How long does it take to ferry between Seattle & Victoria, is a common question.
The ferry travelling between Seattle & Victoria takes between 2-3/4 & 3 hrs.
A high-speed catamaran, the ferry able to carry 425 foot passengers.
No vehicles are carried on the Seattle ferry - and at this time, there are no vehicle ferries travelling the Seattle Victoria route.
The Seattle Victoria ferry pricing will vary depending on both space availabliity & date of travel - however, the very best fares are available for those booking a ferry/hotel package.
Any separately booked hotel & ferry is guaranteed to cost more than a package special that includes both ferry transportation + a Victoria hotel.
For more information that will include most of the downtown Victoria hotels included in the ferry/hotel packages, call 1-800-686-0446
Alaska Time Zone
Alaska uses Alaska Time.
Alaska time is one hour earlier than Pacific StandardTime &
four hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time.
In 2018 Daylight
Savings Time in Alaska begins on March 12 at 2am and ends on November 04 at 2am.
Alaska & BC Ferry Passengers Must Ride on the Upper Decks
Coast Guard regulations require passengers to move to the upper decks while the vessel they are travelling on is underway.
Sleeping in an RV on the ferry is against regulations so cabins with bunk beds are available on most ferries travelling overnight.
Alternatively, sleeping in any one of the many onboard lounges is acceptable and is free.
Get costs & schedules for travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
RV's and Travel Trailers on the Alaska Ferry
Both the Alaska State ferries and BC Ferries can accommodate RV’s, motorhomes & passenger trucks pulling trailers.
The maximum allowable length is 70’ and a maximum height to 13’.
Folding in mirrors where possible can result is a substational cost saving as a standard width rate is charged for vehicles up to 8’6”.
For vehicles between 8’7" - 8’11” wide, the vehicle rate is increased by 25% over the standard fare; and RV's etc over 9' wide will incur an charge of 50% on top of the standard vehicle fare.
It is important to accurately measure the combined bumper to bumper length of your vehicle/s so when making a reservation you are charged the correct price.
Ferry costs for RVs etc are based on the car deck space required - so accuracy is important.
Travelling by ferry with an RV is extremely popular as the parks in both British Columbia and Alaska are numerous. It is absolutely essential to book any RVs, motorhomes and campers hoping to travel on the Alaska or BC Ferries ASAP.
Get costs & schedules for RV and Camper travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
Popular Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Service Releases New 2019 Schedule
Due to restart service in April 2019, the V2V Vacations ferry serving Vancouver to Victoria foot passengers will commence daily, round-trip service.
This schedule change will make it possible to to visit the Island and return to the Mainland the same day.
This has been a long desired schedule change and should result in a significant increase in traffic for this passenger-only ferry service.
Get costs & schedules for travel on the Vancouver to Victoria fast ferry at www.ferrytravel.com
Passport Requirements
US citizens travelling from one state to another either by land, air or sea, do not need passports.
However if travelling on the Alaska ferry to Haines or Skagway with the intention of driving the Alcan Hwy to Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks etc, you will pass through Canada - and if over 18yrs a valid passport. is required.
Get costs, schedules plus rule/regulation information for travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
Cut The Net !
Just before 5pm the BC Ferry Queen of Alberni travelling at approx 6 knots snagged a submerged fishing net near Duke Point Nanaimo.
The ferry had slowed to avoid several boats in the area but had been unable to see the submerged fish net until snagging it.
The fishing boat was pulled in the ferry’s wake for a very short time before the taut line either snaped or someone aboard the fishing boat cut it free.
The area around the terminal can become quite crowded as smaller vessels can ofter block the ferry's path.
MV Fairweather October 19, 2018 sailings Cancelled
Alaska Marine has cancelled the M/V Fairweather Friday, October 19, 2018 sailings due to expected bad weather.
For further information call 907-983-2229
Vancouver Ferry Terminal ( Swartz Bay) Upgrade
With some seven million passengers each year, it hs become evident that the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay is in need of upgrades to more efficiently handle the growing traffic.
While current discussion focuses on technical enhancements to the berths & loading ramps, there is talk of a waterfront board walk, a covered market, perhaps basketball courts, a pub, improved cycling facilities and better WiFi.
While passengers say the ferry terminal improvements are overdue, the public has expressed concern that the "amenities" money would be better spent on the improving fleet.
