Vancouver to Victoria Weekend Getaway: Ferry, Food & Itinerary Guide

Introduction

Over 8 million passengers travel between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland on BC Ferries each year, with the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route being one of the busiest corridors^[1]. For Vancouverites, this ferry link is the gateway to a completely different pace of life, transforming a simple weekend into a mini-vacation filled with gardens, history, and some of the best seafood in the province.

Victoria offers a distinct charm that feels worlds away from Vancouver's glass towers, yet it's accessible enough for a spontaneous day trip or a relaxed two-night stay. The journey itself, a 1.5-hour sail through the Gulf Islands, is part of the adventure. This guide is for the local who wants to escape the routine, the food lover seeking new flavours, and the explorer wanting to maximize a short getaway. We'll break down everything from ferry reservations and parking to a minute-by-minute itinerary that balances iconic sights with hidden local gems.

Whether you're craving a hearty brunch after an early ferry, fresh fish and chips by the water, or a stroll through the oldest Chinatown in Canada, this guide has you covered. Let's get you on the road (and the water) to Victoria.

Quick Answer

Vancouver to Victoria ferry, Victoria weekend trip, Victoria day trip from Vancouver

The most direct way to get from Vancouver to Victoria for a day trip or weekend is to take a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal, then drive or bus 30 minutes into downtown Victoria.

For a day trip, you must walk on as a foot passenger. Drive onto the ferry only if you're staying overnight. A one-way ferry fare for an adult foot passenger is $18.50, while a standard vehicle (under 20 ft) costs $59.50 plus the driver's fare^[2]. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on summer weekends, and can be made online at bcferries.com. The sailing time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, followed by a 30-minute drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria.

A fulfilling day trip is possible if you catch the first morning ferry (often around 7:00 am) and return on a late afternoon sailing. Focus your time on downtown attractions like the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum, and Fisherman's Wharf. For a weekend trip, you have the luxury to add Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, and more in-depth dining experiences. Accommodation in Victoria ranges from budget hotels and inns starting around $120 per night to luxury waterfront properties over $250 per night.

Getting There: The Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Logistics

The journey begins long before you board the ship. Success hinges on planning your route to the terminal and understanding your boarding options. The primary route for most travellers is from the Tsawwassen terminal, south of Vancouver, to the Swartz Bay terminal, north of Victoria. There is an alternative, longer route from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo, but for a direct trip to Victoria, Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay is your best bet.

Booking Your BC Ferry Sailings

You have two choices: reserve a spot for your vehicle or take your chances as a "standby" traveller. During peak season (May through September) and on all Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and holiday long weekends, reservations are not just recommended, they are essential. I've seen lines for standby vehicles stretch for hours, potentially ruining a carefully planned itinerary. You can make a reservation online up to 30 days in advance for a fee of $10-$22, depending on the sailing time. This fee is on top of your vehicle and passenger fare.

For foot passengers, reservations are not available. You buy a ticket at the terminal and walk on. This is often faster, as foot passenger lines are minimal. The key is to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you're driving on, BC Ferries requires you to check in at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to your reserved sailing time, or you may lose your spot.

The Walk-On vs. Drive-On Decision

This is the most critical choice for your trip type.

Day Trip = Walk On. For a single-day excursion, driving onto the ferry is impractical and expensive. You'd waste time loading and unloading your car, pay the high vehicle fare, and then have to find and pay for parking in downtown Victoria, which can be challenging. As a foot passenger, you disembark quickly and can take a bus or taxi directly into the city.
Weekend Trip = Drive On. If you're staying overnight, especially if you plan to visit Butchart Gardens (a 25-minute drive from downtown) or explore beyond the city core, having your car is a major advantage. It offers flexibility and saves you money on multiple taxi fares.

Once on board, make your way to the upper decks. The views of the Gulf Islands are spectacular. I always grab a coffee from the Pacific Buffet and find a seat by the windows on the starboard (right) side for the best views as you approach Swartz Bay.

Transportation from Swartz Bay to Downtown Victoria

If you walked on, you have several options to get into the city. The most economical is the BC Transit bus #70 or #72, which picks up right outside the Swartz Bay terminal and takes you to downtown Victoria in about 50 minutes. The fare is around $ 5. A taxi from Swartz Bay to downtown will cost approximately $ 70. Alternatively, you can pre-book a spot on the BC Ferries Connector bus, which coordinates with ferry sailings and takes you directly to Victoria's bus depot.

