A Local’s Guide to Taking the Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria

Growing up on Vancouver Island, then later going to university in Vancouver, I took the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria countless times.  I recall many trips on BC Ferries between Vancouver Island and Vancouver throughout my childhood and once I was in university, I took the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria every few weeks!

With Ryan frequently traveling to and from Vancouver for work, between the two of us we must have taken the ferry between Vancouver and Victoria over 100 times!  We’re updating this  post regularly with all our tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry!

Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry: The Only Guide You’ll Need!

Know Before You Go

BC Ferries operates the ferries from Vancouver to Victoria.  They are currently the only company offering service from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry.  The fleet for the Vancouver to Victoria route consist of four vessels: Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal Celebration, and Queen of New Westminster.  However, sometimes other vessels are used, such as the Coastal Renaisance.

They are all car and passenger ferries so you can either drive on or walk on as a foot passenger.  Their capacity ranges from 1332 passengers and crew up to 2100 passengers and crew. As for cars, the ferries can hold 254 to 358 cars, depending on the vessel.

Tsawwassen vs Vancouver

The ferries actually depart from Tsawwassen, not Vancouver, which is important to note because Tsawwassen is quite far out from downtown Vancouver.

Swartz Bay vs Victoria

On the other side, you actually arrive in Swartz Bay which is in Sidney, not Victoria.  So you’ll still have another half hour at least before arriving into the city of Victoria itself.

Getting to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

By car:

As mentioned, the Vancouver to Victoria ferry departs from Tsawwassen, not downtown Vancouver.  If you are coming from downtown Vancouver, it will take about 40 minutes to an hour to drive to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, depending on traffic.  On a weekday between 3-7pm, give yourself an hour at the very least as traffic is bad!!

You will take Highway 99 South out of downtown and then get on Highway 17 towards Tsawwassen.  There are plenty of signs for the ferry along the way to point you in the right direction.

Tip: If you’re wondering how to pronounce Tsawwassen, it’s sa-WAH-sen.

By public transit:

Getting to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal by public transit is not too difficult.  You can take the Skytrain to Bridgeport Station, where you will catch the 620 bus (Tsawwassen Ferry via Ladner Exchange).  The 620 will take you directly to the Tsawwassen foot passenger terminal.

Coming from downtown, I usually plan for an hour and a half transit time to get to the ferry terminal.  I use Google Maps to plan out my skytrain and bus schedule.  The skytrain runs frequently, but the 620 is mostly timed with the ferry schedule, so it works out well.

The 620 buses are usually the double-long buses and they can get pretty packed so you may not end up with a seat.  Also, be mindful that if you have large luggage, there is barely any storage space on the bus.  You will either have to sit with it piled on your lap in a very tight space or try to put it under your feet if it is small enough.  With the amount of people that take the bus, there isn’t really room for luggage in the aisles as it blocks the way and people get mad if you take up a seat with your luggage.

Transit fares start at $3 and vary depending on your route, time of day, and method of payment.  If you will be traveling on public transit a lot during the day, you are better off purchasing a day pass for $10.50.  They are available at the skytrain kiosks and you can pay with cash or credit card.  For detailed transit fare info, check their website.

By coach bus:

If you are traveling with some luggage or you just want a comfier, easier ride, you have the option of catching the BC Ferries Connector bus to Victoria.  This is a direct bus with no transfers and is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or mobility issues.  Of course, it is on the pricier side.  Check current rates here.

The bus departs downtown Vancouver from the Vancouver Bus Depot at Pacific Central Station (conveniently accessible by SkyTrain, get off at the Main Street-Science World stop) and takes you all the way to the heart of downtown Victoria.  You can purchase tickets online.

Fun fact: The Pacific Central Station is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows!

You can also purchase tickets on the ferry to take you into downtown Victoria – just look for this BC Ferries Connector desk.

By taxi:

Taxis are quite expensive and considering how far out the ferry terminal is, the taxi from Vancouver to Tsawwassen could cost you around $100 or more.  If you are a family with some luggage then it may be a good option for you.  Otherwise I would leave it as a last resort.

Vancouver just got ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft) in February 2020 but it remains to be seen if they will be a decent option to get to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

Planning your Trip on the Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria

Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule changes throughout the year based on demand.  In the fall/winter/spring months, generally sailings are every two hours on the odd hour (eg. 9am, 11am, etc).  During the summer months, generally sailings are every hour.  Additionally, extra sailings are added during holidays.

