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.
For the Fall/ Winter 2022-'23 period, Alaska Marine has dropped their pricing plan which, 3 years ago, saw a surcharge of between 5% to 50% being added to passenger, vehicle and stateroom fares on the most popular sailings.
Dynamic pricing took effect once the reservations for any specific ship had reached certain percentage.
The Fall 2022 & Winter 2023 schedules and fares are expected any day & will reflect the new pricing policy.
Alaska Ferries Implement Flat Pricing for Fall/Winter
The controversial "Dynamic Pricing" introduced by Alaska in 2019 has been dropped for the October 2022 through April 2023 winter ferry sailing period.
Dynamic or staircase pricing meant that as ferry space decreased on any sailing, the fares would increase.
The returning "flat rate" for the Winter 2022/Spring 2023 period will make ferry planning much easier for Alaska residents going to/from their Island homes; for Alaska visitors planning a ferry trip; and for the military moving either into or out of the State as the prices quoted will hold true.
Unlike in 2021 & 2022 where prices rose upward - sometimes multiple times a day, planning & budgeting a ferry trip either to, from or inside Alaska, will once again be possible.
With respect to summer 2023 ferry prices there has been no word on the pricing structure. It is however hoped by both visitors & residentsthat the confusing, controversial,and much disliked dynamic form of pricing will be completely eliminated.
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Alaska ferry: Alaska ferries : Alaska ferry to Washington : Washington ferry to Alaska
Seattle Barge to Anchorage : Seattle Barge to Fairbanks :
Seattle Barge to Fairbanks:Fairbanks barge to Seattle
Seattle Victora Ferry Prices
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
Seattle <-> Victoria Revised Fall/Winter Ferry Sailings
Seattle-Victoria Ferry Sailing Updates
The following ferry sailings between Seattle & Victoria are cancelled:
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
each passengers' passport number, or passport card number
the country of passport issuance
the province/state of passport issuance
the passport issuance date
the passport expiration date
the place of birth for all travellers
the date of birth for all travellers
Bookingscan 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.
