Victoria’s old-world charm and endless scenic vistas. Seattle’s panoramic skyline and rich culture. The city of Vancouver’s cosmopolitan vibe, outdoor recreation and bustling farmers markets. Call us spoiled or just plain lucky, but one of the best parts about living in the Pacific Northwest is that all three cities are easily accessible with a quick trip by sea, air or land. A scenic jaunt that allows you to soak in the region’s rich geography and arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.
Whether your goal is to sweep through as many spots as possible or to deep dive exploring a select city, getting there is half the fun. Check out our crib sheet on the 11 best ways to travel between Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver, BC.
Seattle to Victoria, BC
1. Victoria Clipper Ferry
Traveling on the passenger-only Victoria Clipper ferry is about as easy and low stress as it gets. The only direct, fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, the Clipper operates year-round. The ship makes one round-trip daily, except from mid-May through mid-September, when two daily round-trip services are available. Check-in online, and you’ll only need to make a brief stop at the check-in counter for ID and passport approval. You’ll even have plenty of time to pick up a mocha (locally sourced Caffé Vita coffee, yum!) and breakfast burrito at the neighboring Clipper Cafe before boarding.
Cruising along at speeds up to 36 knots, the 106.9-mile-long ferry ride from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbor takes 2-hours and 45-minutes. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and stunning shorelines, there’s nothing more freeing and breathtaking. Even if you’re a local, it’s hard not to keep your nose pressed to the glass of the vessel’s panoramic windows.
The newer, bigger Victoria Clipper V vessel features three classes of service. There’s a Comfort Class featuring a private cabin as well as complimentary snacks and beverages; Vista Class with leather seating and top deck panoramic views and an Economy Class on the lower deck. Should hunger strike, order up one of the locally-sourced and freshly prepared meals on board, such as handmade sandwiches on Macrina Bakery bread and Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt parfaits.
A quick, efficient trip through customs, and you’re out window-shopping on the streets before you know it. No muss, no fuss, no hassle! The best part? The city’s compact downtown core is walkable and has a relatively small footprint. Getting around the city is a breeze during a quick day trip from Seattle to Victoria, no car required!
The cost of a round-trip Victoria Clipper fare changes depending on the season. Prices range from $115 – $160 USD for a 7-day advance purchase, making it one of the more affordable ways to travel from Seattle to Victoria, BC. When you add an overnight hotel stay to your trip, you get a special discount on your round-trip Victoria Clipper ferry cruise, making for a pretty great deal.
2. Kenmore Air
If you want to mix it up and see the Pacific Northwest from a different perspective – do it by air on a jaw-dropping Kenmore Seaplane flight. With rates ranging from $149 – $174 USD per person, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the phenomenal aerial views of Seattle, Victoria and the surrounding region are worth it.
Catch one of the daily flights out of Kenmore’s airport terminal at South Lake Union. If you’re lucky, you might score the coveted passenger seat in the cockpit next to the pilot. This seat provides unique views out the front windshield and allows you to watch as your pilot seamlessly adjusts the plane’s dials, knobs and switches.
Soak it in while you can, because a mere 45-minutes after lift-off, you’ll begin making the descent into Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This may be the only flight you’ve been on that’s left you wishing it had lasted longer. Unlike a routine trip to the airport, you clear Canadian customs once you are off the plane and on the dock. Meaning you are in the heart of Victoria in a matter of minutes.
For the ultimate PWN adventure, book a . The trip combines two of the region’s unique forms of transportation: ferry and seaplane. Soar through the skies on a breathtaking Kenmore Air seaplane flight one direction and cruise aboard the Victoria Clipper ferry through the Salish Sea the other direction. It is one of the most fascinating ways to see the region and should be a must-do on every Seattleite’s list.
3. Washington State Ferry or Black Ball Ferry Line’s MV Coho
Feel the need for a car in Victoria? With Budget Downtown Car Rental a 20-minute walk from the Victoria Clipper terminal, it is easy to pick up wheels to get around Victoria, BC and beyond. However, if you want to bring your own wheels, you’ll need to hop on a car ferry to get from Seattle to Victoria, BC.
