In Alaska there is only one (1) passenger/ vehicle ferry system.
It operates year-round and is easy accessible through www.ferrytravel.com
In British Columbia there there is only one (1) passenger/ vehicle ferry system.
It is reputed but still unconfirmed, that there mayl soon be a passenger-only ferry system between Nanaimo, BC & Vancouver, BC
It operates year round and is easy accessible through www.ferrytravel.com
In Washington State there is only one (1) major ferry system
There is no need to go from one website to another if you have been advised that a particular sailing is sold out.
Bellingham Ferry Space Tight
Popular Inside Passage Ferry Sold Out of Vehicle Space Until late June
A number of factors have combined to make booking the Bellingham ferry into Alaska a less than easy task for those who have waited to secure vehicle reservations for summer 2023.
The MV Columbia with a 499 passenger & a 133 vehicle ( at 20' per) capacity, is Alaska Marines largest vessel.
She travels north every week from Bellingham to make her way up the Inside Passage with stops in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines & finally arriving in Skagway before returning south.
While all sailings North are currently sold out of vehicle space until mid-late June, it is always good to call 1-800-686-0446 or go onto www.ferrytravel.com to see if someone may have cancelled.
Vehicle, passenger and cabin space is still available for travellers headed South from Alaska to Bellingham .
The 2 Berth cabins from Bellingham (of which there are only two), are also sold out until late summer - but 4 berth cabins ( ie cabins with 2 bunk beds ) are still available in both directions.
Sleeping accommodation is available on the Columbia onrecliner chairs in any of the lounges & many passenger like to pitch a tent on the aft deck in the solarium.
With public showers available, lack of a cabin should be no deterrent to the Alaska bound traveller.
Access Alaska Without Travelling Through Canada
Barging to Alaska Avoids Travel Through Canada
Because the Cross Gulf ferry route is not available this year, the only 2023 summer alternative to bypassing Canada to access Alaska with a vehicle, is to barge from Seattle.
Barges departing every Tuesday, make the trip from Seattle WA to Anchorage or Fairbanks in approximately 2 to 2-1/2 weeks.
While barges are for vehicles only ( no passengers), Alaska Airlines has been running out early morning Seattle to Anchorage specials at a little over $110.
For barge costs and sailing times go to www.ferrytravel.com and set the quote widget on the Home Page to Seattle barge to Anchorage.
BC Ferries See Heavy Traffic On Northern Routes
Port Hardy - Prince Rupert Sailing Space Selling Out Quickly
Demand for passage on the BC Ferry sailings between Port Hardy & Prince Rupert continues to be high as travellers reschedule those holiday plans put on hold during the pandemic.
It is important to know that vehicle space on the Northern Route sailings is always divided into over and under 20': and as of now, all space for vehicles over 20' is sold out through June.
(Cancellations do however occur & available space can be checked by calling 1-800-686-0446)
If planing a Discovery Coast passage this summer, think about travelling in August / September. The weather is usually great and the 15 hr day sailing(7:30 am - 11:30 pm) continues to the end of September before the schedule changes to an overnight sailing (8:00pm - 11:00am).
Tip: because the ferry arrives in both Hardy & Rupert at 11:30 PM, booking lodging as soon as a ferry booking is confirmed is important.
Prince Rupert Ferry www.ferrytravel.com Port Hardy Ferry
Seniors Travelling On BC Ferries Enjoy Fare Relief
Seniors Travel Free On BC Ferries Monday Through Thursday
BC residents 65+, still travel free Mondays through Thursdays (excluding statutory holidays) on all but the Northern Routes. Vehicles are charged at the standard fare.
BC resident seniors providing proof of resident status are entitled to a 33% discount on the Northern Routes.
Prince Rupert Ferry www.ferrytravel.com Port Hardy Ferry
Anacortes WA ferry to Sidney BC Out of Service
International Sidney - Anacortes Ferry Remains Suspended
The town of Sidney reports that the popular Anacortes - Sidney ferry will not only not be operating in 2023, but is not expected resume service for some time.
Currently out of service, a number of factors including a labour shortage has kept the ferry route suspended since the pandemic.
First launched in 1922, the sister cities of Sidney & Anacortes had been looking forward to celebrating 100 years of the ferry service which had helped boost tourism in both cities.
Both Sidney & Anacortes are committed to seeing the earliest possible resumption of this popular International route.
