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* Important Information for American Travelers
From Vancouver
Car Ferry:
Terminal at Tsawwassen south of
Vancouver and just north of the Canada-US border. Large modern vessels
with the most frequent and convenient sailings. 90 minute crossing
time to Swartz Bay (north of Victoria).
Air: Flights
approximately 30 minutes from Vancouver airport to Victoria airport.
Floatplane:
Vancouver harbour to Victoria harbour
Helijet
From Seattle, WA
Passenger-only
Ferry: Passenger only ferry from downtown Seattle to downtown
Victoria in 2 to 2.5 hours. Not recommended in stormy weather.
Air: Flights
from SeaTac airport to Victoria airport.
Floatplane:
Seattle harbour to Victoria harbour
Helijet
From Port Angeles, WA
Car Ferry: Arrives in downtown Victoria after 90 minute crossing.
Up to 4 sailings daily in high season. Very busy in summer and they
don't accept reservations.
Passenger-only
Ferry: Downtown Port Angeles to downtown Victoria in 1 hour.
From Anacortes & San Juans, WA
Car
Ferry: Arrives at Sidney (about 18 miles north of Victoria)
after 2.5 to 3 hour crossing. Essential to reserve
and arrive early in high season. Two sailings daily in high season.
A useful website can be found at http://www.mapquest.com
Vancouver Island
The biggest island on the west coast of North America, Vancouver
Island is almost twice the size of Hawaii. It is 451 Kilometers
(282 miles) long and covers 32,136 square Kilometers (12,408 square
miles). Much of the island is untamed wilderness - home to cougar,
wolves, bear, deer, elk, and eagles. The surrounding sea has a myriad
of creatures including whales, dolphins, otters, seals, salmon and
many others. The western side of the island is sparsely populated
and consists of many rugged fjords, temperate rain forests, and
mountainous terrain. It is best known around the world for Pacific
Rim National Park and the famous "West Coast Trail", a challenge
even to seasoned hikers. There are very few roads and many of the
coastal villages are only accessible by sea or air.
The only highway running the length of the island connects the
main cities and towns on the more populated eastern side. From Port
Hardy, the northernmost town, to Victoria at the southern tip is
a full day's drive past lush farmland and forests, and through quaint
villages and towns with names as varied and interesting as their
history. Some place names have a First Nations' origin such as Nanaimo
and Qualicum while others like Juan de Fuca and Victoria speak of
a Spanish or English past.
There is much to see and do but your adventure begins on the southern
tip of our beautiful island in Victoria, the jewel of Vancouver
Island.
Important information for American travelers...
* U.S. residents do not require a passport to visit Canada. Although a passport is the ideal identification, you do not need a passport or visa to enter Canada. Just make sure you carry identification to establish your citizenship such as a Birth Certificate and least one ID card with photo. These documents are also required to re-enter the U.S. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should carry this certificate.Permanent residents of the U.S.A. must bring their "Green Card". |