Make sure to check the current Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry schedule online before your trip as it changes frequently!

When is the last sailing to Victoria?

The last sailing from Vancouver to Victoria is usually 9pm.  However, during peak times, a 10pm or later sailing is sometimes added.

When is the first sailing to Victoria?

The first sailing from Vancouver to Victoria is 7am, but I have on rare occassions seen a 6am during peak times.

What are the busiest times for the Vancouver to Victoria ferry?

The busiest ferry times are always during holidays, understandably.  In general, the summer months, especially July, August and September, are quite busy, even with the hourly sailings.  It is common to have to wait at least a couple of hours if you are driving on.

Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings are also generally the busier sailings throughout the year.  You will often see sports teams traveling for games which causes busier than usual sailings.  Also, the ferriers are busier at the start and end of university breaks (ie. reading break).  If you are looking for the least busy time, I would go for the 9pm ferry.

When I was in university, I used to take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria whenever I had a break, so that meant all holidays.  In my four years, I found that Thanksgiving was the busiest time to travel on the ferry.  Normally the wait time is just for cars driving on the ferry, but I had to wait over 2 hours just to walk on the ferry!  I didn’t even know that was possible to have to wait as a foot passenger, but it is.

TIP: If you need to travel during a peak time, check the BC Ferries website ahead of time as they post traffic forecasts for when the busiest sailings are expected to be.  You can also always log on to view the live webcams to see how many cars are lined up at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

How long is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

The ferry time from Vancouver to Victoria takes 1 hour and 35 minutes to travel the 24 nautical miles.

Ferry Tickets

How much is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

As of May 2020, the passenger fare is $17.20 per person for a one-way ticket.  Vehicles are an additional charge of $57.50 up to 20 feet and then an additional $6.50/foot.  Motorcycles are $28.75.  If you are riding a bicycle onto the ferry, there is no extra fee in addition to the regular passenger fare.

Discounted Tickets

Children

Children under the age of 5 travel free and children between 5-11 years old are $8.60.  Children 12 years and older pay the full passenger fare of $17.20.

Senior Rate

Seniors who are BC residents travel free Monday to Thursdays (excluding holidays)!  However, the vehicle rate still applies if you are driving on.  It is just the passenger fare of $17.20 that is not charged.  Note that you will be required to show a valid BC ID in order to travel free.

Group Rate

Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.  The rate is available for walk-on passengers or those traveling all in the same vehicle.  The group must book at least 7 days in advance to receive the group rate of $14.70/adult and $7.35/child (5-11 years old).  To book, fill out the online form here.

Where to purchase tickets

When you arrive at the Tsawwassen Foot Passenger Terminal you can either purchase a ticket from an agent at the desk or use one of the self-serve kiosks.  I prefer to use the kiosks as they are usually the quickest option but you can only pay by card.  If you want to pay by cash, you’ll have to purchase your ticket at the desk.

When you purchase your ticket, you will be given two pieces of paper: one is your receipt, the other is your ticket.  Make sure to hold onto your ticket!  You will need to show it as you board the ferry.

If you are driving onto the ferry, you will get into one of the lanes labelled as Victoria/Swartz Bay.  Some of the lanes are for Duke Point, which is in Nanaimo (2 hours away from Victoria on Vancouver Island) so make sure you let the agent know that you are traveling to Swartz Bay so that you get on the correct ferry.

Tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance.

Making a reservation

If you need to make a specific sailing, you can make a reservation online in advance for an additional fee.  By paying for a reservation you ensure that your vehicle will make it onto the sailing time of your choice.  This is recommended during peak travel times such as holiday weekends.

Note: Reservations are only for vehicles.  You cannot reserve a walk-on passenger ticket, unless you are booking a group of over 10 people.

Ferry reservations can be made months in advance and up until 2 hours prior to the sailing.  If you reserve at least 7 days in advance the cost is $10.  If you make your reservation less than that, it is $17.  You must pay the reservation fee online by credit card at the time of booking.  However the passenger and vehicle fares are paid upon arrival at the terminal.

