by Vanessa Cowley

Created on: November 24, 2008

The cities of Vancouver and Victoria are top tourist destinations. With so much to see and do in and around both cities, it is natural to ensure any trip to the area includes both. The city of Vancouver sits on the western shore of the Canadian mainland, and Victoria at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which lies about 40 km off the coast. Between the mainland and the island is Georgia Strait, a tame, inland waterway that is crisscrossed many times by several ferry routes.

There is currently only one service provider, BC Ferries, on most routes. The BC Ferries fleet consists entirely of car ferries, with the largest boats accommodating 2100 passengers and 470 vehicles. The main terminals that serve the city of Vancouver are Horseshoe Bay to the north, and Tswwassen to the south. The Horseshoe Bay terminal serves Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the central and north island from a terminal at Nanaimo. The Tswwassen terminal serves the Southern Gulf Islands and provides the closest terminal to Victoria.

If you are staying at a hotel in downtown Vancouver and you don't have a car, investigate the Pacific Coach Lines bus service between the two cities. As a foot passenger, this is the best way to get to Victoria, as you can leave your luggage on the bus during the ride over. If you take a taxi or public transit to the terminal, you will have a long walk down the concourse to where you board the ferry, and will have to be responsible for your luggage during the journey.

If you have a car, or are renting a car for the trip, then consider reservations for your journey. These cost an additional $15 on top of your fare, and they must be claimed no more than 60 minutes but no less than 30 minutes before your journey, so they are somewhat restrictive. Reservations are a good idea if you are traveling on a Friday, Sunday or Holiday Monday, or if you have an oversized vehicle like a motor home.

Once at the terminal, you will drive up to a gate. Check to make sure you go to the correct gate for your destination, which is Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. After you pay your fare, you will be directed to a numbered lane. It is important to go into the lane you have been directed to, or you may end up on a ferry to another destination. Lanes are loaded in the order they were filled, so don't be distracted by a shorter line.

The cruise across the open water of Georgia Strait is lovely. Watch the water for the dorsal fins of whales or dolphins that inhabit this area in the summer. As you approach the first of the Southern Gulf Islands, you will travel through Active Pass, a narrow, winding channel separating Mayne and Galiano Islands. Find a spot along the rails on the outside deck for this part of the journey, as the passage is narrow and interesting, although be warned that the ferries are obliged to blow their horns as they enter the two blind corners in the Pass. After exiting Active Pass, you will pass Saltspring Island to the north, and the two Pender Islands to the south. This is another great area to spot killer whales and sea birds as you make the final approach to Swartz Bay.

The journey to Swartz Bay will take 1 hour and 35 minutes. Once you have disembarked at Swartz Bay, it is about half an hour down the highway to the charming city of Victoria.

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