Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Ferries
- There are two BC Ferries terminals in the Lower Mainland – one at Tsawwassen and the other at Horseshoe Bay.
- Ferries from Tsawwassen go to Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, as well as to smaller islands including Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna.
Where does the ferry leave from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
BC Ferries between Mainland and Vancouver Island
From Vancouver, there are two key ferry terminals: Tsawwassen (38 km south of Vancouver) and Horseshoe Bay (west end of Highway 1 via West Vancouver). From Tsawwassen, you can connect to Swartz Bay (for Victoria), Duke Point (for Nanaimo) and the Gulf Islands.
How long does the ferry take from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
90 minutes to two hours
The ferry crossings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo) take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on which route you take.
How do you get from Vancouver to the Island?
From downtown Vancouver, take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line south to Bridgeport Station, then transfer to bus #620 to get to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, then board the ferry as a walk-on passenger. From the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island, take bus #70 to downtown Victoria.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria Island?
The ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes, and the trip from the cities to the ferry terminals can take anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes each, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.
Do seniors still ride free on BC Ferries?
B.C. seniors 65 or older, possessing either a BC Gold Carecard or a valid BC Services Card, receive a 100% discount on passenger fares Monday to Thursday, excluding statutory holidays on all routes, except the northern routes.
Can you take a car on the ferry to Vancouver Island?
To bring your vehicle to the Sunshine Coast, you must take a car ferry via BC Ferries’ scheduled service for vehicles and pedestrians from either Vancouver (to Gibsons) or Vancouver Island (to Powell River). These ferries take all vehicles (including bicycles) as well as foot passengers, and pets are welcome too.
Which ferry is better to Nanaimo?
The ferry from Tswwassen to Swartz Bay is much more scenic than either Tswwassen to Duke Point (near Nanaimo) or Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo).
Where does the ferry leave from Vancouver to Victoria?
Your cruise starts at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, 30 minutes south of Vancouver, and ends at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Sidney, 30 minutes north of Victoria.
How early should you arrive for BC Ferries?
Arrive prepared
Arrive at the terminal 60 minutes before your scheduled departure if you have a vehicle booking and arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure if you have a foot passenger booking.
How much does it cost to take a car to Vancouver Island?
What does the Vancouver – Victoria ferry to Vancouver Island cost? 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.
How long does it take to go from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
It takes approximately 7h 44m to get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, including transfers.
Do you need a car on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island offers one of the best places in Canada to travel and see a large area without needing a car. Reduce your carbon imprint by moving by foot, mass transit or bike to compensate for the flight to get here. Save money at the same time.
How often does the ferry run from Vancouver to Victoria?
every 2 hours
BC Ferries from Tsawwassen:
The scenic sail on BC Ferries is 1 hour and 35 minutes to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal. The Victoria ferry from Vancouver goes at least every 2 hours (more in the peak summer season), generally starting at 7:00 am. The total trip time from Vancouver is about 4 hours.
Do you need a car on Victoria Island?
Victoria is truly walkable. The Inner Harbour and downtown core are best explored on foot, but there are several other types of transportation. From horse drawn carriage to double-decker bus, find transportation for your preferred pace.
Is Victoria on Vancouver Island worth visiting?
Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is the beautiful capital city of British Columbia. It’s a popular destination for British Columbians, Pacific Northwesterners, and other travelers, as it’s an easy ferry ride (or luxurious seaplane ride) from Vancouver and Seattle.
Which days are seniors free on BC Ferries?
BC Seniors travel free on select routes1 Monday to Thursday2 with one of these valid IDs: BC Services Card. BC Driver’s Licence. BC Identification Card.
How much does a BC Ferry reservation cost?
You will pay a non-refundable $17 reservation fee at the time of booking, and then pay the remaining vehicle and passenger fares at the terminal when you redeem your booking. You can change your sailing by paying a $5 change fee. This fare will always be available as long as there is bookable space on the ferry.
Which ferries are free in BC?
All inland ferries are free of charge to users.
- Adam’s Lake Cable Ferry.
- Arrow Park Cable Ferry.
- Barnston Island Ferry.
- Big Bar Reaction Ferry.
- Francois Lake Ferry.
- Glade Cable Ferry.
- Harrop Cable Ferry.
- Kootenay Lake Ferry.
Can I stay in the car on a ferry?
If you are wondering can you stay in your vehicle on a ferry the answer in most cases is no. Once the vessel starts with crossing, you will not be allowed onto the car parking deck as most of the large car ferries for safety reasons, do not allow passengers to stay in their cars.
Why can’t you stay in your car on a ferry?
Liu explained that marine accidents worldwide resulted in the legislation that emerged in 2007. “Enclosed vehicle decks are specifically designed to contain smoke and fire, in order to protect the other levels of the ship and allow more time for passengers and crew to stay safe and evacuate.”