If you want to take the scenic route, make the 2-hour and 30-minute drive through the Olympic Peninsula to Port Angeles. From there, catch one of the Black Ball Ferry Line’s daily, year-round departures on the MV Coho for a 90-minute cruise to downtown Victoria.
Or make the approximately two-hour (84.4-mile) drive to Anacortes to hop on a Washington State Ferry. Departures vary by season, but are available at least once a day from March through November. After an approximately 3-hour cruise, you’ll land in Sidney, 20-minutes outside of Victoria.
Seattle to Vancouver, BC
4. Amtrak Cascades Train
If adventure is on your mind, a scenic journey from Seattle to Vancouver, BC via Amtrak ®Cascades train is the way to go. Although the trip to British Columbia is an international trek, with multiple daily departures year-round, the trip is quite simple and allows you to sit back and relax while someone else does the driving.
Hop on the train at the historic King Street Train Station in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood and arrive at Pacific Central Station in downtown Vancouver, BC 4-hours later. During much of the 110-mile journey, the train rolls smoothly along the coastline. With ample legroom, free onboard Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets, you won’t want to leave your chair. Snag a seat of the left side of the train (it is the side closest to the water on northbound trips) and cozy up in your comfortable seats.
It’s hard not to fall into a staring contest with Mother Nature as the waters of Puget Sound glisten in the sunlight and the Olympic Mountains rise in the distance. Curl up with a good book or grab a locally-produced treat from the onboard bistro. Just don’t forget to keep looking out at the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Once through customs at the Vancouver terminal, a 10-minute cab ride or a less than 30-minute ride on the SkyTrain will land you in Vancouver’s downtown core. With a smaller footprint than Seattle, everything from historical landmarks, to trendy boutiques and your hotel are all steps away. Depending on the time of year you travel, rates for a Seattle to Vancouver overnight package, including Amtrak ®Cascades train and a hotel stay, range from $165 – $232 USD per person.
5. Motorcoach
Fast and easy, traveling from Seattle to Vancouver by motorcoach is a wallet-friendly way to pay a visit to our neighbors to the north. With prices ranging from $170 – $204 USD per person depending on the season and multiple, daily departures, a ride on a Cantrail motorcoach is another option.
Like the train, the motorcoach leaves out of King Street Station in Seattle and arrives at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver. With just one stop along the way (at Richmond’s Sandman Signature Hotel), your expert drivers will get you to your destination in approximately 3-hours and 30-minutes.
There are also Quick Shuttle and Greyhound buses from Seattle to Vancouver, which are both relatively inexpensive and offer daily, year-round service. However, the routes typically have several stops along the way in outlying towns, or local hotels, in the case of Quick Shuttle. As a result, the pace of the trip is more leisurely, with travel time averaging four-hours and 20-minutes. Or try the Bolt Bus for a direct trip from city to city. If you’re lucky, you might score the legendary $1 ticket available on each trip.
6. Car
If you want to indulge in a good old-fashioned road trip, it is an easy drive up I-5 to the Canadian Border crossing in Blaine, Washington. Cruise past the scenic countryside and the cozy towns of Mt. Vernon and Bellingham on the approximately 3-hour and 142.6-mile trek to Vancouver’s downtown core. (Insider tip: If you don’t mind taking a detour, swing by Chuckanut Drive for fantastic water vistas.) Just be sure to download a good audiobook or podcast before you go, because there is a good chance that you might get stuck in traffic or long lines at the border.
7. Plane
Based on flight time alone, it takes a mere 55-65 minutes for a flight from Seattle’s SeaTac Airport to Vancouver International Airport. Yet, when you factor in travel time to the airport combined with the early arrival needed for check-in and security, traveling by land is nearly as fast.
