Scooter

Is there a ferry for automobiles with passengers from Port Townsend to Victoria? I've searched the BC Ferry website and the Washington State Ferry website, and am starting to think perhaps it's under a name that I don't recognize, since I'm not from the area. I have found a Port Angeles to Victoria ferry, but it seems that Port Townsend would be a more pleasant place to spend the night after a day or two in Olympic National Park.

Also, do you think I need to make a reserveration for the ferry (auto) during the Memorial Day weekend? And about how far and/or little in advance should/could I make the reservation.

Thanks so much. We're really looking forward to the Northwest!!!!!

Gardyloo

There is no ferry from Port Townsend to Victoria. The Port Angeles ferry is the closest, although it's possible to go from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island, then drive north to Anacortes and catch the San Juan Islands ferry from Anacortes to Sydney BC, about a half hour drive from downtown Victoria. Very roundabout route, though, and the on holidays or in the summer very crowded. You might already be out of luck for Memorial Day.

The Coho (PA to Victoria) doesn't accept reservations, and over Memorial Day you need to get there plenty early to make sure of a spot (or better yet, leave the carin the lineup overnight; the sailings aren't all that frequent. The Anacortes ferry accepts reservations for international service; you still need to be at the dock well in advance of the sailing there, too, and only one or two boats a day.

For the holiday weekend, your best bet is to go from PA as a foot passenger, leaving the car in PA. You can easily get around Victoria on foot, or, if you must, rent a car for a day or so there.

traveler24

Going to Victoria from PA---anywhere near Memorial Day is SO not good if trying to take your car.....It is REALLY convenient to go on ferry as "foot traffic"--no waiting !!! The ferry docks right downtown in the harbor--facing The Empress Hotel.. Victoria is a great walking town. Many means of transport to Buchart Gardens--Tour buses , city buses---all motels and hotels have info about city tours..
Really don't need a car unless you plan to explore northward on the island...

Scooter

Thanks, everybody, for your most helpful information. It's always best to get the scoop from those to live there.

Looks like we'll reverse our trip, and go from Seattle to Vancouver to Vancouver Island to Olympic NP.

A couple of more questions:

We were thinking of driving (compact rental car) to the Powell River ferry and taking it to Comox (would not be over the holiday) and driving down the Island to Victoria. How's the road from Vancouver to Powell River? It show as 'gray' on our map, which usually means secondary. We live in the mountains, so narrow or curvy or slow is okay, as long as it passable.

Also, is the Powell River to Comox a car ferry? It says so specifically on all other itenaries, but not that one.

Also, how long should we allow for crossing the border? Best time of day etc.

Thanks, again, in advance.

Gardyloo

Reversing your direction makes tremendous sense.

The road's fine, take your time and enjoy the scenery (nice part of BC.)

Yes, it's a car ferry.

Crossing the border northbound is much easier than southbound; it gets busy just when you'd figure (imagine people trying to return home to Vancouver from weekends, for example.) But seldom more than a half hour or so, often less.

The best thing about taking the Coho from Victoria to PA is that you can leave your car in the lineup and walk around the Inner Harbour, which is interesting and easy. Trying to do the opposite in PA is yukky.

curmudgeon

That is a nice loop, but it does take time. I think there is a fairly strong "weekend effect" with the ferrys north of Vancouver (Friday crowd going north, Sunday crowd going south). There's also the Murphy's law mode of pulling up to the terminal just as the ferry is leaving; meaning an hour or more wait for the next one (I think COmox-Powell is only 3 times a day). Pick up a ferry schedule when you cross the border so you have an idea of times. There are some nice B&B and small motels along the route. I think the mainland side is actually more scenic than the island side in that area.

Scooter

Thanks everybody for your most helpful information!! We're really looking forward to visiting the Northwest!