Although it is possible to fly to
Vancouver
Island, the most pleasant and scenic way (and the only way if you
are driving) is to use a ferry. Most of the ferries serve food and have
a variety of amenities, in addition to the opportunity to view great
scenery and sometimes see pods of whales or other marine life as
well. There are three main ferry systems that connect to the
Island.
BC Ferries has a
variety of
routes between the Mainland of BC and Vancouver
Island, and
the
Blackball Ferry and
Washington
State Ferries run a couple of select routes between
Washington and
Victoria, BC.
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM
BC OR THE STATES...
The most
direct route to Nanaimo from Greater
Vancouver is to take the
ferry either from Horseshoe Bay
(West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) OR from Tsawwassen (south of
Vancouver) to Duke Point (south of Nanaimo). Crossing times varies
between
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours. Most of these ferries are quite large and
usually include a cafeteria, lounges, gift shop, video arcade and
children's play area. Some of the newest ferries include an area for
dogs as well.
If you have a few extra hours or days, consider taking one of the other
routes allowing you to explore more of the West Coast of Canada and Vancouver
Island.
- taking the ferry from Tsawwassen
to Victoria and exploring Victoria
and southern Vancouver Island before
heading up to Nanaimo
-taking the ferry from Tsawwassen
to the Gulf Islands and then continuing up to Nanaimo (make sure you
have route connections through the Gulf Islands)
-taking the ferry from Horseshoe
Bay to Langdale, driving up the Sunshine
Coast, (one more ferry) taking
the ferry from Westview (Powell River) to Comox and then either taking
in the Comox Valley Kennel Club show, or using the Comox Valley as a
basis to explore the central and northern Vancouver
Island.
When coming from the mainland to Vancouver Island via car,
it is
recommended that you make reservations with BC
Ferries at least 2 weeks ahead of
your scheduled crossing.
The need for reservations on these routes varies...there are times when
you can drive right on with minimal waits and other times that you may
be facing a 4-6 hour wait. If you want to make sure you get the sailing
you are planning...make a reservation. If you have time for an
adventure...take your chances, save some money, and enjoy the
experience!
In
order to claim your reservation you MUST be at the
ferry terminal 30
minutes before the scheduled departure time (NO
EXCEPTIONS!)
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM
THE STATES...
BLACKBALL
TRANSPORT
For those coming from the States, this is an
alternate route to consider. The time of the crossing is about 1 1/2
hours. However there are fewer crossings and it is a smaller ferry than
the ones run by BC Ferries, so
reservations
are almost always needed. In order to clear
customs, passengers must be at the ferry terminal at least 1 hour ahead
to come into Canada, and 1 1/2 hours ahead going back to the States.
WASHINGTON
STATE FERRIES
There is a once a day run between Anacortes and Syndey, BC (Victoria).
This is approximatley a 2-3 hour
cruise and operates during the spring, summer and fall. Reservations
are recommended.
OTHER
FERRY OPTIONS
Other ferry options available to those coming from the States and that
are "
passenger only ferries"
include the:
Victoria
Clipper,
Victoria
Express and
Victoria/San Juan
Cruises.