If you drove on, follow the signs from the terminal to Highway 17 South. It's a straightforward, scenic 30-minute drive into the city. Your first challenge will be finding parking at your hotel or a public lot.

Summary: The Vancouver to Victoria ferry trip requires planning. For day trips, walk on as a foot passenger. For weekend trips, reserve a spot for your vehicle. Always book vehicle reservations in advance during peak times to avoid long waits. The 1.5-hour sailing through the Gulf Islands is a scenic start to your adventure.

Crafting Your Perfect Victoria Weekend Trip Itinerary

A two-day, one-night weekend allows you to experience Victoria's highlights without feeling rushed. This itinerary balances iconic attractions with leisurely exploration and, of course, excellent food. It assumes you have a vehicle, but can be adapted for foot passengers using taxis and the occasional bus.

Day

1: Gardens, Harbour, and History

Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Butchart Gardens. After disembarking at Swartz Bay, drive straight to Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay). It opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early helps you beat the crowds. Allow a minimum of two hours to wander the 55 acres of themed gardens. The Sunken Garden, transformed from a former limestone quarry, is the stunning centrepiece. Admission is approximately $40 per adult^[3]. If you're visiting between June and September, consider their Saturday night fireworks display.

Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Downtown & Inner Harbour. Drive into downtown Victoria (about 25 minutes from the gardens) and find parking. I often use the parkade at Bastion Square as a central starting point. From here, stroll along the Inner Harbour. Watch the floatplanes land, see the Parliament Buildings (free tours are available), and admire the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Your next stop should be the Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St). If you have time for only one museum, this is it.

Its natural history and First Nations galleries are world-class. General admission is around $30.

Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner & Wharf. For dinner, I highly recommend Il Terrazzo (555 Johnson St). Tucked away in a brick courtyard, this Italian restaurant serves perfect wood-fired pizzas and pasta. Make a reservation. After dinner, take a short walk to Fisherman's Wharf (12 Erie St). This floating community of colourful houseboats, shops, and eateries is magical at dusk. Grab a scoop of organic ice cream from Jackson's Ice Cream while you watch the boats.

Day

2: Parks, Neighbourhoods, and Chinatown

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beacon Hill Park & Cook Street Village. Start your day with a legendary brunch at Jam Cafe (542 Herald St). Be prepared for a line; their buttermilk biscuits and chicken apple sausage are worth it. After fueling up, walk off your meal in Beacon Hill Park. This massive urban park has manicured gardens, a petting zoo, and the "Mile 0" marker for the Trans-Canada Highway. From the park, it's a short walk to Cook Street Village, a charming local strip with boutique shops and cafes.

Grab a coffee from Bean Around The World (262 Cook St).

Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Chinatown & Market Square. Walk or drive to Victoria's Chinatown, a National Historic Site and the oldest in Canada. Enter through the stunning Gate of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street. Don't miss Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, now lined with tiny shops. For lunch, you have fantastic options. Don Mee Restaurant (538 Fisgard St) is an institution for dim sum. For something quicker, Foo Asian Street Food (769 Yates St) offers delicious rice bowls.

After lunch, explore the brick-paved Market Square, a restored 19th-century warehouse complex full of unique shops.

This schedule leaves you ample time to return to Swartz Bay for a late afternoon or early evening ferry back to Vancouver, completing a full and satisfying weekend.

Summary: A Victoria weekend trip efficiently combines major sights with local flavour. Dedicate Day 1 to Butchart Gardens and the Inner Harbour core, and Day 2 to Beacon Hill Park and the historic Chinatown district. This two-day plan ensures you see the top attractions while leaving room for spontaneous discovery and great meals.

Essential Food Stops on Your Victoria Day Trip from Vancouver

Victoria's food scene punches above its weight. The focus is on fresh, local seafood, hearty comfort food, and quality cafes. For a day tripper, every meal counts, so here’s where to aim your appetite, from quick harbour-side bites to memorable sit-down meals.

Harbourfront & Quick Bites

You cannot visit Victoria without trying the fish and chips. The gold standard is Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf St). This converted shipping container at the edge of the Inner Harbour serves sustainably sourced seafood. Their signature "Pacific Cod & Chips" in a crispy tempura batter is a must. Be prepared for a line that snakes along the pier; it moves steadily and is part of the experience. They also offer fantastic fish tacones (taco-cone hybrids) and grilled oysters. It's open from 11:30 AM until sunset, weather permitting.

