The 10 Best Canada Ferry Trips

1.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,703 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $228Our pick

Spend about 13 hours traveling from Vancouver to Victoria by coach and BC Ferries. See Gulf Island scenery, explore Butchart Gardens for two hours, then enjoy free time in Victoria. Guides such as Anthony, Bobby, Leslie, and Andy are known for clear commentary and helpful local tips.

“We traveled to Vancouver to see the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. My phone didn't work in Canada so we contacted Viator to give new phone number. Also we were moved from our hotel to nearby hotel because of international conference. We notified Viator of the move, the new address and the phone number change. When we called and gave Viator this information, we were told that we would receive a call on the morning of the planned trip to Victoria and the Butchart Gardens at 9:20 and then we would be picked up shortly thereafter for the ferry ride. We received no call. We contacted Viator at 9:25 and told…”

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2.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 565 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $214

Travel from Vancouver to Vancouver Island by coach and ferry, with Gulf Islands views, admission to Butchart Gardens, and free time in Victoria. Guides such as Mark, Justin, Dan, Dion, and Senan have been praised for clear commentary, humor, and careful timekeeping. Expect a long but well-organized day.

“12-13hrs trip just to see two places. Gardens were worth the visit, but i'd trade 30m there for more time in Victoria - 1h15m is hardly enough for a few photos and a quick bite. 5min walking distance at most. The whole trip was conducted very well though. The real highlight was the history, background and other commentary by our guide/driver Justin: on-spot, informative and funny!”

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3.Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Adventure & Return via Bus & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 354 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $309

Choose your Vancouver departure and fly 35 minutes by Harbour Air seaplane to Victoria. Explore on your own, then return by coach and BC Ferries, with about four hours on the road and water. Expect a small group, limited baggage, and a full day that may end around 7:40 PM.

“Due to poor weather the trip was cancelled by the float plane company sono trip took place. I understand why the plane could not fly but where's my refund ........................???”

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4.Victoria Bites and Sights Walking + Ferry (winter Sat, Sun)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63Top rated

Spend 2.5 hours walking central Victoria with an English-speaking guide such as Fish, Gary, Julie, or Roberto. Sample small bites and drinks, visit Chinatown and Market Square, and cross the harbour by water taxi. It suits first-time visitors who want history, orientation, and a light food experience.

“Roberto was a great tour guide! Very engaging and dynamic in his delivery of history facts and local culture. He was very thoughtful to capture some great photos of us. We had some delicious bites and also walked away with recommendations on what to do after.”

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5.Victoria Seaplane Tour with Return Bus and Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 146 reviews · from $297

Fly 35 minutes from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria with views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Gulf Islands. Spend the day exploring Victoria independently, then return by coach and BC Ferries through Active Pass. The return takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.

“A great day, helped by beautiful weather. Took the 7.30 flight over to Victoria, which gave us plenty of time to use the local 75 bus to Butchart gardens and still have time to have a good look round Victoria. The flight over was excellent. We were warmly greeted and had coffee before departure. Boarding was easy and the take-off and landing exceptionally smooth. The views of Vancouver, Stanley Park and the other islands were stunning. We returned by bus and ferry. Our driver was very informative and the ferry trip great fun. All in all a great trip that I would definitely recommend.Read more”

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6.Victoria Bites and Sights Tour with Food, Drinks and Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 2h 30m · from $62

Start by the Empress with an English-speaking guide in a red vest, then ride a harbour ferry to Chinatown. Walk through Bastion Square and downtown, stopping for local food, one cocktail, one craft beer, and chocolate. Guides include Gary, Fish, Julie, Emily, and Dyson.

“I absolutely loved this tour. Our tour guide (Gary) was very personable. He had great knowledge of the area and its history. We felt like we got to experience more of Victoria, and to a deeper level than we ever could have on our own. Especially in just a couple hours. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Victoria.”

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7.Granville Island Ferry Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $16Best value

Use a mobile day pass on False Creek Ferries’ small blue-and-white boats to reach nine Vancouver stops, from Granville Island and Yaletown to the Maritime Museum and Science World area. Boats arrive every five to 15 minutes, with local anecdotes from the crew and views of the Inner Harbour.

“These cute little blue tug boats are a great way to get around False Creek and see the many landmark places to visit. You get an up front view of the shoreline and many cool things along the waterfront. We spent 6 hours hopping on and off these cute little tug boats.”

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8.One-Way High-Speed Passenger Ferry: Victoria, BC to Seattle, WA

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 76 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Travel from Victoria’s Inner Harbour to downtown Seattle in about three hours aboard the Victoria Clipper. Choose Economy or upgrade to Vista Class for upper-deck views, bring one small carry-on, buy food and drinks on board, and clear the US border at Pier 69.

“Embarked near our hotel. Disembarked a bit away from city center. Would have liked transfer to hotel be included in price.”

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9.North Vancouver Walking tour with Local Tastings and Ferry ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Cross Vancouver Harbour by Seabus, then follow a guide through Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards District for six food tastings and three alcoholic drinks. Guides such as Rachel, Kelsey, Kate, and Anna bring local history and humor to a three-hour, 10-block walk for up to 16 people.

“Tour was our introduction to North Vancouver- or so we hoped. It turned out to be centred around the mall ( 4 of the 9 stops) beside the Seabus terminal. We were expecting information on the history of shipbuilding in the area. We were lucky (psychic?) to have visited the MONOVA beforehand so we had some facts about the area and its successes and failures over the years.”

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10.Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 52 reviews · 3 hours · from $52

Join an English-speaking guide for a three-hour Victoria pub crawl linking four waterfront venues by water taxi. Start at 10 Acres Commons, stop at downtown Victoria, Fisherman’s Wharf, Songhees Park, and Chinatown, with appetizers included when you buy a drink. Guides may include Jack, Torin, Tara, or Emily.

“Jack was hands down the highlight of our ladies weekend. A close 2nd was the Robbie Burns bagpipe parade at Irish times. Jack stayed responsible, even though we tried our best to get him to join in our shenanigans!!!! Captain jack will make your weekend!!!!”

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