Vancouver To Victoria -repost

[jjgreg113]

I posted this on the Canada board but I thought someone here could help me.

 

I am planning the final touches to our trip. We will be taking the Infinity on Sept 5th for our honeymoon and with the wedding plans and all I am totally overwhelmed. Our ship docks in Vancouver on Sun the 12th. We want to go to Victoria for the night. Our plane leaves Monday at noon from Vancouver. Can anyone help me with the best way to get to Victoria from the pier and then back to the airport.

 

I have read about the bus that puts you right on the ferry and then when you get there takes you to Victoria? I guess Im a little confused. Where does the bus get on the ferry. It looks like it is not right there by the pier. Also, when we get to land in Victoria do we actually drive further. Looking at the schedules I found where you can pick up the bus at 6am and it has you to the airport at 9:15.

 

is this the best way to go? I know you can fly but we can not afford that. I am so confused. Is there a ferry that takes you right to the Inner Harbor?? Please help.

[42trvl]

We just flew in from Vancouver last night following our Alaska cruise, and spent Sunday in Victoria. I was surprised, upon our arrival in Vancouver, to find how long it took to get to Victoria. With two tired kids (and parents too) - we had been on the road two weeks by then, the bus and ferry combo just seemed too much for us, and fortunately we could afford the plane over. The floatplane terminal is right next to the cruise ship terminal and costs $100 each way for a 30-35 minuite flight.

 

My mom opted for the bus. You are correct in that the ferry terminal is a bit of a distance (maybe 15-20 mins.) from cruise ships, as is the bus terminal which is not as far, but would still need a cab to. 3 and a half hours seems to be the standard time to allow, so your timing on the return seems okay. However, I would allow some extra time as I know that in my mom's case the ferries were running a bit late. The bus terminal in Victoria is very close (walkable) to Inner Harbor area. I believe the main bus line is called Pacific Coach Lines - you could take a taxi from Canada Place to bus terminal. There is also Gray Line - more of a tour bus company - that offers some packages and may even pick up from the cruise pier. It was a somewhat cumbersome process, and honestly, we would have all preferred the extra day in Vancouver, but that's a personal opinion...

 

You could also call the hotel you plan to stay at in Victoria and see what suggestions they could offer.

[Cruise Junky]

Hi - the Victoria Ferry leaves from Tsawwassen.. about 45 from downtown Vancouver (on a good day). The bus will drop you very close to downtown Victoria. Victoria is only about 15 minutes from the Ferry Dock on the Island.

[StephenJohnson]

If I were you, I'd just hang out in Vancouver unless you have the cash for the floatplane or helicopter trip over. It'll be a frazzling end to what should otherwise be a relaxing and pleasant trip - you can rent a car and drive it over, or take the bus and ferry combo (about a wash on price, IIRC, but rental car is rather more convenient) - the majour problem is needing to be up early to get back over in the morning.

 

There's a bazillion great sights & things to do in Vancouver, and you'll be more relxed getting to that shocking flight back to reality ;)

[Cruise Junky]

I was actually going to ask how much you had your heart set on Victoria. If it were me...I'd much rather spend a night in Whistler. They also have bus service.

[jaynak]

I'm afraid I have to agree with the last two posters! Victoria really is a destination unto itself and deserves more time than you are giving it. My dh attended Univ. Vic and we took the ferry many, many times - it is a wonderful trip but is much longer than most people realize and as has been mentioned, the ferries often run late. Vancouver is a lovely city too and you would *IMHO* be better to relax and enjoy it - Grouse Mtn is lots of fun for example. Whatever you decide, I hope it all goes well!! Jayna K

[Kami's pal]

I agree that best end to your vacation is to stay in Vancouver. Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown are other excellent spots to enjoy in Vancouver. Whenever I go to Victoria, I fly in because Ferry, bus, rental cars are very time consuming. I've twice spent a week long vacation just in Vancouver.

 

This is asuming that you haven't some obligation in Victoria. If so, I'd really try to fly in.

[ell52]

I posted this on the Canada board but I thought someone here could help me.

 

I answered your original post including a link to Pacific Coach Lines on the Canada board.

 

Ell