When you arrive at Tsawwassen Terminal, make sure to let the agent know you have a reservation.  If there is a line-up at the terminal, let the traffic controllers know that you have a reservation so they can direct you to the appropriate line.  It is important to note that you must arrive at least 30 minutes before your sailing, but not earlier than 60 minutes before, if you have a reservation.  If you arrive too early you may not be allowed to check in (unless you confirm that there is space for you on the earlier sailing),  and if you arrive too late you will lose your reservation.

If you need to change your reservation you can do so for a $5 fee.  All reservation fees are non-refundable.

Arriving at Tsawwassen Terminal

When to arrive at the terminal

If you are walking onto the ferry, it is best to arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to departure time.  So, if you are taking the 1pm ferry, I would arrive around 12:30 or 12:40.  The passenger ticket cut-off is 10 minutes prior to sailing, after which you will not be allowed to purchase a ticket for that sailing.

Note: It is a bit of a walk from the ticket booth to the boarding area so you need to factor in that time.  I would say the fastest you could make it is in 5 minutes if you walk as fast as you can.

Ticket sales for vehicles ends 5 minutes prior to sailing.  However, aim to be there at least 30-45 minutes in advance if you are traveling during a non-peak time.  To be safe, I always aim to be there around an hour early.  During peak times, I always plan for about 2-2.5 hours in advance if I don’t have a reservation.

Driving on the ferry

When you pay at the ticket booth they will give you a lane number to line up in.  When it is time to board, the traffic controllers will let certain lanes board first, some getting to drive onto the top deck and others onto the bottom deck.

Tip: Be careful when driving out from the ticket booth as people often look for their lane number without paying attention to the other cars driving out from the booths next to them.  We’ve seen some near misses and some crashes!

Taking your bike on the ferry

If you are riding your bicycle onto the ferry, purchase a ticket from the vehicle ticket booths.  They will direct you the waiting area which is close to the boarding area of the main vehicle deck.  You will be directed by the loading officer to board either before or after all the vehicles.  They will then direct you to where you can secure your bike on the vehicle deck.

Parking at the ferry

There is both a short-term and a long-term parking lot available at the Tsawwassen Terminal.  If you have someone picking you up in Victoria, or you don’t mind taking the bus, parking your car and walking on the ferry can be a much more economical choice depending how long your stay will be.

Long-term parking is $17/24 hours and you can pay by exact cash, credit card, or with the mobile app “PayByPhone”.  The nice thing with the app is you can be notified before your parking expires and you can add additional time.

Walking on the ferry

When you purchase your passenger ticket, pay attention to which berth number you will be boarding at.  There are other ferries departing from the Tsawwassen Terminal, such as Duke Point and Gulf Islands ferries, so make sure to line up at the correct berth.  Usually the ferry to Victoria loads from the very last berth, so turn right and keep walking to the very end.  It will be the busiest line up.

Once you get to the correct berth, the gate will open once it is time to board and all other passengers have disembarked from the previous sailing.  Ferry staff will collect your ticket so make sure to have it out.

Insider Tip: If you want to avoid crowds and get on the ferry quicker, you can wait where the cyclists and passengers with pets wait and board with them via the vehicle deck.  This is what I used to have to do when I’d walk on with my dog and I’d always get on quicker.

Checking in luggage on the ferry

If you are walking on the ferry and have luggage, you can check it in after purchasing your ticket.  Make sure you put the appropriate tag on your bag to indicate it is going to Swartz Bay.

To be honest, I rarely check in my luggage on the ferry, unless it is a super busy sailing or if I have a lot of it and don’t want to have to watch over it.  There’s usually enough space on board that I don’t mind having my bag there with me and then once I disembark I don’t have to wait for my bag to be unloaded.

Inside the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Foot Passenger Terminal

The foot passenger terminal has limited seating areas at each berth.  Unless you get there early, expect to stand and line up while waiting to board, or sit on the floor.  There are some vending machines and water fountains available, as well as a little cafe at the gate.  Of course, washrooms are available as well.

Car Terminal

The Tsawwassen Ferry Car Terminal is pretty nice!  It is large and has a lot of shops and restaurants to pass the time.  They have Starbucks, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, pizza, sushi, bubble tea, gelato, a local coffee shop, sandwiches, burritos, salads, to name a few.  You can buy some souvenirs, magazines, travel necessities, lottery tickets, etc.

If you have kids, there is an outdoor play area and grassy areas for the dogs.  There are plenty of washrooms also.

