Sailing

Well, the ferry boats between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are powered by natural gas and not by the winds – but nevertheless they speak of sailing between mainland and island. There are different routes but the most important ones seem to be the one going from Tsawwassen south of Vancouver to Swartz Bay (for visiting Victoria) and the one from Departure Bay (a well chosen name) near Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay; the perfect arrival point for a trip through the Sea-to-Sky community via Squamish up to Whistler.

The ferry ride is really convenient with sundecks, animal zones, coffee bars and restaurants on board. It lasts 1,5 hours and you can reserve a spot on a ferry upfront or arrive anytime and risk having to wait for the next boat. The booked capacity can be seen on the Internet and is also announced on radio. Be there at least 30 minutes prior to departure. After having checked in at one of the booths at the entrance you’ll be told a lane number. Get there, queue up and wait until boarding starts. Don’t worry, prior to that they’ll call all drivers back twice to their vehicles. Getting on and off the ferry is absolutely hassle-free.

Ferry Vancouver-Vancouver Island
BC Ferries
Delta / Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island
Nanaimo / Departure Bay on Vancouver Island to Horseshoe Bay
Canada