3 Ferry Routes to Vancouver Island

[Mike Hart]

There are 3 different ferry outfits that can get you to the Deuce.

Here is a short bit about each, and a link to each site.

BC Ferries run from Tsawwassen to Duke Point / Nanaimo, close to Sid's,
with frequent sailings, about $20 US for a bike and solo rider.

There are other destinations on Vancouver Island from Tsawwassen too,
for those wanting even more sight-seeing.

A group (6 or more showing up at booth at same time) discount
is available.

Tsawwassen to Duke Point/Nanaimo



There is the slower, scenic, more expensive ride through the San Juan
Islands on the WA State Ferries.

Anacortes to Sydney



There is the Coho from Port Angeles, the least expensive, the least
frequent sailings, the least bike space, especially on weekends.

Port Angeles to Victoria

[Mike Hart]

Going up I-5? Directions and map to Tsawwassen Ferry

For those coming up I-5, there are two ways into BC.

The 'main' route is through Blaine. The 'sneaky' route is
through the Truck/Bus crossing. The lines are
usually shorter.

To use the truck/bus crossing, I-5 Exit 275 (to Hwy 543)
is well marked as Truck/Bus. 543 becomes Canada 15,
northbound. About a mile ahead, take a left at 8th Ave,
which gets you back on 99 with the Blaine crossers,
who will be on 99.

Stay on 99 until you get to the exit marked
Tsawwassen Ferry (Hwy 17, Exit 28).

Hope this helps any first-timers.

Here is a map

Truck/Bus 'detour' in blue. Ferry is at the red '5'

[Ron]

Redmond, WA to Ladysmith, BC

I'll be travelling Aug 3 from my friend's home in Redmond, WA (near I-405 and 520) to Sid's pad in Ladysmith. From a preliminary look, it seems I'll be taking I-5 (haven't figgered how to get there yet... Mapblast here I come), the truck bypass at the border, and then the Tsawwassen ferry.

Would any of you recommend something different? I'd like to leave my friend's about 9 am, and arrive at Sid's in the afternoon (3 pm or so?) so I have plenty of time, I think.

Thanks,
Ron.

[Mike Hart]

Hi Ron

Unless someone's idea of something different sounds cool to you, I agree that your plan is the most direct. Your friend can point you to I-5 (I-405 connects), figure 3 hours max time to the ferry terminal, unless the border is totally choked, then you catch the 12:45. If the border is a mess, maybe you catch the 3:15, and you're at Sid's about 5pm.

See ya there!

[Jdwags]

Hey Ron! Your goin right by me..

Ron,

Give me a call if you get this, I'm planning on heading up early

Sat AM the 3rd as well.. Im in Bothell, only about 14 miles from

Redmond, If you want another bike with ya shotgun?


I was thinking on headin up fairly early though.. taking

the Twassen Ferry and onto the Island.

My Cell is 206 949-5281, and I'm home Thurs and Fri night finishing the last minute settin up to go.

I do have to return Sunday evening, as Work calls Monday.

[Ron]

OK... if you want the 5:15 am ferry, that is a little early for me.

I left a message at your #, if you don't get it for some reason, my friend's number is 425-556-0451 - I am here now and will remain until I leave Saturday morning (about 5 am)

[Jdwags]

Denny's it is

Nice to talk to you Ron,

Dennys it is.. give me a call as you are leaving.. i'll see you at I 405 exit 26, and we will caffine up, gas up and head North!

Guys, looks like ill be coming in a bit later... not on the 515 ferry,

hope ron doesn't mind riding with "grandma"...

(I'm a bit conservative still, getting back into the saddle)