Vancouver Island

Explorenorth, will research the Port Hardy to Bella Coola ferry. Those grades can't be worse than some of the grades on & off the Blue Ridge parkway that we have done. If the logging trucks can do it, so can we. Just go slow & be careful.

On edit: Oh well, that idea scuttled. Service does not start till mid June. Way too late for us.

I greatly softened the blow of the fares for 4 BC Ferries crossings last year by spending 4 weeks on Vancouver Island and 9 days on the Sunshine coast (I'm 51 feet with the toad - it saved $50 for the one ferry when my wife was with me and could drive the toad on). We passed quickly through both Victoria and Nanaimo - there is so much incredible country to see, on the coasts and in the forests.

Two years ago, I photographed "The Hill" at Bella Coola in both directions and posted a guide with the mileages and grades. As is so often the case, it's nowhere near as bad as legend suggests :)

Veebyes wrote:
Will find the WA ferry website. Anacortes could work. How is Canadian immigration & customs? Last time we drove into Canada was at the Sarnia, ON crossing. Wheels were stopped for less than a minute. Fastest ever for a border crossing.

Checked on the BC ferries website. Current rates are same no matter S or N of Vancouver terminals. Going to be $633 RT. Oh well, it was about $500 EACH WAY for the Newfoundland trip last year. 6 hour boat ride though. For 2weeks on VI that is about $40 plus per day for the ferry. Not cheap but like Newfoundland, this will be a one shot trip.

Most likely have found this already. If I remember correctly schedules change quarterly.

Washington Ferries Information

Tom/Barb wrote:
Any one know if the ferry from Port Hardy to Bella Coola is large enough to take them? ( we've never done that one) that would be an awesome ride. and the drive out from there to Williams Lake might be a once in a life time experience

It is definitely a once in a life time trip. You will never forget it. Take a few extra changes of underwear.

Knowing, from past year's posts by you folks, how much you like to explore; don't spend a lot of time in either Victoria on Nanaimo. just head north up the island all the way to Port Hardy. lots of places for you to stop overnight, or longer; Duncan area, Port Hardy. While at Port hardy take the local ferry in your truck to Alert bay and enjoy the totems and especially the excellent Museum there (U-Mista). This is one of the best First Nation museum we have ever been to!!
Enjoy!!

Will find the WA ferry website. Anacortes could work. How is Canadian immigration & customs? Last time we drove into Canada was at the Sarnia, ON crossing. Wheels were stopped for less than a minute. Fastest ever for a border crossing.

Checked on the BC ferries website. Current rates are same no matter S or N of Vancouver terminals. Going to be $633 RT. Oh well, it was about $500 EACH WAY for the Newfoundland trip last year. 6 hour boat ride though. For 2weeks on VI that is about $40 plus per day for the ferry. Not cheap but like Newfoundland, this will be a one shot trip.

Any one know if the ferry from Port Hardy to Bella Coola is large enough to take them? ( we've never done that one) that would be an awesome ride. and the drive out from there to Williams Lake might be a once in a life time experience

garyhaupt wrote:

enblethen wrote:
Sounds like OP will be coming across WA 20 to I-5 and then north

Oh well then.....and 20 is such a nice drive, too.


Gary

When they are coming up 5 and ending in Vancouver Island, I don't thing they will cross the North Cascade Highway.

Veebyes wrote:
Port Angeles does not work for us. Looking at coming from Olympia to Whidbey Island for a few days then VI, back off VI then N headed to Alaska. Timewise makes no difference to us which terminal we use. Wondering which is preferable due to ease of use, cost, sights along route, demand for space, weekday vs weekend, time of day preferable, general local knowledge one over the other.

We live here, and have done this trip.
I'd suggest that knowing the trip from Victoria to Port Hardy is normally 8-10 hour drive towing.
I'd make reservations on the Wa State ferries from Anacortes to Victoria, (IF IT IS RUNNING) it is a seasonal ferry.
If the WA state ferries are not a option. use Tss..... ferry. this is a 2 hour boat ride. It will cost you well over 300 USD. and you will be stowed with the 18 wheelers on the truck deck.