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Seattle <-> Victoria Revised Fall/Winter Ferry Sailings

Seattle-Victoria Ferry Sailing Updates
The following ferry sailings between Seattle & Victoria are cancelled:
 October: 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
 November :  1,  2,  3,  8,  9, 10, 15, 16 ,17, 22, 29, 30
 December: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 25

Note:  Early ferry departures from Victoria to Seattle
On November 24 & December 24 will the ferry will depart from Victoria for Seattle at 12:00 PM



Seattle ferry to Victoria : Victoria Ferry to Seattle

BC Ferry Introduces New Booking Requirements

ALERT: Passengers Ferrying between Alaska & Prince Rupert BC

The BC Government recently implemented new requirements for travellers taking the ferry between Alaska & Prince Rupert BC.


To confirm any booking, the following is required for each traveller over 18 yrs

  1. each passengers' passport number, or passport card number
  2. the country of passport issuance
  3. the province/state of passport issuance
  4. the passport issuance date
  5. the passport expiration date
  6. the place of birth for all travellers
  7. the date of birth for all travellers

Bookings can not be completed without the above information for each passenger.

Alaska Ferries ReOpen Their Bars

"Happy Hour" Returns To Alaska Ferries After A 2 Year Close


The State has reopened the bars serving beer and wine on both the Matanuska and Kennicott vessels.


Now serving Alaskan Brewing Company beer in bottles and cans, plus a selection of wines & seltzers, the bar service which was discontinued for the last few years is also working toward serving pre-packaged mixed drinks.


In looking for ways to improve the travel experience, snacks like popcorn, chips & pretzels will also be available from the ferry bars.


The Matanuska offers ferry service between Bellingham Washington; Prince Rupert British Columbia; and Southeast Alaska. 

The Kennicott has ferry sailings from Bellingham, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersberg, Sitka & Juneau thru Whittier & Homer to Kodiak.


The Best of Both Worlds

Ferry One Way & Fly The Reverse

Enjoy the best of both worlds when you combine a ferry ride with a sea plane flight.

The ferry between the Seattle harbor & Victoria harbor is a passenger only, high-speed catamaran which travels once per day in both directions.
Travel time on the Seattle - Victoria Ferry is approximately 3 hrs:

The sea planes, travelling between the harbours in Seattle & Victoria are de Havilland Beavers (or the larger Otters) and they travel several times per day.
Travel time by seaplane is approximately 45 minutes.
 
An alternative routes is to travel by seaplane from Seattle to Vancouver (flight time just under 1hr), & then cross from Vancouver to Victoria on a passenger/vehicle traditional ferry (crossing time 1hr 35 mins)

Whichever transportation you choose the coastal sights are spectacular and the transportation whether by air or by sea, or a combination of both, is where your holiday begins.

For more information call 1-800-686-0446



 

Kudos to BC Ferries !

BC Ferries Provides Ukrainian Citizens With Free Ferry Travel
Displaced Ukrainian citizens with the need to travel to their host family or final destination by ferry are being provided complimentary passage by BC Ferries.
Also eligible for free round-trip ferry travel are the translators & host volunteers providing travel assistance to Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C.

Well done BC Ferries !   This warms the heart !

Ferry, Barge or Drive ?

Three Transportation Choices for Alaska & The Lower 48 Travellers

FERRIES to / from Alaska
The dynamic pricing policy (as space decreases the price increases) on all Alaska ferries coupled with a heavy demand as workers and vacationing travellers go between the Lower 48 and Alaska has resulted in not only eye-wateringly high ferry prices, but a "Sold Out" position for vehicles and cabins, for most of the summer.
Ferries travel up & down the Inside Passage once a week and across the Gulf 2x per month.
Current ferry costs and sailing dates are available by clicking www.ferrytravel.com or by calling 1-800-686-0446.
(Stay on the Home Page and use the "Get Quote or Book Here" widget to get a quote)

DRIVING to / from Alaska
Driving through Canada is an ferry / barge alternate option for the fully vaccinated; those holding a current passport and baring any legal issues. 
(A DUI is considered a felony in Canada & hand guns, automatic, & semi automatic guns are prohibited)
Be aware that gas prices in Canada are currently running between $7.50 & $8.50 a gallon.

