Victoria BC Tourism

Lesson 7: Tours & Transportation

Boat

B.C. Ferry Corporation
This is an extensive passenger and vehicle ferry system that connects Victoria to the mainland of BC and the Gulf Islands. The terminal is at Swartz Bay, which is at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula. There are sailings every hour in the summer months and every 2nd hour during the winter. Foot passengers can use either BC Transit or go from downtown to downtown on Pacific Coach lines.

Black Ball Transport - M.V. Coho
Passenger and vehicle ferry service between Port Angeles Washington and downtown Victoria. There are 4 daily sailings from May to October. In the off season, there are 2 daily sailings from March to May and October to November. One sailing per day from December to February.

Victoria Clipper
This is a passenger-only ferry from Seattle to Victoria's Inner Harbour. In the winter months, there is one daily sailing, but 4 sailings in the summer. There are overnight tour packages available for visits to Vancouver and Victoria in conjunction with Amtrak.

Washington State Ferries
Car ferry service between Anacortes Washington and Sidney (17 miles NE of Victoria). There is one daily sailing and minimum of 2 during the summer.

Victoria Express
This is a passenger-only ferry between Port Angeles Washington and downtown Victoria. During the summer, there are 2 sailings. Reservations are accepted.

Victoria~San Juan Cruises
Passenger service from Bellingham Washington to downtown Victoria. There is one sailing daily from June to the end of September. All cruises are narrated and overnight packages are available.

Grayline Marine Wildlife Watching
This year round tour is made possible by all-weather gear provided to the passengers. There are 2 ships available - the Blackfin Cruiser and the Supercat Catamaran (enclosed with open viewing areas). Passengers will be able to observe shore birds, harbour seals, porpoises, and whales (during migration). From the months of June to August, there are additional tours scheduled.

Victoria Harbour Ferries
This fleet of 12-seat passenger ferries scoot around the Victoria harbour with many stops along the way. Passengers can disembark at any stop and pick up a boat later on. During Autumn and and Spring, the departures are every 15 to 20 minutes. In the summer, they are every 12 to 15 minutes. A complete tour of the harbour takes 45 minutes.

Ocean Explorations Whale Watching
The fleet consists of large Zodiacs that travel on the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island or San Juan Islands or into Puget Sound. Based on a scouting network, the route will take visitors to current sightings. Tours are led by experienced Guides/Naturalists.

Prince of Whales
Explore the waters in either cabin cruisers or Zodiacs. A scouting network identifies current sightings in order to set the course for the tour. Hydrophones are installed in all vessels for visitors to hear the whale sounds. Up to 360 passengers per day can enjoy the tour.

SpringTide Charters
Offering Whale Watching Tours, Harbour Tours and Sport Fishing Tours. The fleet consists of Zodiacs, the 46' Motor Yacht the "Spring Tide" or the 23' Bayliner the "Rip Tide". Excursions are conducted year-round. Up to 9 departures per day. All Charters offer Professional Guides. For fishing, all bait and "light" tackle are provided. Fishing licenses are available for purchase on board. Harbour tours are 55 minutes in length.

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