaver Tip: If you’re taking a Vancouver - Victoria ferry during rush hour (7 AM to 10AM, and between 3 PM 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?

(This BC Ferry Schedule info was last updated Jan 3, 2020 and is subject to seasonal changes, holidays, etc):

Victoria ferries depart 7 days a week, 365 days a year. First sailing is usually at 7AM, and the last one often 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 Vancouver - Victoria ferry to Vancouver Island cost?

(This BC Ferry Schedule info was last updated Jan 3, 2020 and is subject to seasonal changes, holidays, etc)

These prices are current as of Jan 3, 2020 in Canadian dollars, and include fuel surcharge, but not GST:

  • Cost for adult passenger only: $17.20
  • Cost for Car & Driver: $74.70

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 Ferry: FAQ's

How long is the Vancouver - Victoria ferry ride to Victoria?
Normally is is about 1 hr and 30 minutes.

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 Vancouver - Victoria ferry?
You can buy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the ferry in the full-service cafeteria, as well as snacks and drinks.

Victoria BC

Do I need a car to see Victoria BC?
Since the location of the Victoria ferry terminal is 20 miles from downtown Victoria, you'll need transportation by car or bus to get to the city. You can buy tickets on Pacific Coach Lines which can get you to and from the ferry terminals, or on more lengthy sightseeing tours as well.

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:

Accommodation Near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal:

Coast Tsawwassen Inn- The Coast Inn is one of the best places to stay if you want a hotel near the Vancouver - Victoria ferry. Only 5 minutes away from the 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 hot tub, 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.

Disclaimer - Please Note: This page is a general guide only - It is NOT part of the official BC Ferries website. BC Ferries schedules, fares and services are subject to frequent change. Vancouver Travel Tips.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Please consult bcferries.com before starting any travel.

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