The purpose of FerryTravel.com is to make both learning about or booking ferry travel, whether in British Columbia or Washington or Alaska, as easy as possible.
To ensure that the information provided on the site, through emails or on the phone is as helpful as possible, we have implemented a feedback section. This will enable site users to let us know if we are on track.
But a Feedback button only works if it is used. On the right side of each page is a little red box that is marked FEEDBACK.
Please take a moment to click on it & provide feedback - good feedback we love; negative feedback we appreciate and will use to improve service.
Stay safe - and we look forward to welcoming you onboard in the not to distant future.
US Passport Update
Emergency Travel Only
The State Department has stopped issuing passports except for cases of a
"life-or-death" emergency among family members abroad.
"Due to public
health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20,
2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified
life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate
international travel within 72 hours," the State Department says.
Emergencies that qualify for an immediate passport
include serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths affecting a "parent,
child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc.," which require travel outside
of the U.S.
Alaska Ferry Serving Prince Rupert Temporarily Cancelled
Prince Rupert - Ketchikan Ferry Service Cancelled
On April 08, 2020 Alaska cancelled the ferry service between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan until further notice.
COVID-19 travel restrictions have prevented work to bring the Alaska terminal in Prince Rupert into compliance with federal regulations.
US Customs and the Canadian Border Protection will meet as soon as travel restrictions are lifted so that Alaska Marine can comply with the U.S. Canada Preclearance Agreement.
Covid-19 has cause BC Ferries to reduce service throughout their system and in some cases, to close specific routes & services until further notice.
Note: All Food, Retail & Baggage Services Are Suspended Until Further Notice
The following ferry routes have seen BC ferry service changes: Vancouver - Vancouver Island
Tsawwassen (Vancouver) - Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry route:
From Tsawwassen From Duke Point
7:45 am 5:15 am
12:45 pm 10:15 am
5:45 pm 3:15 pm
10:45 pm 8:15 pm
Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)-Departure Bay (Nanaimo): temporary ferry service suspension
Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Swartz Bay (Victoria) ferry route: 60 day schedule adjustment
Depart Tsawwassen From Swartz Bay
7:00 am 9:00 am
11:00 am 1:00 pm
5:00 pm 3:00 pm
9:00 pm 7:00 pm
Mill Bay - Brentwood Bay: temporary ferry service suspension
Langdale – Horseshoe Bay ferry route: 60 day revised schedule
Depart Horseshoe Bay Depart Langdale
7:30 am 6:20 am
9:50 am 8:40 am
11:55 am 10:50 am
4:20 pm 3:15 pm
6:35 pm 5:25 pm
8:45 pm 7:40 pm
Alaska Ferry Schedule Delays
Mid-April to Early May Alaska Ferry Schedules Revised
Previously scheduled to resume service in mid-April and early May 2020, the Alaska ferries,M/V Columbia,M/V Kennicott, &M/V Tustumena have now been rescheduled & will tentatively resume service in mid-May.
The Alaska Legislature has approved a $66.7 million budget to keep the Alaska Marine Highway
System running for the year. The operating budget for the
state's ferry service was increased by around $20 million over the previous year.
The ferry Aurora, (currently laid up
because of cost-cutting), will receive another $19 million for repairs and and should now guarantee that a back-up ferry is available should another vessel breaks down.
Independent Rep. Dan Ortiz has determined to bring stability back to the state’s ferry network and to put "... the marine highway system in the place
where they should be able to provide adequate service throughout the
system."
While Governor Dunleavy still has an option to veto the budget, it is thought to be unlikely after this last years strain on not only the system, but Alaska residents & visitors to the state.
BC Ferries Continue To Operarte
Public Requested to Limit Ferry Travel
BC Ferries has announced that their Lower
mainland, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Island ferries will continue to operate but travellers are
asked to only take the ferries when necessary.
"None of us should be travelling if it is not essential,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries president and CEO, in a statement.
Travellers that need to travel should know that the company has taken
steps to keep ferry travel as safe as possible but customers are being requested to adhere to safe practices for their own safety and for the
safety of BC Ferries employees."
Enhanced cleaning measures are in place aboard
all operating BC Ferries.
Passengers are at this time, able to remain
in their vehicles on most decks to restrict contact with other
passengers.
Effective 30 March, 2020 through 30 April 2020, ferry service between Port Angeles WA and Victoria BC will be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Black Ball Line said service will continue to operate under the current schedule until 30 March, to allow for
the return of United States and Canadian citizens back to both
countries as well as commercial cargo service.
All non-essential travel is suspended in accordance with announcements from Canadian and U.S. federal governments.
The last sailing of the MV COHO ferry from Port Angeles will depart at 2
pm on March 29. The last sailing of the MV COHO ferry from Victoria will depart at 4
pm on March 29.
