BC Ferries is the main connection between Vancouver Island and the mainland (Vancouver). When coming from Vancouver, you have a few options available to you. West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay terminal), Tsawwassen terminal, or via the BC Ferries (Powell River).
Can you drive from Vancouver Island to Vancouver?
This is an island with no bridges, so you can either take a seaplane or a ferry. However, for your road trip on Vancouver Island, you’ll need to take the ferry so you can bring your car with you.
How do you get from Vancouver Island to the mainland?
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 do you cross 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.
Can you get to Vancouver Island by car?
( 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.
How long does it take to drive from one end of Vancouver Island to the other?
about 6 hours
It takes about 6 hours to drive straight through from one end of the island to the other, and about 3 hours to drive across at the widest point. You need to allow for travel time on the island, which limits how many stops you can reasonably make.
Can you do a day trip to Vancouver Island from Vancouver?
Victoria is on Vancouver Island, 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes approximately 4 hours each way from downtown Vancouver. Alternatively, the trip is a 35 minute flight. Below are options for getting to Victoria.
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.
Is there a road bridge to Vancouver Island?
There is no bridge to the island. The most common and cheapest (moneywise) routes are by ferry. There is a ferry terminal at Tsawwassen—south of Vancouver. Another at Horseshoe Bay—north of Vancouver.
Does Vancouver Island have a railway?
The Island Rail Corridor (formerly known as the E&N Rail Corridor) is approximately 289 km running between Victoria and Courtenay with connections between Parksville and Port Alberni and to the Nanaimo waterfront.
Is there a bridge from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
There is no bridge to the island. The most common and cheapest (moneywise) routes are by ferry. There is a ferry terminal at Tsawwassen—south of Vancouver. Another at Horseshoe Bay—north of Vancouver.
How do I get from Victoria BC to Vancouver BC?
Harbour Air flies from Victoria to Vancouver hourly. Alternatively, BC Ferries Connector – Wilson’s Group operates a vehicle from Victoria, BC to Vancouver, BC twice daily. Tickets cost $21 – $65 and the journey takes 4h.
Does Vancouver Island connect to the mainland?
Marine transport is very important to Vancouver Island for access to the mainland of British Columbia and Washington. There are no bridges connecting the island to the mainland, although the idea of building one has been brought up many times.
Why is there no bridge between Vancouver and Vancouver Island?
A floating bridge to Vancouver Island would require large gravity and plow-type anchors with anchor cables over 1.2 km long. This extreme length of anchor cable, coupled with the deep soft soil on the ocean bed, poses major problems. As with submerged-floating tunnels, safety is a concern.
Is Uber coming to Vancouver Island?
The PTB denied Uber’s last request for an expanded licence to serve Vancouver Island, the Interior and North in December 2021. In its decision, the board said it was satisfied Uber was “fit, proper and capable of providing the proposed service,” but it wasn’t convinced of the public need for it.
How many days do you need on 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).
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.
Is Vancouver Island worth a trip?
Coast, mountains and rainforest
Vancouver Island is home to the Pacific Rim National Park as well as British Columbia’s first Provincial Park, Strathcona. The two perfectly demonstrate the diversity of landscape here; stunning beaches and rainforest on the coast and tranquil lakes and mountains within the interior.
Are there any roads to Vancouver Island?
BC Highway 18
Highway 18 is a short, 42 km (26 mi) long main vehicle route on Vancouver Island, connecting the city of Duncan on the Trans-Canada Highway with the community of Youbou, on the north shore of Lake Cowichan.
Where is the most beautiful place on 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.
What is so special about Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching and surfing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, and paddling adventures, the Island offers ample opportunities to unwind on its scenic golf courses and lush vineyards.