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.
Where is the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
Swartz Bay terminal is located at the end of Highway 17, to the north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Sailings departing from Swartz Bay provide service to Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island) and the Southern Gulf Islands.
How do I get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
BC Ferries is the main connection between Vancouver Island and the mainland as well as the surrounding Gulf Island communities. Leave Vancouver from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to arrive in Victoria or Nanaimo, or enjoy a one-day scenic cruise through the Inside Passage between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
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 to get from Vancouver to Victoria 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.
What is the best way to get to Vancouver Island?
( updated Apr 2022 ) BC Ferries is the most common way to get to Vancouver Island. There is scheduled vehicle ferry service from: Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal near Sidney (1 hour 35 minutes), operating every two hours normally and up to hourly in the summer.
Where does the ferry leave from Vancouver to Victoria?
BC Ferries
The Swartz Bay ferry terminal, approximately 30km north of downtown Victoria, offers a point of entry from Tsawwassen (Vancouver and the Lower Mainland) and the Gulf Islands. The travel time from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is 1 hour and 35 minutes and BC Ferries provides frequent travel times on this route.
How do I get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island without a car?
Transportation
- Floatplane on final landing approach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
- Air : Air Services, Airports & Airlines.
- Bus & Coach.
- Ferry : Terminals and Ferry Routes.
- Boat Transport, Boat Rental & Water Taxis.
- Taxis, Shuttles & Limousines.
- Rentals: Cars, Trucks & Motorhomes (RVs)
What is the closest point between Vancouver Island and the mainland?
The shortest possible distance across the Strait of Georgia is 19.1 kilometres. Setting out from the very tip of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, that’s how far it takes until you hit the first rocks of Galiano Island.
What is the cheapest way to get to Vancouver Island?
What is the cheapest way to get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island? The cheapest way to get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is to car ferry and drive which costs $30 – $140 and takes 3h 47m.
Do seniors still ride free on BC Ferries?
Passenger fare types. BC Seniors travel free on select routes1 Monday to Thursday2 with one of these valid IDs: BC Services Card. BC Driver’s Licence.
What is the best month to visit Vancouver Island?
Best time to visit Vancouver Island
Anytime from mid-May to early October. Mid-September to October is best for witnessing the salmon run, though temperatures will likely be cooler. Rain is possible at any time of year, making the island a popular spot for storm watching.
Can you get around Vancouver Island without a car?
Good news backpackers! 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.
Is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria Scenic?
BC Ferries from Tsawwassen:
What is this? 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.
Can you go to Victoria Island without a car?
The best way to get around Victoria & Vancouver Island is by bike or car. Central Victoria – especially the Inner Harbour – can easily be explored on foot, while bike paths will lead you to less touristy neighborhoods.
Is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria rough?
If you are going to Victoria from Tsawwassen it is usually not too rough. If you are going from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo it can get really rough but most of the time it is alright.
What is the most beautiful part of Vancouver Island?
Mystic Beach is arguably one of the most scenic beaches on Vancouver Island and definitely one of the most beautiful along the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
How many days do you need to visit Vancouver Island?
As mentioned above, we recommend taking at least 7 days for your trip so you can enjoy all the scenic drives Vancouver Island has to offer. We have also added a bonus section if you have some extra time and want to explore further up island (which we really recommend if you have the time).
Do Vancouver Island residents get a discount on the ferry?
BC Residents
Discount is on the bus fare only; fees, taxes, ferry fares, and add-on items such as Bicycles or Surfboards are not discounted. Passengers who select a discounted BC Resident fare type must show the correct ID to the driver during check-in.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria BC?
Between Tsawwassen and Victoria, BC Ferries schedules 8 or more sailings daily from 7 am to 9 pm. During summer months there are departures every hour on-the-hour. Crossing time is approximately 1½ hours.
How do I get from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
Nanaimo is your gateway to Vancouver Island, with two ferry terminals offering service from the Vancouver area. Depart Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrive 1 hour 40 min later to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Depart Tsawwassen and arrive in Duke Point, 15 minutes south of Nanaimo just 2 hours later.