Victoria, BC to Vancouver, BC
8. Helijet
Travel in style and whisk between downtown Victoria and downtown Vancouver in a mere 35-minutes on an exhilarating Helijet helicopter ride. With multiple flights per day (except on Christmas and New Year’s) hopping on a stylish Sikorsky S76 helicopter is a one of the quickest, most convenient and fun ways to travel between two of BC’s popular cities.
Did we mention you’ll get a chance to soak in one-of-a-kind aerial views of BC’s sweeping landscape? Splurging on a trip of a lifetime, like this one, is certainly worth it (flights range from $215 – $284 per person USD when you book with Clipper). If riding in a helicopter isn’t luxe enough, you’ll also receive complimentary wine, beer, specialty coffee, tea, snacks and gourmet treats. Free reading materials and Wi-Fi are available at both helipad terminals.
9. Harbour Air Seaplanes
If you still want to fly, but want something a little more affordable (flights start from $179 per person USD when you book with Clipper), Harbour Air Seaplanes zip across the skies between Victoria and Vancouver every 30-60 minutes during daylight hours throughout the year. The trip is about as seamless as it gets. You leave from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and arrive at Vancouver airport terminal at Canada Place. Once in town, catch the complimentary shuttle to arrive at your downtown hotel in mere minutes.
10. Prince of Whales
Looking for a little adventure? Whale watch your way from Victoria to Vancouver on a Prince of Whales Adventure Crossing from Vancouver to Victoria! (You can also travel in the reverse direction and cruise from the Prince of Whales Adventure Center on Vancouver’s Granville Island to Victoria’s Inner Harbour). Daily trips are available from May 24 through September 22, with prices starting from $188 USD per person when you book with Clipper.
One of the more unique and convenient connections between the heart of the two cities, the six-hour one way trip on the luxury Salish Sea Dream catamaran is the perfect chance to experience the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, your expert onboard naturalist will introduce you to some of the aquatic neighbors from the area.
Keep an eye out for orca, minke and humpback whales as well as dolphins,sea lions, harbor seals and an assortment of sea birds during the crossing.And let’s not forget about the scenery. As you travel through the Gulf Islands, soak in views of peaceful and secluded inlets and bays not usually frequented by other ships.
11. BC Ferries and Wilson’s BC Ferries Connector
Need to take your car across the water between Victoria and Vancouver, BC? Ferries glide between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay nearly every two hours, every day, all year long. (Prices start from $61 USD per person when you book with Clipper). Sit back and enjoy a 95-minute scenic adventure past the Gulf Islands as you cruise through the Strait of Georgia.
Traveling car-free? Catch the BC Connector luxury motorcoach at the Capital City Station in Victoria’s downtown core, for a quick, convenient ride to the ferry and across the water. Yes, the BC Connector actually travels on the ship with you and then takes you all the way to the Pacific Central Station in downtown Vancouver. After the approximately 3.5-hour to 4-hour journey, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city and ready to explore.
Bonus – Two Nation Vacation – Three-Night Getaway
Want to explore all the Pacific Northwest has to offer in one easy trip? Discover the region with a comprehensive, two nation vacation to Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. The perfect way to immerse yourself in the area, you can get around using transportation that best suits your needs on this epic journey. From a Clipper cruise to a scenic Amtrak®Cascadestrain ride to a helicopter flight, customization is where Clipper shines in helping you plan your perfect trip.
From exploring lush green forests to sighting seeing in the city, there are plenty of incredible adventures to be had in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your friends and family for a memorable escape by land, air or sea and discover the beauty of the region.
FAQs
11 Ways to Travel Between Seattle, Victoria & Vancouver 2019 | Clipper Vacations? ›
Victoria Clipper Passenger Ferry from Seattle
The Victoria Clipper is the only commercial vessel that offers direct service from Victoria to Seattle. Departing from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and sailing directly to the Belleville Terminal in Victoria's Inner Harbour, it is also the fastest water route.
Victoria Clipper Passenger Ferry from Seattle
The Victoria Clipper is the only commercial vessel that offers direct service from Victoria to Seattle. Departing from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and sailing directly to the Belleville Terminal in Victoria's Inner Harbour, it is also the fastest water route.
