Options for Vancouver Island

I'm not familiar with the Seattle-Vancouver island crossing, although it would probably be the best route. It takes about 2-2.5 hours to drive from Seattle to the border, then about another 20-30 minutes to get to Tsawwassen or another 45 minutes to get to Vancouver. Also, I'll let you know that it takes about 30 minutes (or more depending on traffic and time of day) to get from Downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminal.

Once you get to the Island, it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive to Victoria (about 40-60$ for a taxi) or about 2 and a half hours on the public bus (as you need to make many stops and a transfer or 2). Though the bus only costs a few dollars. If you're worried about time, I'd say that taking the ferry out of Seattle would save you quite a bit of time and money, then take the ferry from Victoria to Tsawassen and to spend some time in Vancouver.

I think that a full day in Victoria would be nice. It's a nice city, with some interesting stuff to see. 3days/2nights would allow you to see more and be less stressed about getting things done then 2days/1night.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with #1 about the time it takes from the ferry to downtown Victoria by public bus. It usually takes about 1 hour and there are no transfers if you are going to the downtown area provided you take the correct bus. There is one that goes through Sydney and that can take longer but there is another that goes more directly although there are a few stops but no transfers.

Another option would be the Coho ferry out of Seattle which is probably what you are talking about in your first option. That way you are in Victoria and can take a bus to the ferry when you want to go to Vancouver. There is a bus service from station to station leaving from downtown Victoria so that would be a stress-free way to travel to Vancouver.

Victoria is worth seeing and there is a good bus system to travel on.

There is also the Clipper from Seattle to Victoria...that gets you also right down town (like the Coho does). It is easy as well as relaxing. They have more info if you google it. Local busses are good if you want to do a self-guided trip around the area; tours are available as well.

The Coho leaves out of Port Angeles, not Seattle. If you have no car, go from Seattle to Victoria on the Clipper. You might also want to consider "splurging" on the $35 Pacific Coach Lines to get from Victoria to Vancouver... as that price includes a pickup from downtown Victoria, the 40 minute drive to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, the hour and a half ferry ride across to Tsawwassen, and the subsequent 40 minute bus ride from Tsawwasen into downtown Vancouver. Well worth the $35 (one way) fare as it saves you loads of time.

There is plenty to do in Victoria for a few days without having to go too far. If you are wanting to explore farther up the island then you will need a car, but for Victoria itself the busses are fairly good and take you anywhere you need. Have fun!

I'd say Victoria is worth it for a couple of days, you can spend both days in town, or one day in town and the other day out further - ie. hire a bike and ride to sidney or bus out to East Sooke (#66 Community Bus) and go for a hike, or bus out for swim and day at the beach at Witty's Lagoon.

You know, you really need a car to tour the island properly. Part of the fun is stopping where you didn't expect to, travelling at your own pace. Is there a reason other than financial why you wouldn't get a car?

OP, Zosu and Carmanah both have excellent suggestions. The easiest by far is the Clipper, leaving from Seattle just one pier down from the Washington State Ferries(WSF) Coleman Dock.

If you are set on getting into Vancouver, then an easy option would be to take either a Amtrak bus or train from King Street Station to Van's Pacific Central Station, then take the Pacific Coach Line from there to the Island. The biggest obstacle may be traffic at the border if you take the bus, I just did it last week, therefore I prefer the train, but my schedule didn't permit it this time.

By far the prettiest option would be to leave from Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. This WSF run weaves in and out of the myriad of San Juan Islands on its way to Vancouver Island. You stop at Lopez Island, Orcas Island, all neat places to stand on deck and watch the unloading/loading of pasengers and people. I am not sure of how to get to Anacortes though, but as tourist season is now here, surely there are shuttles of some sort.

You may consider doing the trip in a loop, the Coho is also fun, but the trip from Port Angeles to Seattle would be have to researched, I've driven every time.

Have fun!

All,

Thank you very much for the feedback. It sounds as if there are many options for getting to/from Vancouver Island. "Pacific Coach Lines" sounds as a good solution, where everything is taken care of. According to their webpage the fare is $41.50 (one way) these days. That seams reasonable - are there any cheaper and just as easy options in your option?

@ #7: I was not planning on renting a car for my stay in Vancouver. That is why I did not plan on having a car while visiting Vancouver Island. An alternative would be to rent a car at Vancouver Island (e.g. in Victoria) for a couple of days. I fully agree with you - there is nothing like sightseeing at your own pace!! ;-)

Thanks again,
Witek