Travelling to YVR next weekend. First stop is Victoria ,BC coming from YVR airport area. Thinking of taking the Ferry. Do I need to stay overnight in Victoria or a day trip is fine?

It’s a 2 hour ferry there, so depends what time you arrive and what you plan on doing? Where are you travelling from?

Bryan I was told its easier to get the ferry if i come from the YVR airport area. So i think i will jst check in at the hotel there and travel to Victoria the next day.

June they have a shuttle to the ferry . But please book because they have cut down the numbers of passengers

Carol Thanks!

whether you are landing in YVR or YYJ check ferry schedule and how to get to terminal. Note: wearing a mask is mandatory onboard ferries

It can be done in a single day, but it's a pretty full day. The ferry ride is 2hrs each way, and it's about 30-40 minutes from the schwartz bay terminal to victoria, plus the "wait time" boarding at the ferry terminals.
Combined, it's about 6-7 hrs of *just* travelling time.

Ming if they have a ferry reservation. Could be waiting a couple of ferries

Ming the ferry is 15 minutes away from the airport, the ferry is 95minutes and walk on passengers don’t need a reservation.

However walk on passengers have a 90 minute bus ride if they don't have anyone on the other side to pick them up.

Ming that what I was thinking, travelling time is a bit long. So I am debating about just staying there for one night so its not so rushed and get some rest if need be.

June I live just outside of Victoria, it can be done in a day trip but it would be a very long day and you wouldn’t be able to really see everything you want to. If it were me I’d stay the night and give yourself a bit more time to see everything Victoria has to offer.

If you want to get a true feeling for the area I’d suggest an overnight in the Parksville area. If you’re taking a car a really fun trip is going to Victoria for the day. Then at days end drive up to and stay overnight in the Parksville area. Take a walk in Rathtrevor Beach which is sandy and beautiful in the morning . Plan a lunch in Coombs at Goats in the Roof! Then travel back to Vancouver through Nanaimo. It’s a great way to fit a lot in!

Debra Thanks for the suggestion. May be taking ferry and just on foot to explore unless i can get my friend to tag along. He can drive

June the bus system is great. Only $5 for a day pass.

Keep in mind the reserve parking isn’t operating at this time. Many folks take their vehicles to the ferry to park and it can be expensive

Long pedestrian lineup, specially on weekends, may need to wait a second sailing.

Claude k, maybe i will consider during the week if line up will be a factor. I can explore other places.

Most tourist sites are pretty much closed down here in Vic or at least on skeleton staff. Make sure you pre-book if you’re wanting anything more then a walk around the DT core. Beacon hill is now tent city btw.

Someone mentioned being able to do it in a single day but that’s for a local who starts with the first ferry. The first transcon flight doesn’t get here before 10 so you’ve lost another 4 hours there.

If you are driving, look into ferry reservations. Otherwise, depending on what day you go, you could be waiting hours to get on a ferry.

definitely stay overnight or a couple nights!! get an air bnb downtown if you can! It's an amazing place. Victoria is one of my favorite places.

You may want to consider taking a float plane over to Victoria as the Airport is a good drive from Victoria proper. It is a beautiful city and If you are able spend the night . Otherwise stroll through the inner harbour, walk downtown and explore Chinatown. Try one of the little boat tours in the Inner harbour and if you are able book a time to explore the Royal BC Provincial Museum.

You should spend the night !

You can also fly harbour air yvr to Victoria harbour. Beautiful flight and fast!

Siobhan I was considering this one as well to get there faster and jst do a day trip. I just thought i would see better scenic view if i do the ferry.

June I would also recommend flying harbour air as it takes you straight from dt Vancouver to dt Victoria. Maybe you can fly one way and ferry back? There are some spectacular views from the air!

Helen thank you

June they are both great - fly one way and ferry back? You can catch a late ferry too - so fly in the morning and late ferry back (or just stay
)

June The ferry is soooo far from Victoria. The travel time is at least 6-7 hours there and back. The plane flies right into the downtown harbour. It’s stunning.

Colette I will certainly check it out. Thank you

June My daughter was at school in Victoria and I was shocked that the ferry didn’t go right to Victoria. It’s SUCH a schlep. Enjoy your trip!

You'll probably get better views from the plane. If you have the money then that would be a great option.

Flying, 1 day. Ferry, spend the night

Masks are mandatory on the ferry. Bring your own.

Alison I will and will bring extras

I would stay over night in victoria.. it is too much to see in just a day with travel time . Stay downtown at an airbnb ... try and stay near parliament buildings... so beautiful!

Sandy Thank you

June

So cute here ! And you can walk from anywhere down town
enjoy our province .. be safe

Stephanie
If you are taking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, going back the same day does not leave you much time to do or see anything. If you have the time, I would recommend an overnight stay. Also highly recommend making a reservation if you are driving on to the ferry.

Flying is a great option if you are pressed for time, but if you have never taken the ferry the trip is quite pretty.

Make sure you go to Tsawwassen Ferry terminal. As it’s much closer to airport.
Overnight would be much more relaxing.
It’s ideal to rent a car once you arrive and drive the island. So many beautiful spots.
I live here so message if you need any help.

you can do it in one day, but overnight, as others have mentioned would give you more time...remember to that masks are not only needed on the Ferry but also on public transit if you are taking skytrain/bus to ferry and then to downtown Victoria

For the ferry masks are mandatory and better to reserve ahead as ferries are getting booked up fast

As far as length of stay it depends on what you are interested in , great museum , lots of things to see although not sure what is actually open during the pandemic ?

James I was there beginning of July ... 90% open ... downtown is closed to pedestrian only now for safe distancing ...

Overnite if taking the ferry..1 day if flying in morning

It depends what time the Raptors playoff game is on. You want to plan your arrivals etc. to make sure you're comfortably sitting in a Covid friendly bar to watch them kick some Celtic's butt. (Yes..I clicked your FB page to see you are a fan...like moi)

George I am a fan, yes
. When is the first game?

Starts Thursday and probably every second day after that. Make sure you put Whistler on your plans as well...even if its summer time. Takes 2 hours each way, so stay a night. A few diffrent companies offer comfortable busses direct from downtown Vanvcouver to Whistler.

Yes, Whistler is also on the itinerary. I am hoping the current situation there changes a bit. I have been watching the news
.

June I am in Whistler now and most things are opened. Lots of trails for hiking and activities. Scandinave spa is a must. Trainwreck Trail, Nairn Falls in Pemberton, Vallea Lumina, tons of restaurants.

Alice Thank you
. I will certainly check them out.

if your time is limited, better stay put in Vancouver area. Day trip to Whistler for hiking etc., If you have more than 4 days..., sure Vancouver Island is nice too. Make sure you have your Ferry reservation.

You can book a short vacation with BC Ferries, which gives you the ferry ride, and accommodations in Victoria. Lots to see in Victoria, Buchart gardens, Beacon hill park, Museum etc etc.

Stay overnight for a more pleasant experience. 2 nights in Victoria is best.

Following

Take the seaplane from yvr. Faster if you don’t have a lot of time. Takes you right dt Victoria

The ferry ride with the beautiful scenery is half the experience and if you are lucky you might see whales.