How to Navigate the Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

Summary Box:
Route	Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay
Duration	1 hour 35 minutes
Reservation	Required for vehicles; not needed for walk‑ons
Walk‑On Price	~$21 per adult
Vehicle Price	~$89 + passenger fares
Best Time to Sail	Weekday mornings
Onboard	Cafeteria, seating, gift shop, open decks, washrooms
Transit to Victoria	Bus 70/72 or taxi (~$50–$60)

Short Answer:

• Take the Tsawwassen ferry from Vancouver to Swartz Bay in Victoria. See the screenshot below on what to choose as soon as you go on the BC Ferries website.

Navigating the ferry system can feel intimidating if you’re not familiar with BC or Vancouver Island. The ferry is scenic and simple once you understand the basics: reservations, timing, and what to expect. I’ll walk you through everything so you can travel without stress.

Which Ferry to Take?

Summary Box:

You’ll be taking the Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay route.

This is the main ferry to Victoria. The one everyone uses. The crossing is about 1 hour and 35 minutes, and ferries run all day, year‑round. Check the BC Ferries website for sailing times, fares, and any delays. Delays are rare but can happen during holidays or severe weather.

Do You Need a Reservation?

Summary Box:
Vehicle	Yes, absolutely.
Walk‑on	No

BC Ferries recommends reservations for everyone, but walk‑on passengers never need one. You can buy a ticket and walk straight on but I don’t suggest doing it 10 minutes before departure like I’ve done. Aim for 20–30 minutes early.

If you’re driving, reservations matter. Without one, you’ll need to arrive at least an hour early, and you may still end up waiting for the next sailing because reserved vehicles get priority.

Walk‑on tickets are easy: the ticket booths are immediately to your right when you enter the terminal.

How Much Are the Tickets?

Summary Box:
Adults (12+)	$21
Children (5–11)	$10.50
Under 5	Free
Vehicles	Charged by the foot
-Up to 20 feet	$89
-Over 20 feet	+$8 per extra foot

Vehicle pricing is just for the vehicle and passengers are separate. So two adults with a standard vehicle is $131 + tax each way.

When Is the Best Time to Sail?

The absolute worst time is long‑weekend holidays. If you must travel then, book your vehicle early or aim for the earliest sailing (around 6 am). Walk‑on passengers usually get on without issue, but expect crowds.

What to Expect Onboard?

Summary Box: The Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay ferry is large and comfortable and not a small boat. Inside, you’ll find:

A cafeteria

A gift shop

Plenty of seating

Clean washrooms

Open decks for fresh air and views

There’s no assigned seating, so sit anywhere you like. Even on busy holidays, I’ve never had trouble finding a seat.

If you’re driving, follow staff instructions when boarding. After parking, you can stay in your vehicle or head upstairs. I recommend going upstairs for the views. Just remember where you parked and turn off your car alarm because you will get called down if it keeps going off.

How to Get From Swartz Bay to Victoria?

Summary Box:

Once the ferry docks, follow the crowd to the exit.

Taxi: Plenty of taxis wait outside. The ride to downtown Victoria is about 30 minutes and costs $50–$60.

Bus: Take Bus 70 or 72 the bus stops of which are located directly to your right as soon as you exit the terminal. The fare is $5, and the ride takes about an hour. It’s scenic and passes through Sidney, which is a charming seaside town.

Driving: If you have a vehicle, just follow the signs. It’s a simple, straightforward route.

In Short

The ferry is easy, scenic, and much less stressful than people make it sound. Once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature.

Would you like to know when is the best time to visit Victoria? Check out my article When is the Best Time to Visit Victoria?

Or how about how long to stay in Victoria? Check out my article How long do you need to stay in Victoria, really?

And if you’d like to know how to fit Victoria into your itinerary, check out my article 12 Day Van Isle Itinerary

FAQ

• Do I need a reservation? 
  • Recommended for vehicles. Walk‑ons don’t need one.
• Is the ferry safe in winter? 
  • Yes. Sailings are only cancelled during severe weather.
• Can I bring luggage? 
  • Yes. Walk‑on passengers keep their luggage with them.
• Is the ferry wheelchair accessible? 
  • Yes. Elevators, ramps, and priority boarding are available.
• Can I bring pets? 
  • Yes. Pets stay in the designated pet area or in your vehicle.
• Do I need my passport? 
  • No. This is domestic travel within Canada.
• Is the ferry crowded? 
  • It can be on weekends and holidays, but there’s always seating.
• Can I charge my phone? 
  • Yes. Outlets are available throughout the passenger areas.
• Is there Wi‑Fi? 
  • Not reliably. Expect little to no cell signal during the crossing.
• Is there assigned seating? 
  • No. Sit anywhere you like.
• Can I buy food onboard? 
  • Yes. The cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on the sailing.