BC Ferries Canada

BC Ferries Travel between Mainland and Vancouver Island

If you are making a trip to Vancouver Island the chances are you will take BC ferries.
This is a very well run ferry service. In the tourist season, the ferries operate from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm; they run on the hour every hour. In the off season, they operate every 2 hours on the odd hour. Sometimes for special events, BC ferries will add a crossing. Nowadays it is well advised to prebook in the tourist season or at any holiday time or you could end up with a 1 to 2 ferry wait--it costs an extra 17 dollars. During peak traveling and holiday seasons, it is a good idea to board the odd-hour sailings--these vessels are called "Super Ferries" and are the larger, better equipped and more modern of the fleet. If you are a walk on passenger, there will never be a problem and you need to be there about 20 minutes before the sailing. An adult walkon fare is $11 dollars. There are also Pacific Coach Lines buses which will take you from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria--the cost is $37.50 one way. If you are a walk on and you need to take the bus from the ferry to downtown, tickets can be bought on the ferry during the first 20 minutes of sailing.
The ferry crossing lasts 1 hour 35 mins and it is a beautiful crossing-- if you are lucky, you might see the killer whales as well as seals, bald eagles and an array of other birds.
The ferries are very well serviced with the Pacific Buffet which I think is a little expensive at approximately $20 per person--other choices are a cafe and a coffee snack counter. For me, the best bet is the Seawest Lounge on Deck 5. There is a $10 dollar fee but this includes drinks, snacks and a newspaper in a quite place to work or relax.
There is also a large play area for the children plus a video arcade and passenger gift shop.
All in all, I think this is one of the best ferry serices I have been on; and believe me, I've been on quite a few. BC ferries are clean, comfortable, fast and efficient.
Website www.bcferries.com www.pacificcoach.com
Toll-free 1-800-BC Ferry in British Columbia only or 250 386 3431
Pacific coach Toll-free 1-800 661-1725