Quick answer
BC Ferries operates the primary route from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in Delta to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Sidney, with sailings departing between 06:00 and 21:00 daily. The 90-minute crossing costs 21 CAD for a standard adult passenger. Arrive at least 60 minutes before your sailing time to clear vehicle queuing or walk-on boarding. Seaplanes offer a faster 35-minute alternative from Vancouver Harbour or Coal Harbour, while Pacific Coach Lines and other operators provide direct bus service that includes the ferry passage.
More than eight million passengers cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island each year, making the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay corridor one of the busiest ferry routes in North America. The sheer volume means transport choices matter: walk-on foot passengers board quickly, vehicle reservations eliminate terminal wait times during peak summer and holiday weekends, and seaplane seats fill days in advance during convention season. Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria by water requires choosing between speed and cost. BC Ferries sails hourly to every 90 minutes depending on season, with the Tsawwassen terminal located 38 kilometers south of downtown Vancouver and Swartz Bay sitting 32 kilometers north of Victoria's city center. Ground transport on both ends adds roughly 90 minutes to the total journey. Harbour Air and Helijet seaplanes shave the crossing to 35 minutes gate-to-gate, landing directly in Victoria's Inner Harbour within walking distance of the Legislature and Fairmont Empress, but fares run four to five times higher than the ferry. The Gulf Islands complicate the route map. Southern Gulf Islands ferries depart from the same Tsawwassen terminal, and Swartz Bay serves as the hub for onward sailings to Saltspring, Pender, Galiano, Mayne and Saturna. Travelers continuing beyond Victoria should verify which vessel serves which island, as not all Tsawwassen departures stop at Swartz Bay first. Seasonal schedules shift in October and April, adding or removing sailings based on traffic patterns and vessel maintenance rotations. Reservations for vehicles open 60 days in advance and sell out on long weekends. Walk-on passengers require no reservation but should still arrive early during summer afternoon sailings, when foot traffic from cruise ship arrivals and tour groups compresses boarding queues. The terminal's departure board updates in real time, and overloads occasionally delay sailings by 20 to 30 minutes. Onboard, the cafeteria, Pacific Buffet restaurant, and outer decks occupy the journey, though fog and winter weather sometimes keep passengers indoors for the full crossing.
“More than eight million passengers cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island each year, making the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay corridor one of the busiest ferry routes in North America.”
How to Get From Vancouver to Victoria via Ferry
The primary route between Vancouver and Victoria is via the BC Ferries service connecting the mainland to Vancouver Island. Travelers depart from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and arrive at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
Highway 17 to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
TransLink route 620 to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
BC Ferries Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
Operating Hours: How to Get From Vancouver to Victoria
The ferry service between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay operates daily throughout the week.
| monday | 06:00–21:00 | |
|---|---|---|
| tuesday | 06:00–21:00 | |
| wednesday | 06:00–21:00 | |
| thursday | 06:00–21:00 | |
| friday | 06:00–21:00 | |
| saturday | 06:00–21:00 | |
| sunday | 06:00–21:00 |
Checklist for How to Get From Vancouver to Victoria
Preparation ensures a smooth crossing between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
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Book your ferry reservation in advance — Sailings fill quickly during peak travel periods and reservations guarantee your spot.
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Arrive at Tsawwassen Terminal 60 minutes early — BC Ferries recommends this buffer for all passengers to complete check-in procedures.
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Bring government-issued photo identification — Required for all adult passengers during the boarding process.
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Download the BC Ferries app — Provides real-time sailing updates, terminal information, and digital booking management.
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Check vehicle height if driving — Overhead clearances vary and accurate measurements prevent boarding delays.
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Confirm your departure date and time — Reservations are sailing-specific and missing your scheduled departure forfeits your booking.
Best Time and Arrival Window: How to Get From Vancouver to Victoria
The most efficient time for travel is during weekday mid-mornings in the shoulder seasons, which balances manageable terminal traffic with consistent sailing schedules. Arrival at least 60 minutes before sailing is recommended for all passengers to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Summer (July–August)
High volume, long wait timesWarm and dry, 15°C to 22°C
Expect heavy congestion at the terminal during weekends and holidays. Booking in advance is necessary to secure preferred sailing times.
Shoulder Season (April–May, Sept–Oct)
Moderate volume, predictableMild temperatures, 8°C to 18°C
Visitor numbers decline, allowing for easier navigation through terminals. This period offers a balance of fair weather and reduced crowds.
Weekday mornings
Low to moderate—
Traveling between Tuesday and Thursday minimizes peak congestion. Aiming for the earliest sailings helps avoid midday passenger surges.
Verdict: The best slot for travel is mid-week, Tuesday to Thursday, during the shoulder months of April or October, arriving well within the 06:00–20:00 window.
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Common Questions: How to Get From Vancouver to Victoria
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