1-800-686-0446
info@ferrytravel.com
Requests for a reliable, cost efficient Nanaimo downtown to Vancouver downtown ferry service have been ongoing for years, and the call to action has been met unsuccessfully, by 3 separate ferry operators.
The newest "kid on the dock" is HILLO, and it appears that this time enough planning with respect to passenger fares, sailing times and the appropriate vessels (high-speed catamarans), has been made to enable what should be a highly popular & successful service.
Scheduled to commence operation in late summer 2023 with up to 7 daily sailings & a running time of 70 minutes, the ferry service is designed to begin early enough and run late enough to serve the interests of both daily commuters and Islanders attending off Island special events.
HULLO will operate two 354 seat “Cats”with 3 service tiers ( comfort, premium& business ) & free Wi-Fi. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Fares, schedules and reservation information will be available & posted on ferrytravel.com in early June.
summer 2023
A ferry alternate transportation opportunity for visitors wishing to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island from Seattle WA, is Kenmore Air.
Kenmore Air operate a year-round, 35 minute scheduled Thursday thru Monday sea plane services between Seattle (Lake Union & Lake Washington) & Victoria (Inner Harbour).
Flying De Havilland (Bombardier) DH3 Turbo Otters, the standard Kenmore Air ticket price between Seattle & Victoria is +/- $204.00usd
Drydock Scheduled For The Port Angeles - Victoria Ferry
Between Jan 04, 2023 & January 25, 2023 there will be no scheduled service for the ferry between Port Angeles & Victoria.
During this period the MV Coho Port Angeles & Victoria ferry goes into drydock for her annual servicing.
During this period the passenger only ferry services will be available from Seattle WA to Victoria BC and vehicle/ passenger services will be available from Vancouver BC to Victoria BC.
Alternate transportation between downtown Seattle WA and downtown Victoria BC is provided by Kenmore Air & between downtown Vancouver BC and downtown Victoria BC is provided by Harbour Air
Information on both Harbour Air & Kenmore Air can be had by calling 1-800 686-0446
Drydock Scheduled For The Seattle - Victoria Ferry
Between Jan 16, 2023 & March 01 2023 there will be no scheduled service for the ferry between Seattle & Victoria.
During this period, the Seattle -Victoria fast ferry goes into drydock for her annual servicing.
There are 2 alternate ferry systems providing service to Victoria, one from Port Angeles oil Washington & the other from Vancouver BC
For those travelling without a vehicle and wanting to travel between Seattle & Victoria during the Jan- March period Kenmore Air is a superb alternative.
Information on Kenmore Air can be had by c calling 1-800 686-0446
ID Requirements for Ferry Passengers crossing a border
US & Canadian citizens require one of the following when crossing a US/Canada border
– A Valid PassportU.S. Passport Card
– Trusted traveler card (NEXUS)
– Enhanced Driver’s License from one of the following provinces/states: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington State
*Please note: “REAL ID’s” (issued by some states to comply with FAA and domestic federal requirements) are not a valid travel document for an international border crossing.
– Enhanced identification card (for example: enhanced Tribal cards, if available)
– U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
– U.S. Military Identification with military travel orders
– U.S. Merchant Mariner Document with official maritime business
– U.S. & Canadian citizens 15 yrs & under need only to have proof of their citizenship. This means an original or photocopy of a birth certificate or a citizenship card.
When traveling with a school, religious group, social organization or sports team, children up to and including the age of 18, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
Passengers traveling to and from Whittier are advised to check Whittier Tunnel site for a schedule of operating hrs and restrictions
If you do not arrive at the tunnel at a time when it is open, you may be unable to make your sailing.
Be aware that both bicycle & foot traffic are prohibited from using the tunnel and that there are restrictions relating to vehicle size.
Recordings of the base schedule are available toll-free at 1-877-611-2586
BC Ferries Testing Pet policy on Powell River & Sunshine Coast Ferry Routes
A pilot project that sees cats and dogs allowed on the upper outside ferry decks on the route between Powell River & the Sunshine Coast, is currently underway. If successful, the project could work to expand to other ferry routes.
Historically, pets travelling on any BC Ferry have had to remain either in their owners' vehicles on the car deck, or in a designed car deck pet area.
Owners using the outside deck during this project are required keep their dogs on a leash and cats in a travel carrier.
Seasonal Ferry Fare Information
Prices vary By Both Season And Seat Class.
Pricing is in USD and may vary based on actual travel date
• Departure rates from Seattle to Victoria may be higher per segment for Fri/Sat departures
• Departure rates from Victoria to Seattle may be higher per segment for Sunday departures
• Children pay 50% of adult fare when booked in conjunction with an overnight package
• Passport, Passport Card or EDL required when crossing an international border
• A fuel surcharge, port and security fee may be added to all Victoria / Seattle fares
• Restrictions apply, subject to change
2022 Adult. Child (1-11 yrs)
Now to Sep 12 $ 256. $ 70
Sep 13 to Oct 10 $ 231 $ 60
Oct 11 to Oct 31 $ 182 $ 60
Nov 1 to Dec 31 $ 157 $ 47.50
Seattle Victoria Ferry : Victoria Seattle Ferry
Seattle Ferry to Victoria : Victoria ferry to Seattle