BARGING to/ from Alaska
At this time barging vehicles (no passengers) is the most economical and perhaps least stressful way to transport a vehicle/s between Alaska and Washington.
The barges between Seattle, Anchorage & Fairbanks travel both north and south every week, year round.
Barge transportation is also available between Seattle & Ketchikan, Wrangell Petersburg, Sitka , Juneau & Haines, 2x each week.
Costs and sailing dates are available by clicking www.ferrytravel.com or by calling 1-800-686-0446
(Stay on the Home Page and use the "Get Quote or Book Here" widget to get a quote)

Nanaimo to Vancouver Fast Ferry

Discussion Resumes Re Fast Ferry Between Nanaimo & Vancouver
For many years there has been both discussion about and attempts to establish a high speed, passenger-only ferry service between the downtown cores of Nanaimo & Vancouver.

Aside from any tourism factors, year-round commuter traffic desiring a fast ferry would seem to support the success of the route.

In the fall of 2021, hope rose once again as Rupesh Amin, CEO of Conqora Capital Partners declared ...“We’re close to being operational,”
Conqora is a Toronto based private equity firm specializing in "creating, developing & partnering with strong management teams."

On September 16, 2021 an agreement between  Conqora Capital Partners, the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) and Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) was announced.The deal involves a 20-year lease granting access to the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf, welcome terminals as well as parking access at the cruise ship terminal.

Fingers crossed once again.

Haida Gwaii Ferry Service Restored

Northern Adventure Ferry Service Restored

BC Ferries anticipates the restoration regular ferry service to Haida Gwaii by Friday 29 April.

The Northern Adventure, serves two routes: one from Prince Rupert on the mainland & one from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island,.

Unfortunately, & as a direct result of related covid-19 issues, the ferry sailings between these routes had been cancelled since Sunday.

With the situatioin now resolved, regular ferry sailings will resume with an 11 a.m. sailing from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on April 29.

For more information email : info@ferrytravel.com

Prince Rupert Ferry Service    Port Hardy Ferry Service    Haida Gwaii Ferry service

Daylight Ferry between Prince Rupert & Port Hardy

02 June 2022 Sees The Start of Inside Passage Day Trips
Commencing 02 June 2022 thru September, the Northern Expedition, the BC Ferry sailing between Prince Rupert & Port Hardy will depart from both sides at 7:30am and travel all day to arrive at 11:30 PM.

The 15 hr journey during daylight hours is known to provide spectacular photo opportunities of both the coast and sea life.

The 1st class Aurora Lounge (reserved seating accessed with a swipe card) provides leather recliner chairs and floor to ceiling windows.

The Vista buffet offers elegant ocean-view dining (and at an all-inclusive price - an unlimited selection of hot & cold food; a fresh salad bar plus a very tempting dessert selection.

The alternative � la carte cafeteria-style Canoe Caf�  offers a variety of hot entrees & grab and go items for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You can also enjoy a glass of beer or wine with your meal. 

 Reserve early  www.ferrytravel.com or 1800-686-0446



Port Hardy - Prince Rupert Ferry Sailings

Port Hardy - Prince Rupert Vehicle Space Tight
Travellers hoping to take the Port Hardy & Prince Rupert ferry (or Prince Rupert- Port Hardy) will find vehicle space very tight until June.

Early booking is mandatory to avoid disappointment.
Visit www.ferrytravel.com or call 1-800-686-0446

BC Ferries Rescues Fishermen

BC Ferries Again Provides Rescue

Once again BC Ferries has provided rescue services to passengers on a vessel in distress.

On Sunday morning the BC ferry Northern Adventure sailing between Port Hardy & Prince Rupert spotted a flare sent by a burning fishing boat in Arthur Passage near Prince Rupert.

