Vehicle Ferry to Victoria BC: Planning Your Vehicle Travel to Victoria

Traveling to Victoria, BC by vehicle ferry is a unique and scenic experience. The ferry ride itself is a major part of the journey.

The Black Ball Ferry Company, which operates the MV Coho, is a popular choice for travelers. It offers daily departures from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria, BC.

The ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on the weather and sea conditions. This allows for some time to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

Make sure to check the Black Ball Ferry Company's schedule and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Before you set off on your journey, it's essential to plan ahead for your vehicle ferry to Victoria BC. If you're planning to travel during peak season, it's crucial to purchase tickets or make a reservation in advance.

Reservations are limited, and popular routes and sailing times often sell out quickly. Purchasing or reserving your tickets ahead of time secures a spot for your vehicle on the ferry.

If you wait to purchase your tickets until you arrive at the ferry terminal, your vehicle will be boarded in the order of arrival on the soonest available sailing. To avoid this, check our FAQ's page for more information on what sailings are most likely to sell out.

To avoid missing your sailing, it's essential to check in with a ticket agent at the terminal before the check-in cut-off time.

If you have a reservation, check in 30-60 minutes prior to your sailing time. This will ensure you don't forfeit your spot.

Check-in times vary depending on the terminal and whether you have a reservation. Here's a breakdown of the check-in times for different terminals:

Be sure to check in on time to avoid any issues with your reservation.

It's a good idea to make a pre-purchase or reservation for your ferry tickets. This ensures you secure a spot for your vehicle on the ferry.

If you wait to purchase your tickets until you arrive at the ferry terminal, your vehicle will be boarded in the order of arrival on the soonest available sailing. This can be a gamble, especially on popular routes and sailing times.

You can check the BC Ferries sailing specials to see how you can save on your tickets. Some sailings may be more budget-friendly than others.

It's recommended to purchase or reserve your tickets in advance, as reservations are limited and popular routes often sell out. You can check the FAQ's page for more information on what sailings are most likely to sell out.

To give you a better idea, here are the check-in times for the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay) terminals:

Traveling on a vehicle ferry to Victoria, BC? Make sure you're aware of the Transport Canada regulations for enclosed vehicle decks. Passengers on these decks will be required to leave their vehicles during the sailing.

The height, length, and weight of your vehicle will determine which deck it's placed on. This is important to keep in mind when booking your ferry ride.

If you're taking your vehicle on the ferry, be prepared to leave it unattended during the sailing.

Loading vehicles during extreme tide conditions can be a challenge, but the ferry operators have a system in place to ensure smooth boarding. Depending on the route and traffic volumes, you'll board the ferry before or after all other vehicles.

To travel to Vancouver (Tsawwassen) with a reservation, arrive at the terminal 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. If you arrive before booking check-in has opened, or after booking check-in has closed, your travel will be based on your order of arrival at the terminal.

Assured Loading is available for card holders, who should arrive at the terminal 20 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and provide their card to the ticket agent. This service can be a game-changer for those who need priority boarding.

If you're traveling to Saturna Island, arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time to receive priority boarding. Peak Season sailings at 3:20 pm Monday – Wednesday, and 3:30 pm Thursday and Friday, and Shoulder and Off Peak Season sailings at 3:10 pm Monday – Friday, offer this service.

Here are the ferry ticket prices for vehicles:

If you're planning to travel with a vehicle, it's essential to know what types of vehicles are allowed on BC Ferries. Standard vehicles, including cars, vans, and SUVs, are loaded onto the upper or lower vehicle deck, depending on deck space availability.

You can bring standard vehicles, motorcycles, and even trailers, sidecars, or motorcycles with more than two wheels, as long as they fit within the specified dimensions. However, if your vehicle is 7 ft. (2.13 m) high or under, and items on top of your vehicle cause your vehicle height to go over 7 ft. (2.13 m), it may be considered oversized.

Vehicles over 7 ft. (2.13 m) high or more than 20 ft. (6.10 m) long are considered oversized vehicles, which may impact your fare and the deck on which you are placed. During a sailing, you can only stay in your vehicle if you are placed on the upper vehicle deck due to Transport Canada regulations.

To ensure a smooth loading process, remember to ride slowly when loading or unloading, park diagonally to the ferry's centre line, and leave in a low gear. You can also use wooden blocks (available on our vehicle decks) to secure your motorcycle.

Here's a summary of the vehicle types and requirements:

If you're planning a trip from Victoria to Vancouver, here are some essential details to keep in mind.

Arrive at the Swartz Bay terminal 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure for travel to Vancouver (Tsawwassen) with a reservation. Your booking won't be honoured if you arrive outside of this time frame.

Booking check-in for foot passenger groups and vehicles opens 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. This is the time to get your tickets and confirm your travel plans.

Booking check-in for foot passenger groups and vehicles closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Don't wait too long or you might miss your chance to travel.

If you have an Assured Loading Card, arrive at the terminal 20 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and provide your card to the ticket agent. This will help you get on the ferry with priority.

For travel to Saturna Island, arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time to receive priority boarding. This is especially helpful during peak season sailings at 3:20 pm Monday – Wednesday, and 3:30 pm Thursday and Friday.

Priority boarding is also available for shoulder and off-peak season sailings at 3:10 pm Monday – Friday.

Note that priority boarding is only available for Saturna Island travel, and it's a great way to make the most of your time on the ferry.

The ferry vessels servicing the Vancouver to Victoria route have limited capacities for vehicles. If you're planning to drive your vehicle aboard the ferry, it's essential to note that the boat can fill quickly, especially for the busiest departure times.

Purchasing your tickets or a reservation in advance will save you time and guarantee you a spot on the boat, as long as you check-in for your departure at the terminal prior to the time noted on your ticket.

If you're just walking-on to the boat, there should be no need to worry, as the passenger and crew capacity is substantial, ranging from 1,332 to 2,100.

Here's a breakdown of the vehicle spaces available on each ferry vessel:

Loading vehicles in extreme tides can be a bit tricky, but there's a clear plan in place. Depending on the route and traffic volumes, you'll board the ferry before or after all other vehicles.