Overview. FRS Clipper offers the only direct fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, BC—the Victoria Clipper. The Victoria Clipper ferry operates year-round service, round-trip 1 time per day.
How do you get from Seattle to Victoria Island? ›Ferry. The most direct way to get from Seattle to Victoria is by Victoria Clipper, a 3-hour crossing from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria. They also offer trips to the San Juan Islands. This is a passenger-only ferry.
How do I get from Seattle to Vancouver without a car? ›Train. The Amtrak Cascades train follows a scenic track from Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district, up the craggy coast, to downtown Vancouver's Pacific Central Station. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient.
How long is ferry ride from Victoria to Seattle? ›Service between Victoria and Seattle (Washington). The Clipper Ferry travels between the terminals in Victoria's Inner Harbour and downtown Seattle. Travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Is the train ride from Seattle to Vancouver Scenic? ›The Seattle–Vancouver leg of the Amtrak Cascade line is touted as one of the most scenic train rides offered by Amtrak, passing through dense forests, along unspoiled coastlines, and next to the snow-capped Cascade Mountains.
Can you take a seaplane from Seattle to Victoria? ›Your getaway to Victoria from Seattle starts with Kenmore Air! It's just a short 45-minute scenic seaplane flight to Victoria's Inner Harbour. Our year-round daily scheduled flights from Lake Union or Kenmore/Lake Washington are fast, convenient and stress-free.
Is the ferry from Seattle to Victoria Scenic? ›A short and scenic ferry ride through the Salish Sea, Victoria, BC is the perfect day trip destination from Seattle.
Is Victoria walkable from ferry? ›Ferries run at least every two hours (at the top of the hour), increasing to hourly during peak season. These ferries take both vehicles and walk-on passengers. For up-to-date fare and schedule information, reservations, as well as driving directions, visit BCFerries.com or call BC Ferries at 250.386.
What is the best time of year to visit Victoria BC? ›
Conditions vary greatly depending on where you are, with ocean winds keeping winters warm and summers cool. But in general the best time to visit Victoria is late summer (March-April) as the weather is still warm (hovering around 28°C plus) and more settled.
What is the best way to get to Vancouver Island from Seattle? ›The best way to get from Seattle to Vancouver Island without a car is to ferry and bus which takes 9h 55m and costs $160 - $330.
Can you go to Victoria Island without a car? ›The best way to get around Victoria & Vancouver Island is by bike or car. Central Victoria – especially the Inner Harbour – can easily be explored on foot, while bike paths will lead you to less touristy neighborhoods.
How much is the train ride from Seattle to Vancouver? ›| Daily Trains | 1 |
|---|---|
| Earliest and Latest Train Departures | 7:50AM - 7:00PM |
| Minimum Price | $44 |
| Average Ticket Price | $48 |
| Minimum Trip Duration | 4h |
Chuckanut Drive, Washington
The route is incredibly gorgeous, especially in autumn, when the slopes are aflame in a cornucopia of vibrant colors. As it's just a short detour off of I-5, it's a must as part of a scenic drive from Seattle to Vancouver.
Quick Shuttle offers the quickest shuttle from Seattle/Tacoma Airport to Vancouver, BC, which can take 4h 30m. Tickets for this connection cost $66.32. However, keep in mind that the bus route can take longer when there is traffic.
Is it better to visit Vancouver or Victoria? ›Is it better to visit Vancouver or Victoria? If you have the choice, visit both! If you can only visit one, then I recommend basing yourself in Vancouver. The city is larger and has many attractions including biking the Stanley Park seawall, Grouse Mountain, Vancouver Lookout, Granville Island and more.
Is Victoria BC worth visiting? ›We try to visit at least once a year and we're constantly recommending Victoria to readers of this travel blog. Victoria is located only 100 kilometres (62 miles) from both Vancouver BC and Seattle WA, making it the perfect weekend getaway for tourists and residents who live on the mainland.