Two B.C. Ferries crew members launched a zodiac and were able to rescue the two men on the burning fishing boat.

The rescued fishermen were later picked up by the Canadian Coast Guard and were then transported to Prince Rupert.

Prince Rupert ferry to Alaska

Prince Rupert - Ketchikan
The newly reinstated Prince Rupert - Ketchikan and points north and south in Alaska has regained its popularity & with only a couple of sailings each month, is experiencing heavy demand through the summer.

It is important to remember that the Alaska ferries have a dynamic pricing structure : as available space decreases, prices increase.
With this "staircase pricing" policy in place, the earlier one makes their ferry reservation the less expensive the cost.

Ferry Travelling South to
Ferry Travelling North to Bellingham

Port Hardy - Prince Rupert - Ketchikan Ferries Experience Heavy Demand

Port Hardy - Prince Rupert Ferries Space Is Tight
 All vehicle & cabin space on the Port Hardy - Prince Rupert ferry routes for the month of April is currently sold out. 
 Passager only space is still available. 
To complete a booking go to the Home Page of www.ferrytravel.com or email call 1-800-686-0446

Ferry Travel ID Requirements

What Kind Of Identification Do I Need To Travel On A Ferry
Travellers on the Alaska Marine ferries must government issued photo id (driver's license, passport, or military identification) upon when collecting their at the terminal and then again prior to boarding the vessel.    Random ticket & id checks may be conducted onboard the vessel.

Canada - Identification Requirements


U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens traveling through Canada will be required to show a current passport.

Passengers boarding an Alaska bound vessel travelling directly between Bellingham, Washington & any Alaska port are not required to have a passport.
Only passengers disembarking in Canada (eg Prince Rupert BC) are required to have a passport.

U.S. Residents

U.S. residents who are not citizens must carry their alien registration receipt cards.
Permanent residents of Canada who are not Canadian citizens should have their landed immigrant visas.
Canadian customs officials may require travellers to show proof of sufficient funds for the trip.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens are required to present either a valid passport; a NEXUS or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or an enhanced driver's license/enhanced identification card when entering the United States at a land or water crossing.
For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency web site.
Vehicles
Motorists may be asked to show their vehicle registration card or proof of title and liability insurance coverage.
Children
If travelling with a child not in your full legal custody, additional paperwork, including permission to travel from the non-travelling parent, may be required.


Seattle Victoria Ferry Requirement Reminder

Canada Entry Requirements:

  1. Necessary ID and Travel Documents
    When traveling between Seattle & Victoria, it will be necessary to pass through Customs and Border Protection at the border. 
  2. You will need one of the following travel documents:
    • A Passport (required for air travel)
    • A Passport Card
    • An Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID) applicable to select state/province only, this is different than a Real ID.
    • A NEXUS Card
  3. ArriveCAN (click here)
    Approved receipt of accepted submission within 72 hours of arrival into Canada. 
  4.  It is strongly recommend completing your ArriveCAN entry via the app.
  5. Negative PCR COVID-19 test results (NOT rapid antigen test) taken within 72 hours of arrival into Canada.                               IMPORTANT: PCR test must be taken within 72 hours of planned arrival time into Canada. 
  6. Proof of full vaccination hard copy.                                          Your digital copy of your proof of vaccination will be uploaded into your ArriveCAN submission.

All documents listed above are required in order to board the Seattle WA ferry to Victoria BC.

Anacortes - Sidney - Friday Harbor Ferry Service

Anacortes - Sidney Ferry Out of Service Indefinitely
The seasonal ferry service to and from Anacortes, the San Juan Islands and Victoria, continues to be suspended.
John Vezina of Washington State Ferries reported that ”significant crewing & vessel availability challenges” are the major issues.

Historically Washington State Ferries ran the nine month ferry service from Anacortes to Sidney with stops at Friday Harbour on San Juan Island, but the recent health challenges suggest the ferry service which started in 1922,  is unlikely to operate in 2022.  

