Hi, on my driving vacation.

On Friday I would like to take the ferry to Victoria. What's the best port, do I need reservations or just show up, is Friday a bad day, weekends better? I'm still down in Northern Cal right now.

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

Check this link out. It should answer most of your questions. Basically you'll drive up north to anacortes and take the ferry from there.


Note in the FAQ's it states that a Friday departure to BC is 90 minute to 2 hours wait to get on a ferry.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/infodesk/faq/victoria/

Regards

 

Also make sure you check the tide tables. Low vehicles like a Corvette have a tough time loading and unloading from the ferry at low tide.

 

Once you are in line, ask the ferry workers to help with boarding; sometimes thy can create some space on the ramp where you can drive over the loading ramp at an angle.

You won't find a lot of room to open the doors; cars are usually packed pretty tight, especially on a weekend.

Don't forget your passport!!

 

As an alternative, you can also take a ferry from Port Angeles http://www.cohoferry.com/main/

 

The Anacortes and Victoria ramps aren't too bad, but make sure it's not an extreme low tide, or a low tide if your car is lowered at all. The Orcas (if you're making a stop along the way) ramp can be tougher IIRC. There's a link on the ferry site for the tide tables.

 

Great info, I just moved here from SoCal with my Z06. Last was up here in the early 90's with a Acura Sedan, no worrys with it getting on / off a Ferry back then.

My Z is lowered a tad on stock bolts. Sounds like it could be a bit more fun...

 

It will definitely make you think about the tide charts! There's one ferry run in particular that's bad... I can't remember which because I've never taken it, but at one point the year before last, they had to shut down the run at extreme low tides. And even when it wasn't shut down, I remember seeing a minimum vehicle clearance requirement of 13 inches!!!

 

Sounds like the Coupville / Port Townsend Ferry.

 

we were told that the ferry car fee is about $80 each way, is that true?? Would like to see Victoria again, but WA is so beautiful it isn't a "must" Got to get passports before Sept 9 if we do.
Ah well, we are just devoted Americans and vacation here

 

Thanks everyone. I successfully made it onto Vancouver Island. Pretty painless. Fortunately I made a reservation on-line otherwise I would still be sitting there.

I think the total fee was about $76 or so including $17 for making a reservation. Easy to check.

http://www.bcferries.com/