Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry crossing through Gulf Islands
The bus is already rolling when you board: heading straight for the ferry terminal and the water beyond.
You board a coach at one of four Vancouver locations, ride to the ferry terminal, then cross the Strait of Georgia for 95 minutes on a BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands before the same coach delivers you to downtown Victoria. Luggage, ferry fare and taxes are included. You choose your pickup point when you book.
Options for this experience
4 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Transfer from Vancouver to Victoria
- Board coach at selected Vancouver location
- Travel to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
- Board BC Ferry to Swartz Bay
- Enjoy 95-minute scenic ferry crossing
- Disembark at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
- Coach transfer to Capital City Station Victoria
What’s included
- Your transfer includes the shared coach from your chosen Vancouver pickup location to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, the BC Ferries crossing to Swartz Bay, and the coach ride to Capital City Station in downtown Victoria.
- One suitcase (up to 50 pounds) and one carry-on bag per person are included.
- All taxes, fees and the ferry fare are covered.
- Service animals travel free with valid certification.
Times
- Every day 08:15 08:55 09:30 09:40 10:15 11:30 11:40 13:15 13:40 15:15 15:40
Before you book
Operated by BC Ferries Connector
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The coach leaves from one of four spots depending on where you are: the Vancouver Bus Station at Pacific Central, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Georgia Street, YVR airport (check in at the Skylynx kiosk in International Arrivals), or the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place if you're disembarking that morning. Once everyone's settled, the driver heads to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, where you board a BC Ferry bound for Swartz Bay. That's when the 95-minute crossing starts, and it's the part most people actually look forward to. The route cuts through the Gulf Islands, so the water is never empty. Orcas show up sometimes. Eagles. The light changes every few minutes depending on which island you're passing.
The ferry itself is the real transfer, not just a ride you tolerate between two cities. You can walk the deck, grab coffee, sit outside if the weather holds. The motor coach waits for you on the other side at Swartz Bay, then drives you straight into downtown Victoria: Capital City Station, which sits right behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The whole thing, from pickup to arrival, takes longer than a direct drive would, but that's because you're crossing water, and there's no shortcut for that. Timing varies depending on traffic in Vancouver and ferry schedules, so you're not looking at a fixed clock, but the operator builds in enough buffer that you're not rushing.
You get one suitcase (up to 50 pounds) and one carry-on. Collapsible strollers fit underneath if they fold and weigh less than 50 pounds. Service animals and certified guide dogs travel free. If you're traveling with kids under 40 pounds, you need to bring an approved car seat. The bus has seatbelts, but the seat is on you. The ferry fare and all taxes are already in the price, so there's nothing to sort out at the terminal except which deck you want to stand on.
Is this one for you?Right choice if you're moving between Vancouver and Victoria without a car and want the ferry crossing handled as part of one booking. The 95-minute ferry is built into the journey, not a separate arrangement: pickup, crossing and downtown arrival all flow together.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.
Where exactly do I get picked up in Vancouver?
Four options: Vancouver Bus Station (Bay #7, Pacific Central), Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (W Georgia Street), Vancouver International Airport (Skylynx kiosk in International Arrivals), or Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal at Canada Place if you're disembarking that day.
How long is the ferry crossing?
95 minutes across the Strait of Georgia. The route passes through the Gulf Islands, and wildlife sightings are common.
What's included in the price?
The coach transfer, BC Ferries fare, all taxes and fees, and one suitcase (max 50 lbs) plus one carry-on bag per person.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Collapsible strollers fit under the bus if they fold and weigh under 50 lbs. Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if a companion can help you board and disembark.
Can my service animal travel with me?
Yes. Service animals and certified guide dogs travel free. Present valid certification to the driver at check-in.
What if I have oversized luggage like a surfboard or bike?
Oversized items may have restrictions. Contact the operator before booking to confirm whether your luggage is acceptable.
Where does the coach drop me in Victoria?
Capital City Station, located downtown behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry crossing through Gulf Islands
4h
from CA$ 91.09 per person
≈ US$ 66 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.