Canada #9 Victoria to Vancouver
To travel between Vancouver and Victoria, our options were either a plane or a ferry and, after a 14 hour flight from Brisbane to Vancouver, a ferry ride sounded like a great choice. The day we went to Victoria was grey and wet and the glorious scenery we’d looked forward to was shrouded in mist, so we were happy to sit inside and enjoy a warming coffee.
Our return journey was completely different. The sun sparkled on the water and snowcapped Mt Baker was beautifully framed by the bluest sky and ocean.
Even though there were many other travellers there was plenty of room on the outside deck – we didn’t sit inside this time.
The ferry left Vancouver Island from Swartz Bay and sailed past several small islands, across the Strait of Georgia to the terminal at Tsawwassen. The journey of 24 nautical miles took 95 minutes; we could relax and enjoy the spectacular views. The clear blue sky was reflected in the deeper blue of the ocean, both separated on the horizon by the dark lines of densely forested islands.
We saw watercraft of all shapes and sizes. There was no need to compete for space in this wide channel.
Another ferry passed, going where we had just been. Like us, the passengers were all out on the deck, making the most of the glorious day.
Such a lovely backdrop, Carol ππ
LikeLiked by 2 people
Imagine living on this coast – the view wouldn’t be the same from one day to the next.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That day saved the best to last it seems. What a beautiful way to travel!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We did have mostly glorious weather for the five weeks we were in Canada. The ferry was a great way to travel – we should have one between NZ and Oz. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think so too! Wouldn’t that be a great adventure π
LikeLiked by 2 people
It would be fun. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stunning scenery. Itβs amazing the difference a blue sky and a bit of sun makes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’d been told the crossing was beautiful so we were glad the weather cooperated for our return journey. It didn’t look like this on the way over. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Looks absolutely gorgeous. And I agree, sunshine makes a huge difference. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our first crossing was so cold and damp and there was nothing to see. The return journey was such a contrast.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sounds like it! Happy Thursday Carol. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Gorgeous pictures on a gorgeous day. The weather up there in the summer is glorious. Don’t try to come here in the summer. We’ll go somewhere else. We have the most marvelous weather right now. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
We did have beautiful weather most days – very lucky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always makes it nice. Our weather here has been fabulous for about a month or more. Put that into your mental calendar. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Done! π
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a peaceful looking trip it looks and beautiful scenery.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Everyone was very quiet out on the deck. They may have all been as awed as we were by the landscape..
LikeLiked by 2 people
A lovely way to relax and enjoy those views Carol. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, boats and trains are our preferred modes of transport. It’s a shame we can’t get a ferry across the Pacific! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh all that blue is so soothing on the eyes-and the spirit! π
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was very relaxing to watch all this beauty go by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. I love this kind of cruises. Your photos are very beautiful and they praise the beauty of this part of world. Thank You sharing this post with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Matti. The ferry was definitely a nice way to travel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So beautiful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Isn’t it glorious. Imagine living in that house at the end of the rocks opposite the lighthouse. I would never get anything done because I’d be looking out the windows all the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me neither!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What glorious views on your return journey!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was wonderful. We stayed outside the whole journey, even though there was a cafΓ© inside! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it would be hard to tear yourself away from some lovely scenery, even if there was the best cake and coffee on offer in the cafe!
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of my favourite things about Vancouver was the ferry journeys. We did quite a few and loved them all, especially when we actually saw Orca pods.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You were lucky. We saw some dolphins.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dolphins are lovely too π
LikeLiked by 2 people
They really are.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So perfectly lovely… Next time we visit my nephew in Vancouver (we have only been once) I definitely want to take in some of this loveliness.
Peta
LikeLiked by 2 people
I recommend spending a few days in Victoria. The BC Connector is excellent. There’s a bus pick up from the city, which goes directly to the ferry, takes you on board and then goes off the ferry right into the centre of Victoria. It couldn’t be easier. I was a little surprised by the cost when I booked the tickets, but it was worth every cent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
More great photos from a beautiful ferry trip. Nothing better than a boat on a sunny day. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a great ride – highly recommended!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I live a ferry ride! We camped in saltspring island a few years back. The sound of the fog horn started to grate on my nerves, I must admit. Nothing is perfect!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There was no need for fog horns on this particular day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely photo of Mt Baker, with the contrast between the white and the blue. There is some spectacular scenery in that region, to be sure!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Coming from somewhere that rarely gets snow (last time was 1984!) we loved seeing snow on these mountains. It was so beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you had the best of both worlds, Carol, since you got to make the crossing on a moody day and one filled with sunshine. Having spent time in Malta and Croatia, I’ve come to love traveling by ferry.
Victoria is a city that’s dear to Shawn’s family, as his grandparents and aunt used to live there. I hope we get the chance to visit someday soon. Was it your first time in Victoria?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was our first time in Victoria and Canada. We loved it. Victoria is a very pretty city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely big trip on a boat! Cool scenery too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were lucky to have such a beautiful day for our second crossing.
LikeLike
Great photos and pst!
Hi, just nominated you for the Real Neat Blog Award, hope you can participate. π https://imageearthtravel.com/2018/11/04/real-neat-blog-award/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You deserve a nomination!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this journey – I remember thinking how desolate and beautiful it was. I didn’t see any whales but I’m told it’s pretty common at certain times of year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We saw one dolphin. Whales would be a thrill.
LikeLike