Ferry from Victoria to Vancouver
All the options you have next to the Swartz Bay crossing
How to get to Vancouver from Victoria
When traveling to Vancouver from Victoria or the cities nearby Victoria, your first choice is the BC Ferries connection from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, which brings you just under 2 hours to the South of Vancouver.
We do have to mention that traveling from Tsawwassen to the Vancouver city center is much less convenient compared to traveling to the city center from Horseshoe Bay.
With that in mind, we want to let you know that there is also a ferry leaving from Nanaimo, which brings you to the North-West of Vancouver. The port of Nanaimo can be reached in 1 hour and 30 minutes from Victoria.
You can also travel to Anacortes from Sidney (just South of Swartz Bay). This is, however, not the best alternative, and we would only take this one if you want to travel to the USA instead of Vancouver.
Exactly the same prices
All BC ferries sailing over the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver have the same price, in that way for price comparison it doesn't matter which option you take.
Ferry from Victoria to Tsawwassen
The #1 choice to reach Vancouver from Victoria. You'll be sailing with the Spirit of Vancouver Island, the Coastal Celebration of the Spirit of British Colombia.The price you can expect for this trip
We've done some test bookings and with a car, you'll end up with about $136 to $156 for a single trip. Be sure to keep an eye on the ‘saver' emblem. Not only for the lower price but also for a more calm trip on an almost empty ship!Swartz Bay ⇔ South of Vancouver
Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen
The route to the North-West of Vancouver
This route isn't a bad choice when you are simply willing to drive a bit longer to the departure port and arrive at a better spot near Vancouver. The North of Vancouver is better connected to the city center of Vancouver and is also close to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is definitely worth a visit! (See the picture below)
Nanaimo ⇔ North-West of Vancouver
Nanaimo-Horseshoe Bay
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park near Horseshoe Bay
The Alternative which is really no alternative
It's also possible to take a ferry from Sidney (very close to Victoria) to Anacortes. This ferry however has to sail between various islands and eventually lands further south to Vancouver. Only if you want to travel to the US this is a valid alternative.
Anacortes-Sidney
Despite its history and significance, Sidney-Anacortes is typically the state's most minor route. The amount of 110,000 to 150,000 passengers per year wasn't enough to resume it's operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
99 out of 100 times you will be traveling with BC Ferries. The only alternative to reach Vancouver is to sail with Washington State Ferries.
There isn't much price difference on the routes leading to Vancouver. If you book well in advance and aim for the discounts, which you can find on ferry times which are not that busy. You can save a bit.
We are fans of Horseshoe Bay, we see that as the best way to enter Vancouver. So we would choose for Departure way to make sure you end up in Horseshoe Bay.
This depends on the boat you'll be sailing with, and multiple boats sail per crossing. However in general you can say that there are most of the time working machines in an arcade room for kids. They will love it 🙂 Just go for the children's play area!
Ferry talk: Share your questions and opinions
Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!
