After a several-day visit to the delightful city of Vancouver, British Columbia, it was time to leave. But in which direction? Travelers have to make a choice. Go west by ferry to Vancouver Island? Or drive north through Whistler and Lillooet to the Cariboo Highway northbound—or Trans-Canada #1 and points east? Or perhaps leave Vancouver and drive east on Trans-Canada, following the Fraser River through Hell’s Gate? I’ll be writing about all of these in the weeks to come, but I’m going to start with the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria. Well, first I’ll talk about getting to Vancouver Island.
Now’s a good time to mention that George Vancouver had many things named after him. There’s the city—which is located on the mainland. And there’s the island. Frequently referring to your B.C. map will help keep things straight in your mind.
For me, flying to Victoria is out, because I like to see the city and explore by car some of the other exciting places on this very big island. Whether you want to take your RV or not depends on how long you expect to be there. Ferry costs can be relatively high—but so can hotel/motel accommodations.
Getting from the mainland to Vancouver Island by ferry: there are several ways, and they are all good choices.
One possibility: From the city of North Vancouver, drive west to Horseshoe Bay. From there you might want to take a ferry to Langdale and the Sunshine Coast Highway 101, and then wander north along the western edge of the mainland to Powell River, where a ferry can take you to Vancouver Island. Most people, however, simply take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay straight across to Nanaimo (a couple of hours north of Victoria) and then start their explorations.
Another possibility: South of the city of Vancouver is Tsawwassen, a bedroom community. Two miles beyond town is the ferry terminal, with boats to Swartz Bay.Note: Departures from Canada are on B.C. Ferries.
Yet another way to get to Vancouver Island by ferry is from Anacortes, Washington. The last I heard, they only ran one ferry a day all the way to Sidney. You almost certainly will need reservations for that boat. Also, the through service usually shuts down in winter, so check before you go. Complications notwithstanding, this is my favorite way because the ferry zigzags its way through the San Juan Islands, stopping at Friday Harbor, and then on to Sidney.
Note: This service is with Washington State Ferries.
The last way to get to Vancouver Island I’m going to mention is also from the state of Washington. Along the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula is the small city of Port Angeles. Only one ferry operates from there to Victoria: the M.V. Coho, of the Black Ball Ferry Line. It’s a straight shot north across the Juan de Fuca Strait. If the sky is clear, viewing the Olympic Range is spectacular. Otherwise, you’re just crossing some water. Ah, but at the end of the crossing, the M.V. Coho actually enters Victoria’s tiny harbor. As you glide toward your dock, there—right before you—is the magnificent Empress Hotel, with the Parliament Building to your right. This is by far the most dramatic ferry docking of them all.
How you choose to get to Vancouver Island is merely part of your overall Canadian travel plans, certainly. But fear not, they all are terrific routes.
While you’re still in the planning stage, why not arrive by one ferry route, and return to the mainland by another?
Sure, why not?
Final note: Dress for the weather and stand next to the railing; you might see killer whales at any time on any of the ferries. (Pssst, they’re really not whales, though. They are orcas, and their nickname is “killer whale.” They’re the largest of the dolphin species.)
Charlie
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