Seattle - Victoria Ferry Sailings Suspended
No Seattle - Victoria Ferry Sailings Until 20 May
Clipper ferry travel will be suspended between Seattle & Victoria until May 20, 2020 for precautionary reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company is taking extra measures to ensure the health and safety of both their customers and employees during this critical time.
Clipper will continue to
coordinate closely with government and health officials to provide
guidance and direction on their return to service.
All public restrooms are disinfected three times per day & wiped down routinely throughout the day.
High touch areas such as handrails, countertops, door handles, drinking fountains and vending machines are sanitized several times per day.
The ferry system has temporarily removed certain food items such as salad bars, self-serve & unwrapped food items from all cafes. (Removed items can be requested from the cook, server or cashier).
The State is providing regular training to all crew regarding the CDC advised cleaning practices.
AMHS is using the CDC recommended disinfecting and sanitizing products.
As a result of the COVED19 outbreak, the State of Alaska has recognized that travellers may wish to avoid discretionary ferry travel until the epidemic is under control.
With this is mind, Alaska ferry cancellation fees are now being waived until 08 April, 2020
MV Lituya Schedule Change Effective Thursday March 26 - April 30
Overnighting in Ketchikan during this period, the Alaska ferry MV Lituya will follow the schedule below on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Depart Ketchikan at 10:45am Arrive Annette Bay at 11:30am
Depart Annette Bay at 3:45pm Arrive Ketchikan at 3:30pm
The ferry will not operate on Tuesdays or Wednsdays.
Seattle to Victoria Ferry Operations Suspended
Seattle to Victoria Ferry Cancellations
Effective Tuesday March 17 2020, Clipper Navigation will suspended all Seattle Victoria ferry sailings through and inclusive of April 30.
It is hoped that regular Seattle Victoria ferry service will be restored May 01, 2020.
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Canadian Borders Now Closed Except To US & Cdn Citizens
US Citizens Still Able to Travel To Canada
With the exception of US residents and diplomats, Prime Minister Trudeau announced this morning that Canada would be closing her borders to all foreign nationals at midnight.
This action has been taken to try to protect the health and safety of both Canadians and American citizens.
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Ferries Between Washington And Canada
Seattle Ferry, Port Angeles Ferry, & BC Ferries
Sailings are proceeding as scheduled for the Seattle - Victoria ferry (passenger only); the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria (passenger - vehicle ferry) and the BC Ferries (passenger - vehicle ferries) serving Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the northern routes of Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Haida Gwai etc
Alaska Marine Cancellation Policy
The State of Alaska Ferries Are Currently Running As Scheduled
The State of Alaska has advised that as the Alaska Marine ferries continue to operate according to schedule, fees for any cancellations will continue to apply.
As updates from the State are received, they will be posted here.
Any questions will be answered through info@ferrytravel.com
Seattle Victoria Ferry Reservations
Popularity of the Seattle Victoria Ferry Still Strong
In spite of COVID-19, travel on the Seattle Victoria ferry is still heavy.
With the reduction of sailings (no Tuesday or Wed sailings until May 14), it is now more important than ever to book well in advance if planning travel on the ferry either from Seattle to Victoria or Victoria to Seattle.
With the daffodils, crocus, tulips, hycinths etc all competing for spring praise, Victoria is particularly beautiful at this time of year.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, securing travel insurance to protect against unexpected ferry cancellations /changes is now more important than ever.
Travel insurance can usually be obtained from auto associations ( AAA, BCAA, NFU, RAC) or independent insurance agencies.
BEFORE buying trip insurance however, double check with your credit card company as travel insurance is often an included perk with the more popular cards.
While it is important to carry travel insurance, it is both frustrating & unnecessarily costly, to pay for coverage you already have.
BC Ferries Request to Ministry of Transportation
Request to Self-Isolate on BC Ferry Trips
Premier Horgan has requested that BC Ferries relax the law prohibiting passengers parked on the lower ferry decks, from staying in their vehicles.
Currently, only passenger parked on open (top) deck/s are allowed to stay in their vehicles while the ferries are underway.
In response to the request of Premier Horgan & a number of ferry travellers, Mark Collins, president of BC Ferries, has asked Transport Canada for temporary lenience of the relatively new requirement regarding passengers staying in their vehicles.
For the most updated information, email: info@ferrytravel.com
Seattle Victoria Ferry COVID-19 Update
Seattle Victoria Ferry Schedules Changed Due to COVID-19
COVID-19 has caused the Seattle Victoria ferry schedule to be temporarily adjusted.
From March 17,2020 through to and including May 14, 2020, the Seattle Victoria ferry will no longer operate on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Regular sailings will be in effect Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Questions can be sent to and will be answered at info@ferrytravel.com.