What to do on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria

Food Options on the Ferry

There are a number of food options on the ferry to choose from.  The line up forms pretty quickly so plan to head there right away to get in line if you want to eat right away.  If you are walking on the ferry, you will be ahead of the car passengers so you will be able to line up first 🙂  Alternatively, I find if I wait 45 minutes to an hour after boarding then there is no more line up.

Pacific Buffet

The Pacific Buffet is a highlight for many people on their Vancouver to Victoria ferry ride.  It is on the pricier side so it’s not for everyone, but the food is pretty good with a nice variety.  I especially love their array of desserts 😉 Oh, and the ocean view is nice, too 🙂

The price of the buffet varies depending on the sailing time, from $14.50/adult to $26.95/adult.  Children’s pricing is available as well.  The cheapest time to eat at the buffet is mid-afternoon (2 and 3pm sailings) and the late sailing (9pm).  However, the offerings are much more limited during those sailings.  I personally enjoy the lunch buffet the most as it is slightly cheaper than dinner at $22.75/person but still has a lot of variety.  Ryan, on the other hand, loves the dinner buffet.

If you want to try the buffet, make sure to line up early.  You will find it at the front of the ship, but only on the Coastal Celebration, Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island.  It is not available on the other ships.

Coastal Cafe

The Coastal Cafe is where the majority of passengers dine on the ferry.  You will find a range of hot and cold food options, my favorite being those from White Spot.

The burgers are actually pretty good (my favorite is the BC Burger) and I love their yam fries as well!  They have cute Pirate Paks for the kids, too 🙂

Note: The line forms early for the Coastal Cafe.  However, the line is for hot made-to-order items.  If you want to purchase something from the refrigerators, you do not need to line up.  A lot of people don’t understand this and wait in the big, long line up instead.

In the refrigerators you will find salads, sandwiches, wraps, sushi, yogurt, drinks, desserts, and pastries.  There’s also soft-serve ice cream and ice cream bars, and a soup/oatmeal bar depending on time of day.

Tip: The clam chowder is a huge favorite of a lot of people!

If you are dining with a baby, high chairs are available 🙂

Coastal Cafe Express

If you aren’t that hungry, you can opt for the Coastal Cafe Express.  Here you can find coffee, tea, juice, pastries, yogurt, ice cream, and other snacks.

Vending Machines

There are also a number of vending machines located around the ships where you can buy the usual chips, candy, and chocolates.  They also have a Best Buy vending machine where you can buy headphones and other electronic accessories.

Gift Shop

The gift shop on board actually has quite the range of options if you want to do some shopping.

I generally just go there to browse the magazines, of which they have quite a good selection, as well as books.  They have chocolates, candies, toys, clothing, and other interesting gift options and souvenirs.

Seawest Lounge

The Seawest Lounge is perfect if you want a quiet, calm place to relax during your ride on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria.  It can often get pretty noisy and chaotic on the ferry with school kids and families and tour groups, so if you need a quiet place to study, do some work, or just relax, the Seawest Lounge is a great option.

The cost is $13/person.  This includes Starbucks coffee, teas, juices, pastries, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, cheese, and other snacks.  Newspapers and magazines are also available. The seating is comfier and there are great ocean views.

If you were going to buy snacks and a coffee on the ferry anyway, then the $13 cost is not bad.

Entertainment

Kids Play Area

There are play areas available on the upper decks of the ferries.  They are fun for young kids to run around a little bit, climb and slide, and play with other kids.

Arcade

There is also an arcade available on the ferry with the usual video games and car racing games.

TVs

There are TVs scattered around the seating areas. Usually on the upper deck, in the center, you will find the sports channel playing on the TV.  Some of the TVs have kids shows and others play news.

Is there wi-fi on the ferry?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi onboard!  However, it doesn’t always work the greatest.  It can be slow and unreliable.

Also, mid-way through the journey you pass through a dead zone where you won’t have any cell reception either.

Wildlife Sightings on the Ferry

The views of the ocean and islands are beautiful on your way from Vancouver to Victoria, but they are made even better when you catch a glimpse of wildlife!  I have been lucky to see whales a number of times on my many sailings.  They usually will announce it on the speakers and everyone rushes to one side of the ferry to check it out.  You will often feel the ferry actually slightly tip to one side 🙂

Breastfeeding on the ferry

If you are a breastfeeding mom, there are parents rooms available on the upper decks by the bathrooms.  I’m not certain that they are on all the Vancouver to Victoria ferries, but I have noticed them on a number of the vessels.

