The vacation starts even before you reach Vancouver Island. You'll enjoy the spectacular scenery whether you choose to fly or take a mini-cruise on one of several ferries connecting mainland British Columbia and Washington State to Victoria and Vancouver Island. In addition to the marine routes, major airlines offer an excellent daily connector service. All that makes us definitely well connected.
FERRY
The BC Ferries operates one of the world's largest and most modern ferry fleets, with 38 ships servicing 46 ports-of-call along the coast of BC. The major southern route ![[B.C. Ferry - Get photo]](../guideimages/v62b.jpg)
connects Tsawwassen on the mainland (south of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island (37 km from Victoria). The fleet includes the S-Class Superferries, Spirit of Vancouver Island and Spirit of BC. During the peak summer months, there are 16 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily. The crossing takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The major mid-island route connects Horseshoe Bay on the mainland (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. During the peak summer months, there are up to 12 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily. The crossing takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The Mid-Island Express route between Tsawwassen and Duke Point, with 8 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily, takes 2 hours.
CITY BUS SERVICE
Victoria Regional Transit System covers the entire city from downtown Victoria to Sooke and Sidney. Take a single trip or ride all day with a day-pass available from many outlets. For further information consult your Transit Riders’ Guide (available at the Visitor’s Information Centre) or phone 382-6161.
OTHER MARINE TRANSPORTATION
Victoria to Seattle
The Victoria Clipper and Victoria Clipper II high-speed catamarans offer year-round passenger service only, daily between Seattle and Victoria.
Sidney, BC, to Anacortes, Washington
Washington State Ferries operates at least 2 sailings daily in the summer months, and one daily for the balance of the year. Cars, R.V.s, trucks and foot passengers are carried. Cafeteria service is available. Sailing time is approximately 2½ hours.
Victoria to Port Angeles, Washington
Blackball Transport Inc. (M.V. Coho) operates 4 sailings daily during the summer months, 2-3 sailings daily in spring and fall, and one during the winter. Vehicles are carried and a cafeteria is available. Sailing time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The Victoria Express I & II Passenger Ferry Connecting Port Angeles with Victoria’s inner harbour and the San Juan Islands during the summer months, foot passenger ferries are a convenient way to arrive.The 105-foot Victoria Express accepts reservations for up to 148 passengers and is a speedy one-hour
crossing.
Victoria San Juan Cruises offers daily service between Bellingham, Wasington and Victoria B.C. mid-May through September. Service includes all-you-can-eat baked salmon and prime rib dinner. Reservations recommended 1-800-443-4552.