How much does it cost to go on the ferry in Seattle? ›| Ticket Type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Adult Passenger (age 19 - 64) | $9.25 |
| Senior Passenger (age 65 & over) | $4.60 |
| Disability Passenger | $4.60 |
| Youth Passenger (age 6 - 18) | $4.60 |
Yes, you can take a rental car to Canada after you pick up a vehicle at many U.S. Budget locations. Keep in mind that taking a rental car to Canada requires a Canadian non-resident insurance card, which indicates that you have auto insurance that works in Canada.
How many days do I need in Vancouver? ›
How many days do you need to visit Vancouver properly? A proper visit to Vancouver should take three or four days. This involves getting a hotel in the downtown core and spending one-day exploring areas like Gastown, Yaletown, and Stanley Park.
Why is there no train from Seattle to Vancouver? ›SEATTLE — Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia resumed Monday after being suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the Amtrak Cascades train is welcome news for travelers who have been relying on Amtrak's four daily buses.
How much is a sea plane ticket from Seattle to Victoria? ›Airfares from $109 One Way, $262 Round Trip from Seattle to Victoria. Prices starting at $262 for return flights and $109 for one-way flights to Victoria were the cheapest prices found within the past 7 days, for the period specified.
How to get a car from Seattle to Victoria? ›via Port Angeles with Black Ball Ferry Line
Coho, a 90-minute vehicle and passenger ferry between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC. It is the most direct and most economic ferry crossing between the USA and Victoria, BC.
The VICTORIA CLIPPER ferry (Seattle) has 2 stations departing from Victoria and ending in Seattle. VICTORIA CLIPPER ferry time schedule overview for the upcoming week: It departs once a day at 5:30 PM. Operating days this week: everyday.
Do you need a passport to go to Victoria BC on a cruise? ›If you are travelling by land or sea (including cruises and ferries) between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen age 19 and older, you must present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and ...
Is there only one ferry from Vancouver to Victoria? ›The Vancouver Victoria ferry route connects Canada with Vancouver Island. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, V2V Vacations. The crossing operates up to 7 times each week with sailing durations from around 3 hours 30 minutes.
How much is the car ferry from Victoria to Seattle? ›The cheapest way to get from Victoria to Seattle is to car ferry and drive which costs $60 - $160 and takes 4h 16m.
What is the best way to travel in Victoria? ›Trains, trams and buses will get you just about anywhere you want to go in Victoria. Public transport has you covered in Melbourne and regional areas.
How many people are on a ferry to Victoria? ›The ferry has capacity for 2,100 passengers and crew and 358 automobiles. The ferry is equipped with lounges and cafes.
Do you need passport to go to Victoria from Vancouver? ›
A passport is required for citizens of the United States to travel to Canada, and to re-enter the country. If you are planning to drive, you must produce a passport, passport card or NEXUS card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through Canadian and U.S. border controls.
What are the rainiest months in Victoria? ›The rainy season begins from mid-October to November and Victoria can receive up to 147 mm of rain during this period.
What is the coldest month of the year Victoria? ›June and July are the coldest months and October is the wettest. Annual average rainfall for Melbourne is around 649 mm. Visit the Australian Government's official Bureau of Meteorology website for monthly temperature and rainfall averages across Victoria.
Do you need a car in Victoria BC? ›If you are planning to stick to downtown and the main attractions, you can get wherever you need to go by foot or by transit. But if you do plan to venture further afield, a car will make things a lot easier. You can rent a car at the airport or downtown on Douglas Street at one of the following agencies: Avis (tel.
How many days do you need to see Vancouver Island? ›As mentioned above, we recommend taking at least 7 days for your trip so you can enjoy all the scenic drives Vancouver Island has to offer. We have also added a bonus section if you have some extra time and want to explore further up island (which we really recommend if you have the time).
Is the bus ride from Seattle to Vancouver Scenic? ›No matter your travel purpose, the bus between Seattle and Vancouver is slower and less picturesque than Amtrak train routes. Both Pacific Central Station in Vancouver and King Street Station in Seattle rest in the heart of each city, providing immediate access to metro buses, taxis, hotels and popular attractions.