Ferry Nanaimo Downtown - Vancouver Downtown
High-Speed Passenger-Only Ferry Service to begin in 2023
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
Sidney - Anacortes Ferry
Anacortes - Sidney Service Suspended Until Further Notice
International service to and from Sidney, B.C. remains suspended until further notice due to continued significant crewing and vessel availability challenges.
There will be no service to and from Sidney through at least the 2023 spring and summer sailing schedules.
Prince Rupert - Alaska Sailing's cancelled for summer 2023
No Ferries Will Travel between Prince Rupert BC & Alaska In 2023
The Alaska ferry system is experiencing crew shortages and has had to cancel 2 popular routes for the foreseeable future.
There will be no summer 2023 sailings between Prince Rupert in Canada and Alaska, nor will there be any Cross -Gulf ferry service to Whittier /Valdez etc from Bellingham or along the Inside Passage.
It is hoped the popular 5 hr sailing between Prince Rupert & Ketchikan on the Inside Passage will be one day be returned to service. but currently the only ferry to Ketchikan and up the Inside Passage commences in Bellingham WA.
To travel to Whittier one must board in Bellingham, ferry to Haines AK and then drive on to Whittier.
( Note: the very late release of the Alaska summer ferry schedules has resulted in heavy demand for space on the ferries departing from Bellingham WA . It is now essential to book the ferries asap if desiring space ferry travel this summer
Alaska ferries will not sail across the gulf for the foreseeable future.
Crew shortages have made it impossible to properly staff the vessels that historically travel between Bellingham, Juneau & Whittier so sadly the only way to travel to Whittier, Kodiak etc from the lower 48 is either driving the AlCan or by taking the ferry from Bellingham WA to Haines and driving on from there.
If moving or being transferred between Alaska & the Lower 48, weekly barge services are available between Anchorage & Fairbanks to /fero Seattle WA.
To cost or book the barge between Alaska & WA go to the home page on www.ferrytravel.com
Kenmore Air Serves Downtown Victoria <->Downtown Seattle
A ferryalternate 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
Butchart Gardens 2023 Update
Butchart Gardens Winter Closure
The Butchart Gardens will be closed to the public from Monday, January 23, 2023 through Sunday, February 05, 2023 inclusive.
When reopened on Feb 06 2023, an impressive Hellebore collection, the classic Heather in masses of pinks and whites & pretty Viola (Pansy) baskets are only a few of the floral delights that will welcome visitors back in February.
Port Angeles - Victoria Drydock Servicing
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
Seattle -Victoria Ferry Annual Maintenance
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
US Canada Border Requirements for Ferry Travellers
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.
– 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.
Seattle Victoria Ferry Fare Categories
Seattle Victoria Ferry Rates
Seattle Victoria ferry rates differ depending not only on the travel date chosen - but on whether one wants a standard changeable / cancelable ticket, or a less expensive discounted ticket.
Be Aware : Discounted tickets are always non-changeable & non-cancelable.
The price difference between a standard round trip ticket is around $20.00 each way which may seem like a lot - until you want or need to change or cancel the date.
If a discounted ticket was purchased, that ticket can not be changed : not changed fora different date, or a different time, and the ticket price can not be refunded.
Sometime connecting flights, or heavy traffic or any number of things cause one to miss or want to change their booked ferry - but if a discounted ticket is bought the result can be unhappy for everyone.
If absolutely sure that the travel date booked will not change or be cancelled, & if comfortable with the no refund policy, call 1-800-686-0446 and ask for a discounted ticket.
Round TripAdult Standard Ticket vs 2 Day advance vs 7 Day Advance Tickets
From Sept - Oct 31179.00*150.00**140.00**
From Nov 10 Jan 2155.00*129.00**115.00**
Note :a fluctuating fuel surcharge by the ferry operator is in effect: currently the charge $13 pp each way
*Cancelable & changeable tickets
**non-cancelable; non-changeable, non refundable tickets
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.
The 2022 - 2023 October through April 2023 schedules are now available.
To see the schedules, or fares, or to book an Alaska ferry go to www.ferrytravel.com - stay on the Home age and do everything from there.
Getting a quote from the "widget" on the Home Page is quick, efficient and does not commit you to a booking.
It will however give you the timetables & costs, and it will never ask for your personal info (name, ph etc) unless you decide to book passage.
If you decide to book passage your information is entered into the ships manifest as the coast guard requires: it is never shared with 3rd parties or advertisers.