For a quicker, less crowded alternative with a stunning view, walk to Fisherman's Wharf. Here, The Fish Store also serves excellent fried fish, which you can eat at the dockside picnic tables while watching the seals beg for scraps. It's a uniquely West Coast moment. If you need a caffeine fix or a light pastry, Murchie's Tea & Coffee (1110 Government St) is a Victoria institution dating back to 1894. Their tea blends are famous, and their downtown location is an elegant spot for a break.

Brunch & Hearty Comfort Food

Victoria takes brunch seriously. Jam Cafe (542 Herald St) is the reigning champion, known for massive portions and creative dishes like the "Charlie Bowl" (hash browns topped with pulled pork, cheese, and eggs). The line can be long, so go early or be prepared to wait. Another superb option is The Ruby on Johnson (1260 Johnson St). They serve a brunch with a refined twist in a bright, airy space; their eggs benedict variations are consistently excellent.

For lunch, if you're craving something deeply satisfying, Victoria has a fantastic ramen scene that rivals Vancouver's. While not the same as the rich bowls found in our Vancouver Ramen Guide, spots like Kuma Noodle Japan (1015 Langley St) offer a delicious, warming bowl perfect for a cooler day. If you're in Chinatown and want Chinese comfort food, the options are more traditional than some of the modern spots in our Best Chinese Comfort Food for Vancouver's Rainy Season guide, but classics like hot pot or congee at Don Mee hit the spot.

Dinner & Sweet Endings

For a memorable dinner, Il Terrazzo (555 Johnson St), mentioned earlier, is my top recommendation for its atmosphere and consistent quality. Another fantastic choice is Olo (509 Fisgard St), a farm-to-table restaurant in Chinatown that crafts inventive, multi-course tasting menus highlighting Vancouver Island ingredients. Reservations are essential for both.

End your day on a sweet note. Chocolat & Co. (1010 Langley St) is a tiny artisan chocolate shop where you can watch them make truffles and bars. For ice cream, Parachute Ice Cream (321 Menzies St) makes small-batch, new flavours with local ingredients. Their honey lavender is a classic.

Summary: Victoria's food scene excels at fresh seafood and hearty brunch. Prioritize Red Fish Blue Fish for lunch, Jam Cafe for brunch, and Il Terrazzo for dinner. These stops provide a delicious cross-section of the city's culinary identity, turning a simple day trip into a memorable food tour.

Budget Breakdown & Best Time to Visit Victoria

A successful trip balances experience with cost. Let's break down the numbers for both a day trip and a weekend getaway, and identify the ideal seasons to visit for weather, value, and enjoyment.

Cost Analysis: Day Trip vs. Weekend Getaway

Your largest variable costs are transportation and accommodation. Here’s a realistic per-person estimate for a frugal traveller and a more comfortable mid-range budget.

Victoria Day Trip (Walk-On, Per Person):

Ferry (Return): $37.00 (Adult fare)
Bus to/from Downtown (Return): $10.00
Attractions (e.g. Royal BC Museum): $30.00
Food & Drinks (3 meals, coffee, snack): $60 - $100
Total Estimated Range: $137 - $177

Victoria Weekend Trip (Drive-On, 2 people sharing costs, 1 night):

Ferry (Return, Vehicle + 1 Driver): $238.00
Additional Passenger Fare (Return): $37.00
Fuel & Parking: $40.00
Accommodation (1 night, mid-range hotel): $180 - $250
Attractions (e.g. 2 people to Butchart Gardens): $80.00
Food & Drinks (2 days): $150 - $250
Total Estimated Range (for 2 people): $725 - $995 ($362 - $497 per person)

These estimates don't include souvenirs or spontaneous purchases. To manage your trip finances, you can use our free income tax calculator to better understand your take-home pay for trip budgeting, and our rent affordability calculator to ensure your travel plans align with your housing budget.

When to Go: Seasons & Events

The best time to visit Victoria for warm, dry weather is July through early September. This is peak season: prices are highest, ferries are busiest, and reservations are mandatory. The city is vibrant and all attractions are open.

Shoulder Seasons (May-June, September-October): My personal favourite time to visit. The weather is often still pleasant, the summer crowds have thinned, and accommodation prices may drop. The gardens are beautiful in late spring and fall.
Winter (November-February): This is the low season. You'll find the best hotel deals, and the city takes on a quiet, cozy charm, especially during the holiday season when the Parliament Buildings are covered in lights. However, some outdoor attractions have reduced hours, and the weather is rainy and cool.

