FerryConnect

Canada

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) → Victoria (Swartz Bay)

BC Ferries’ busiest route, linking the Vancouver area with Victoria and Vancouver Island through the Southern Gulf Islands and scenic Active Pass. Orcas and eagles are sometimes seen from the deck.

⏱ 1h 35m🚢 1 operator📅 Up to hourly departures in summer; every one to two hours off-peak🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) takes 1h 35m across the Strait of Georgia & Active Pass, operated by BC Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: up to hourly departures in summer; every one to two hours off-peak.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay)

📐 24 Nautical Miles
Vancouver (Tsawwassen)⇄Victoria (Swartz Bay)
⏱ 1h 35m · 📐 24 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with Direct Ferries.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
BC Ferries1h 35mSpirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal class

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

24 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Tsawwassen terminal has TransLink bus connections to Bridgeport Canada Line station for downtown Vancouver
  • Swartz Bay has BC Transit buses to downtown Victoria (about 45 minutes) via Highway 17

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingHorseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) → Nanaimo (Departure Bay)1h 40m · BC FerriesNearby alternative crossingAnacortes → Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)1h – 2h (depending on island stops) · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingSeattle → Bainbridge Island35m · Washington State FerriesMore ferries in CanadaNorth Sydney (Nova Scotia) → Port aux Basques (Newfoundland)6h – 7h · Marine AtlanticMore ferries in CanadaSaint John (New Brunswick) → Digby (Nova Scotia)About 2h 15m – 3h · Bay FerriesMore ferries in CanadaWood Islands (Prince Edward Island) → Caribou (Nova Scotia)About 1h 15m · Northumberland Ferries
🗺 All ferries in Canada🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I reserve the BC Ferries Vancouver–Victoria sailing?
For vehicles in summer and on holiday weekends, yes. Reservations help you avoid waiting for later sailings. Foot passengers do not need reservations.
How long is the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)?
The crossing typically takes 1h 35m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
Which ferry companies sail from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)?
BC Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Vancouver (Tsawwassen) from Victoria (Swartz Bay) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 24 nautical miles (roughly 44 km).