VERDICT: WE GAVE 4 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
One of the best ferry trips in the world
Such a gorgeous nearly-Fall day with the beautiful sky, warm sunshine but crisp air & breeze. It’s perfect for having to take the ferry from the Tsawwassen Terminal over to Swartz Bay, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, even if it is for work purposes.
The ferry is a cool way to see the stunning scenery, the lush smaller islands that you’ll sail past (such as Mayne & Galiano) & sometimes if you’re lucky, you can spot sea lions, Killer Whales – otherwise known as Orcas, and mountain views that can’t be beat. You can walk on the ferry or drive your vehicle on. Here are some photos & video that tell the story better than words of the trek aboard bcferries.com .
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🚢 BC Ferries — Top Routes from Vancouver
1. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)
Why go: Classic BC trip to the provincial capital — Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, gardens, museums.
- Sailing time: ~1 hr 35 min
- Price: ~$95–$110 vehicle + driver | ~$18–$20 walk-on
- Best for: First-time visitors, culture, food, history
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-SWB
2. Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
Why go: Fastest route to central Vancouver Island — ideal for road trips north or west to Tofino.
- Sailing time: ~1 hr 40 min
- Price: ~$80–$95 vehicle + driver | ~$18 walk-on
- Best for: Island road trips, flexibility
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/HSB-NAN
3. Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) → Nanaimo (Duke Point)
Why go: Quieter terminal, excellent for heading south or east on Vancouver Island.
- Sailing time: ~2 hrs
- Price: ~$80–$95 vehicle + driver
- Best for: Avoiding city congestion
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/HSB-DUK
4. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Duke Point (Nanaimo)
Why go: Efficient mainland-to-Island crossing with easy highway access.
- Sailing time: ~2 hrs
- Price: ~$90–$105 vehicle + driver
- Best for: Logistics, commercial-style crossings
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-DUK
5. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Galiano Island
Why go: One of the Gulf Islands’ best-kept secrets — beaches, hikes, quiet charm.
- Sailing time: ~1 hr 15 min
- Price: ~$70–$85 vehicle + driver
- Best for: Romantic escapes, unplugging
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-GAL
6. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour / Fulford Harbour)
Why go: Artisan markets, vineyards, studios, and coastal walks.
- Sailing time: ~1 hr 30 min
- Price: ~$75–$90 vehicle + driver
- Best for: Foodies, creatives, slow travel
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-LHB
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-FUL
7. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Mayne Island
Why go: Laid-back Gulf Island vibe with beaches and harbour cafés.
- Sailing time: ~1 hr 45 min
- Price: ~$70–$85 vehicle + driver
- Best for: Quiet weekend escapes
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/TSA-MAY
8. Sunshine Coast Trip: Horseshoe Bay → Langdale
Why go: Easy access to Gibsons, Sechelt, coastal hikes, and ocean views.
- Sailing time: ~40 min
- Price: ~$65–$80 vehicle + driver | ~$15 walk-on
- Best for: Short breaks, coastal scenery
🔗 https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/routes/HSB-LNG
💡 Booking & Travel Tips
- Reservations strongly recommended in summer, weekends, and holidays
- Walk-on passengers rarely need reservations (except peak sailings)
- Arrive 30–60 minutes early for vehicles
- Early morning and late evening sailings are often cheaper and quieter
Why BC Ferries Trips Are So Popular
BC Ferries isn’t just transport, it’s part of the experience. Wildlife sightings, coastal views, and island-hopping make these sailings some of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. For Vancouver travellers, it’s the easiest way to turn a few days off into a true West Coast escape.
Download the My return Ticket Wildlife Sightings Handout (See below)
- Best BC Ferries routes for wildlife spotting and scenery
- Ideal sailing times (morning, golden hour, calm seas)
- Deck and seating tips for photography
- Practical camera and wildlife tips
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
• Fast shutter speeds for moving wildlife
• Polarizing filters reduce glare
• Avoid shooting through windows when possible
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
Download the My return Ticket Wildlife Sightings Handout (See below)