Debit Card Acceptance to Maximize Passenger Purchase Convenience
BC Ferries began an onboard debit card acceptance trial this week.The trial will take place on the vessel Spirit of BC travelling the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) & Victoria (SwartzBay) route.
It is expected that later this week, the other BC ferries on this route will offer the same convenience.
Popular Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Service Releases New 2019 Schedule
Scheduled to restart service in April 2019, the Vancouver to Victoria ferry (serving foot passengers travelling downtown to downtown), will commence daily round-trip service making it possible to to visit the island and return to the mainland the same day.
A same day round trip has long been a desired schedule change and
should result in a significant increase in traffic for this
passenger-only ferry service.
The Vancouver - Victoria ferry is operated by the Australian company V2V Vacations.
New Olympic Class ship for Washington State Ferry
The inaugural sailing of the Suquamish, which will carry 144 vehicles and 1,500 passengers, was successfully completed on Thursday October 04, 2018.
The Olympic Class ship is the newest newest ferry in the Washington State Ferries fleet and with both wider vehicle lanes and staircases plus 2 elevators, she will be one of the most easily accessible of the Washington State ferries.
The Suquamish meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 emission standards, thereby making it the cleanest vessel in the fleet.
BC Ferries to Order 5 New vessels
The newest BC ferries will be hybrid ships (with batteries on board), using liquefied natural gas as the primary fuel.
They will be quieter and have a lighter ecological footprint than any other ferries in the fleet, & they will load from both ends.
The new vessels are designed to carry between 1,600 and 2,100 passengers & crew, and 310 to 358 cars.
It is anticipated that the 1st ferry in this fleet expansion will start service in 2023.
Ferry between Homer-Kodiak Cancelled for October 09, 2018
Expected 45 knot winds with 21 foot seas, has resulted in cancellation of the 10pm, October 09, 2018 round trip sailing departing Homer to Kodiak.
It is hoped that the Tustumena will resume her schedule departing Homer for Seldovia on Thursday October 11, 2018 at 11:45am.
V2V Vacations Ferry Goes Seasonal
V2V Vacations the newest ferry service operating between downtown Vancouver & downtown Victoria has cancelled its winter sailings and determined that it can provide the best & most comfortable service on a seasonal basis.
The 254-seat, high-speed passenger-only jet ferry, travels each way between the downtown Vancouver/Victoria city cores in approximately 3.5 hours.
In 2019, a daily round trip is possible.
Although approximately priced at the same level as a Harbour Air flight, V2V Vacations bill themselves as a “mini- cruise”
V2V offer 2 classes so are able to accommodate their 1st class with a complementary full meal, wine etc.
The same is available for the standard fare paying passenger, but the meal is not complimentary.
The 2019 V2V ferry schedule will begin in April
The 1st of Two New Alaska Ferries
Named after the Alaska glacier, the Tazlina is the newest ferry in the Alaska Marine fleet.
Able to carry 300 people and 53 vehicles, the 280-foot vessel, is expected to begin Lynn Canal ferry service in May 2019.
BC Ferries adds extra Thanksgiving Sailings
To accommodate the increased travel demand between the mainland and Vancouber Island, over 80 extra ferry sailings have been added to the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route.
On October 5, 6, 8, and 9 there will be an extra sailings from both sides at 6:00 AM
Increasing Demand for Port Accommodation Information
Due to the increasing demand for ferry served port accommodation, ferrytravel.com will be updating each port page with a limited # of live links to local hotels, B&Bs, RV locations and Points of Interest.
If you have a favorite property or attraction please feel free to send us your recommendations (info@ferrytravel.com) so we can try to share your information.
Important to Know Vehicle Height
The BC Ferry Queen of Surrey was delayed 40 Minutes today as the result of an Asphalt truck getting stuck on the loading ramp.
Because the on/off ferry ramps rise & fall with the changing tides, it is essential to know the height of your truck when using a ferry. An extreme low tide can cause issues.
Getting stuck on the ramp can not only cause ferry delays but can be expensive to both the stuck vehicle, and the ferry - know your vehicle height prior to boarding !
BC Ferry Summer Savings
BC Ferries are discounting the passenger vehicle & driver on select sunrise/sunset sailings to either $49 or $59 OW on the Mainland -Vancouver Island routes.
(Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay; Tsawwassen-Duke Point, and Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay)
Select return trips are also available for $49 on the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route.
For more information call BCF at 1-888-223-3779
