How to get to Victoria or Nanaimo from Downtown Vancouver and back

It may seem tricky to get to Tssawwassen Ferry Terminal, but it's actually easier than you think! Here's a quick guide for everyone who's planning a trip over to Vancouver Island.

From Vancouver To Vancouver Island – Victoria

By Public Transit:

• Take the Skytrain (westbound) to Granville Station.
• Transfer to the Canada Line at Vancouver City Centre.
  
• Take the Canada Line (southbound) towards Richmond to Bridgeport Station.

OR

• Walk to Vancouver City Centre Canada Line station.
  
• Take the Canada Line (southbound) towards Richmond to Bridgeport Station.

THEN at Bridgeport Station

• Transfer to the #620 Tsawassen bus.
• Join the ferry as a foot passenger.
  The rate for a foot passenger on the ferry is about $15.00 per person, one-way to Schwartz Bay (on Vancouver Island). The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

THEN at Swartz Bay (Victoria)

• Take the #70 Pat Bay Bus into Victoria.
  This bus leaves the ferry terminal at five minutes before every hour, and takes about one hour to reach Victoria.
• Otherwise, you may catch the Coach Lines bus directly on the ferry by purchasing a ticket during the first halfhour of the ferry ride.
• The cost of the Coach Lines bus is around $8.75 and will take you from the ferry to the Victoria Bus Depot. '
• Consult schedule or ask at the Front Desk for details of ferry crossings. Phone 1-888-BC FERRY for 24 hour recorded info.

By Coach:

• Take the Skytrain (eastbound) to Main Street Station. The terminal is just across Main Street.
  
• Pacific Coach Lines (604-662-7575) leaves every two hours starting at 5:45 AM, until 7:45 PM.
• The trip from the Vancouver Bus Depot to the Victoria Depot takes approximately 3h30min.
• The fare is currently $43.00 one way or $84 return (includes tax and ferry cost), but may change.
• Or: If you have only carry-on luggage, you can reserve by phone with PCL (604-662-8074) and request to board the bus at the South East corner of Beatty & Nelson. Our Front Desk staff can direct you.

From Vancouver Island – Victoria to Vancouver 

By Public Transit:

• When you’re ready to return to Vancouver catch the 70 or 72 from the stop at Government and Superior Streets or Douglas and Pandora.
  
• The last stop will be at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
• Join the ferry as a foot passenger on the sailing back to Vancouver.
  The rate for a foot passenger on the ferry is about $15.00 per person.
• Once you get off the Ferry, take the 620 Bridgeport Stn Via Ladner Exch and ride for 5 stops (35 mins).
  Get off at Bridgeport station.
• From Brideport station, take the Northbound train towards Waterfront.
  Get off at Vancouver City Centre Station.
• From there, either walk back to the hotel (8 minutes), or transfer to the Expo Line and get off at Stadium Chinatown Station two blocks from the YWCA Hotel.
   

From Vancouver To Vancouver Island – Nanaimo

By Public Transit: 

• Take the #257 Horseshoe Bay bus (westbound) on Dunsmuir St at Cambie to the Horseshoe Bay Terminal.
  
• Join the ferry to Nanaimo as a foot passenger.
• The Ferry takes approximately 1 hr and 35 minutes to get to Departure Bayon the Island and you must purchase your ticket at least 10 minutes ahead of time.
• Foot Passenger ferry cost is about $15.00 one way.

From Vancouver Island – Nanaimo to Vancouver 

By Public Transit:

• Hop onto the 20 bus from the Prideaux Street Exchange bay
  
• Get off at Departure Bay Ferry.
• Join the ferry to Vancouver as a foot passenger. You must purchase your ticket at least 10 minutes ahead of time. Foot Passenger ferry cost is about $15.00 one way.
• After leaving the Ferry at Horseshoe Bay, hop on the 257 Express bus towards Vancouver. Ride the 257 for 36 minutes for around 8 stops. Get off at Westbound Dunsmuir St @ Cambie.
• Talk for 4 minutes to get to YWCA Hotel Vancouver.