For Sidney, Anacortes & Friday Harbor businesses it's disappointing as they won't get the level of tourist traffic previously enjoyed: and for BC locals, the suspended ferry service means visiting Washington is not nearly as easy as in past years.

Sidney mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith noted a restoration of service is being worked on and that there is a chance the ferry service might return toward the end of the season.

Sidney and Anacortes who are sister cities, had been planning on celebrating 100 years of the ferry service connection this year. 

Covid Update For Ferry Travel

As of 01 April 2022
The Canadian Government has announced that effective April 1, 2022  fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by ferry.   
Fully vaccinated travellers seeking to arrive in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test.

ALSO NOTE: All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) before their arrival in Canada. 
Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. 


Tavellers who qualify as fully vaccinated and are arriving in Canada from any country, may need to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival if selected for mandatory random testing. Travellers selected for mandatory random testing are not required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

Partially or unvaccinated travellers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada, should note that pre-entry testing requirements are not changing.


All travellers 5 years of age or older who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must continue to provide proof of an accepted type of pre-entry COVID-19 test result:
* a valid, negative antigen test, administered or observed by an accredited lab or testing provider, taken outside of Canada no more than one day before their initially scheduled departure time or their arrival at the marine port of entry;
OR
* a valid negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their initially scheduled departure time or their arrival at the marine port of entry;
OR
* a previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their initially scheduled  departure time or their arrival at the marine port of entry.
*  It is important to note that positive antigen test results will not be accepted.

All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) before their arrival in Canada. 
Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. 

Travellers taking a cruise must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding

Seattle - Victoria Ferry Resumes Service

Seattle - Victoria Ferry Escape
After an absence of almost 2 years the high-speed ferry from Seattle to Victoria will resume service April 15, 2022
Travelling between downtown Seattle & downtown Victoria, the ferry will provide service commencing in April.
Reservations ( www.ferrytravel.com) should be made well in advance as sailings sell out quickly

Seattle to Victoria Ferry Schedule
15 April - 18 April the ferry will depart Seattle Fri- Mon at 8:00 AM
22 April - 09 October the ferry will depart Seattle daily at 7:30 AM
10 Oct - 03 January the ferry will depart Seattle daily at 8:00 AM
 Victoria to Seattle Ferry Schedule
15 April - 18 April the ferry will depart Victoria Fri- Mon at 5:00 PM
22 April - 09 October the ferry will depart Victoria daily at 5:00 PM
10 Oct - 03 January the ferry will depart Victoriadaily  at 5:00 PM
 ( No Sailing Christmas Day)

Seattle - Victoria Ferry Hotel Packages are guaranteed to save money so if planning to stay a day or few, call 1-800-686-0446

Bellingham WA Ferry to Whittier AK Update

Ferry Space for Vehicles Travelling Between Washingtom & Alaska Is Tight

Heavy demand for travel on the ferries which travelling across the Gulf from Washington to Whittier has resulted in a sold-out position of all vehicle space until mid August.   Vehicle space south from Whittier to Bellingham is getting tighter

 Historically the cross-gulf ferry Bellingham to Whittier - which avoids travel through Canada- sails 2x per month from April through September.

Because of the dynamic pricing policy introduced by the State of Alaska in 2019, fares can change substantially as any sailing fills.
To ensure the best chance of securing both vehicle space and the lowest pricing, it is important to choose the desired sailing, and book the ferry as soon as travel plans can be set.

Because pricing for each sailing can vary substantially from day to day depending on the demand, it is a good idea to check the costs on several sailing dates if travel plans are flexible.

Mask Requirtement Mandate Update

BC Ferries Drops Mask Mandate
As of midnight 11 March 2022, masks will no longer be required for travellers on BC Ferries.

The move is in keeping with Dr. Bonnie Henrys' decision to repeal the public health order requiring masks in public spaces.
Dr Henry enphasised however that it is important to respect every individuals decision with respect to who chooses to continue wearing masks.


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