Can you Uber from Seattle to Vancouver? ›You can use Uber from Seattle to Vancouver. Distance between Seattle and Vancouver is approx. 143 miles. Uber trip takes approximately 2 hours 30 min depending on traffic.
What is the difference between Victoria and Victoria Island? ›Travellers frequently use the term Victoria Island when referring to Vancouver Island but, in this context, the name Victoria Island is a misnomer. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, and is located on southern Vancouver Island.
Is Victoria Canada a walkable city? ›Victoria ranked most walkable city outside of U.S. British Columbia's capital city has been ranked the most walkable city in the world outside of the U.S. by travel website Travel Awaits.
Should you rent a car in Victoria? ›Renting a car in Victoria is a must if you want to fully explore in and around the city. There's a lot of things to do and places to see in Victoria. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to drive to a nearby city or attraction outside of Victoria. With Tripadvisor, you can rent all types of vehicles in Victoria.
What is the best time to visit Vancouver? ›
With its array of indoor and outdoor attractions, make sure to add visiting Vancouver to your itinerary. The best times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and from September to November. It is when the weather is mild and hotel prices are reasonable.
How long does it take to get from Vancouver to Seattle on Amtrak? ›Traveling by train from Vancouver to Seattle usually takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cascades train can make the trip in 3 hours and 7 minutes.
What is the difference between coach and business class seats on Amtrak? ›Coach class offers basic accommodations with comfortable reclining seats, tray tables and overhead reading lights. Amtrak business class seats are cushier with headrests, adjustable footrests, more legroom, tray tables and electrical outlets for laptops or DVD players. Seats usually face forward.
What is the best border crossing into Canada from Seattle? ›Which border crossing is the best one? Peace Arch is the main crossing and has the longest delays, while the Pacific Highway is usually faster in comparison. The Lynden/Aldergrove crossing is worth considering if you are traveling to the North Shore or to the east side of Vancouver.
What is the most beautiful drive in Vancouver? ›Whistler. The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most breathtaking drives you can take in the province, thanks to the incredibly scenic Sea to Sky Highway. The highway stretches from Vancouver all the way to Pemberton, which is just north of Whistler.
Can I travel to Victoria without a car? ›There is so much you can see and do in Victoria without a car. But a couple of Victoria's most popular attractions are too far from the downtown area to visit on foot. However that's no problem because it's easy to hop on one of the many tour busses you can board in front of the iconic Empress Hotel.
How can I get to Victoria without a car? ›From downtown Vancouver, take the SkyTrain's Canada Line south to Bridgeport Station, then transfer to bus #620 to get to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, then board the ferry as a walk-on passenger. From the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island, take bus #70 to downtown Victoria.
Can you go to Victoria without a car? ›Victoria is truly walkable. The Inner Harbour and downtown core are best explored on foot, but there are several other types of transportation. From horse drawn carriage to double-decker bus, find transportation for your preferred pace.
Is the Clipper running between Victoria and Seattle? ›The VICTORIA CLIPPER ferry (Seattle) has 2 stations departing from Victoria and ending in Seattle. VICTORIA CLIPPER ferry time schedule overview for the upcoming week: It departs once a day at 5:30 PM. Operating days this week: everyday.
Is Uber available in Victoria? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Vic
Date format is yyyy/MM/dd. Press the down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the escape button to close the calendar. Selected date is 2023/06/01.
Is Victoria Canada worth visiting? ›
We try to visit at least once a year and we're constantly recommending Victoria to readers of this travel blog. Victoria is located only 100 kilometres (62 miles) from both Vancouver BC and Seattle WA, making it the perfect weekend getaway for tourists and residents who live on the mainland.
Is Victoria a walkable city? ›Victoria came in first place on the list, which was released Friday, with Travel Awaits recommending the Inner Harbour and waterfront areas as particularly scenic walks.