Boat Travel: Vancouver, B.C. to Victoria, B.C.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to get between Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada is by the BC Ferries. Grandmothers take it across for a day trip to have lunch, as I overheard on my ride. The port in Vancouver is called Tsawwassen and for those going to the Butchart’s Garden, Butterfly Garden, or Downtown Victoria should head to Swartz Bay. From 7 am to 9 pm boats run between these two ports so traveling is convenient and reasonably priced for a one-way ticket. The boat itself is massive and is usually carrying cars, SUVs, RVs, and cargo trucks.

Getting to the boat can be a little tricky, so be sure to ask where to go when you buy your ticket or at least what boat/dock you should follow the signs for. Throughout the terminals some areas can be a little steep and if you are carrying your own luggage in a manual chair be ready for a little workout. If you need assistance, it’s best to ask at the ticket counter. At one point an elevator is available with a reminder that priority should be given to the physical disabled and elderly. Even to get onto the actual boat there was a bit of an incline. Place yourself near the entrance so the person opening the doors will let you pre-board.

Once at the door of the boat, I could pick wherever I wanted to sit that I felt comfortable and choose a cafe table that had a section open for wheelchair access. There was lots of space to move around freely but not much to see inside the boat. In the middle of the floor was a cafe with a variety of options for food and drink, a buffet restaurant, a few tourist shops, and restrooms. One restroom was specifically designed for wheelchair users with wider access, a roll-under sink, and grab bars by the toilet. To open and close the door automatically there is a button outside and inside the bathroom. Also, on the inside, there is another button to lock the door.