Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry crossing through Gulf Islands

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/6

Duration4h

GroupUp to 48

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Step-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

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.

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by BC Ferries Connector

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.