When I was nursing our daughter, I found it more comfortable to do so in the car than in the parent’s room, but if you are walking on with a baby, or are parked on the lower vehicle deck, then it is a nice option to have the parent’s room.  There are some quieter nooks and crannies that you can sometimes find on the ferries to nurse in peace, but I often found it too busy to comfortably nurse in the regular passenger seating areas.

People with Disabilities

If you have mobility issues there are elevators on the ferries.  Also, if you are driving on, let the loading officer know that you have a disability and they will let you park close to the elevator, where it is also easier to get in and out of your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

Yes, you can!  However, if you are traveling with a pet on the ferry, you will have to remain in the pet area on the upper vehicle deck or leave your pet in the car if you drove on.  Pets are not permitted on the passenger decks, except for certified guide dogs.  Each ferry does have a pet area with seating, access to water, waste bags, and kennels.

Every time I traveled on the ferry during university I had my dog with me so I am very familiar with walking on the ferry with a pet.  During the winter months it gets quite cold in the pet area so be prepared with warm clothes for yourself!

Also, if you are traveling by yourself it is difficult to find the chance to use the bathroom as you can’t bring your pet with you.  If your dog is okay being left on his/her own, they do have kennels available but you need to have your own padlock to lock it.  My dog was okay being left in the car, but when I would walk on with him, he did not like to be left alone in the pet area so it depends on your dog’s personality!

Will I get seasick on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

I am one to suffer from motion sickness and sea sickness, but luckily I’ve never gotten seasick on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria!  The ferries are quite large and you barely notice the movement while you are on it.  There have been the occasional times when we have traveled on the ferry on a rough or windy day and I have felt the boat rocking and gotten a little dizzy, but never too bad.

If you do suffer from seasickness, watch the weather and if the forecast is for wind, be prepared with some Gravol.

Can I stay in my car on the ferry?

It depends.  If you are lucky enough to get to park on the upper vehicle deck, then yes, you are allowed to remain in your car during the duration of the trip.  We often do this when we are tired and want to nap, or if our baby is being fussy.

However, if you have never been on the ferry before, we suggest you go up and enjoy it!  The views are amazing!

If you have to park on the lower vehicle deck, you are not allowed to stay in your car.  This is a Transport Canada safety rule.  It’s also not so pleasant staying on the lower vehicle deck as there are no windows and you are mostly surrounded by large trucks.

**Note: due to COVID-19, they have relaxed this rule and you are now allowed to stay in your vehicle on the lower vehicle deck so you can social distance**

Can I smoke on the ferry?

No, you are not allowed to smoke anywhere inside or outside the ferry.  I know people sometimes try to sneak a smoke on the top decks outside, but it is not allowed.

Is there somewhere I can do work or study on the ferry?

Yes, there are individual desk areas on the upper passenger decks!  I often used these during my university days.  There are a number of desks available but they often get filled up so head there early  if you want to claim one.  Each desk has two plug-ins so it’s perfect if you need to plug in your laptop and phone.

If you’d like a quieter, less-distracting area to work in, then you can opt for the Seawest Lounge, as mentioned above.

Arriving in Victoria

How to get to Victoria from Swartz Bay

By Bus

Once you walk out of the terminal, there will be bus stops immediately to your right.  The first stop is the most popular bus which takes you all the way to downtown Victoria.  Pay attention to the bus number.  Both buses go downtown, but the 72 makes more stops so it takes longer.

If you will be getting off right downtown, you are better off taking the 70 as there are less stops.  However if you are getting off before downtown, double check your stop on Google Maps or BC Transit to make sure the bus you are getting on stops there.

The cost is $2.50/person.  If you will need to make a transfer or will be taking the bus multiple times, let the driver know you want to purchase a day pass instead.  The cost is $5.  Note that you can only pay by exact change in coins or bills.

By car

If you are driving off the ferry, downtown Victoria is located about 30km south so plan for an additional 30 minutes to reach downtown.  The route is very straightforward.  You just drive down Highway 17 aka the Pat Bay Highway which then turns into Blanshard Street, taking you right into the heart of downtown.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful! If you have any questions about taking the Vancouver to Victoria ferry, please feel free to ask in the comments below and we will do our best to answer them! 🙂

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