Vancouver Island

[Veebyes]

Planning on visiting Vancouver Island arriving early to mid May. Any words of wisdom? We are near 55' LOA so ferry charges are a factor. Any preferences for which route to take for any particular reason?

[enblethen]

I would think about back tracking and using Black Ball out of Port Angeles. That would reduce travel time from WI to I-5 north to ferry out of Vancouver.

[Orion]

From Whidbey Island, your closest route is the Anacortes -Sidney route. It should be running by May. Not only is it the closest, but they have had a big discount for RVs for the past several years.

[rhagfo]

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.

I would suggest that if you would like to avoid driving the traffic nightmare of Tacoma, Seattle, and Everett, from Olympia head up the East side of the Olympic Peninsula on Hwy 101 to Port Townsend then ferry over to Coopville on Whidbey Island.
Very relaxing drive!

[Veebyes]

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.

[shawdowboss]

I would go north on land and use BC Ferries. Easy on-off, and better ride and more frequent crossings, so you can avoid peak hours easier than Black Ball. Washington to Vancouver can be rough as its cross gulf, so winds and tide can make it rough. Also you have to deal with customs at the dock both ways with Black Ball vs the land crossings, need an hour prior to sailing to be at the dock.

Also black ball is downtown Victoria.

We stayed in Nainimo and drove to see sights. Only about an hour scenic drive to Victoria. You should go to Duncan and see the totems.

Ive done both ferries, and overall BC were better and easier. Black ball is an older boat vs a newer fleet with BC Ferries. Rates may be better with BC.

Can do VI on multiple routes from Vancouver BC depending on your stay point.

You can restock on VI, similar prices as Seattle and most us cities. No need to take a lot through customs on either ferry.

[rhagfo]

enblethen wrote:
I would use Tsawwassen in that case.

If you use Tsawwassen, you can also visit Point Roberts, The Washington state community that you need to drive through Canada to get to.

[romore]

Either Tsawasswn or Horseshoe bay terminals will get you there but will be very expensive. It would actually be cheaper to go from Port Angeles even with the extra distance involved.

[enblethen]

I would use Tsawwassen in that case.

[Veebyes]

Back & forth from Vancouver. Looking at more than 10 days on VI.

[enblethen]

Many options.
If you are visitng Washington's Olympic Pennisula, I would suggest Black Ball Ferry out of Port Angeles to get to Victoria. Then come back to mainland fro Nanaimo to Vancouver.
Another thought would be to leave rig on mainland. There is very good transportation on Vancouver Island. Do a walk on and spend the night or two in hotel.

[donn0128]

From where?