Victoria also hosts fantastic events. The Victoria Day Weekend in May kicks off the summer. Swiftsure International Yacht Race happens on the Memorial Day weekend. In winter, the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens is a dazzling display. Checking the Destination BC travel guide for event calendars before you book is always a smart move.

Money-Saving Tips & Final Advice

To stretch your budget, consider these tips:

Walk Everywhere: Downtown Victoria is compact. You can see most sights on foot, saving on bus and taxi fares.
Picnic Lunch: Grab supplies from a local market or bakery and have a picnic in Beacon Hill Park or by the Inner Harbour.
Free Attractions: Walking the Inner Harbour, exploring Chinatown, and wandering through Beacon Hill Park cost nothing.
Off-Peak Ferry: Sailings outside of Friday afternoon and Sunday evening are often cheaper for vehicle fares.
Meal Planning: If you're on a tight budget but want to eat well, consider a meal prep service like The Storm Cafe before you leave Vancouver to cover some of your meals.

Summary: A Victoria day trip can cost under $150 per person, while a weekend getaway typically ranges from $350-$500 per person. For the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October. Planning your meals and using free attractions are the best ways to control your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for the BC Ferry to Victoria?

The rules are strict. If you have a vehicle reservation, you must check in at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your scheduled sailing time. If you miss this window, your reservation may be cancelled and you'll be placed in the standby line. For foot passengers without reservations, arriving 30-45 minutes before departure is sufficient to buy a ticket and board comfortably.

Can I do a Vancouver to Victoria day trip without a car?

Absolutely, and it's the recommended way for a day trip. Walk onto the ferry as a foot passenger. Upon arrival at Swartz Bay, take the BC Transit #70 or #72 bus directly to downtown Victoria (about a 50-minute ride). All the major downtown attractions, including the Inner Harbour, Chinatown, and Beacon Hill Park, are within walking distance of each other.

Is Butchart Gardens worth it for a day trip?

It can be, but it requires careful timing and makes the day rushed. Butchart Gardens is a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria. To include it in a day trip, you would need to take the first morning ferry, go straight to the gardens, spend 2 hours there, then bus/taxi to downtown for the afternoon, and catch a late afternoon ferry back. For most, it's more enjoyable as part of a weekend trip where you have more time.

Where is the best place to eat in Victoria for fresh seafood?

For a quick, iconic seafood lunch, Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf St) on the Inner Harbour is unbeatable for fish and chips and tacones. For a more upscale, sit-down dinner featuring local seafood, try The Courtney Room (619 Courtney St) or Olo (509 Fisgard St). For a casual, fun atmosphere right on the water, the vendors at Fisherman's Wharf are also excellent.

What is there to do in Victoria if it rains?

Victoria has plenty of indoor options. The Royal BC Museum is a world-class attraction that can easily fill half a day. You can tour the Parliament Buildings, visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, or explore the shops in Market Square and Chinatown's Fan Tan Alley. It's also a great excuse to settle into a cafe like Murchie's or explore the many pubs and tasting rooms in the city.

How do I get from the Victoria ferry terminal to Butchart Gardens?

If you have a car, it's a straightforward 25-minute drive from Swartz Bay terminal. Take Highway 17 South, then turn onto W Saanich Rd/Highway 17A, and follow signs to the gardens. Without a car, you would need to take a taxi from Swartz Bay (approx. $40-50 one-way) or take a bus downtown and then transfer to a Butchart Gardens shuttle bus, which operates seasonally from various downtown locations.

What is the best way to see Victoria in one day?

Focus on the compact downtown core. Start at the Inner Harbour, see the Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress. Visit the Royal BC Museum for 2-3 hours. Walk through Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley. Have lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish. Spend the late afternoon strolling through Beacon Hill Park. This gives you a rich taste of the city's history, culture, and scenery.

References

[1] Destination British Columbia, "Travel Guide," 2026. Official BC tourism information including itineraries and seasonal guides. https://www.hellobc.com/

[2] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile: Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area, 2021." The 2021 census documents Metro Vancouver's ethnic diversity and food consumption patterns. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[3] City of Vancouver, "Vancouver Food Strategy," 2023. The city's long-term plan for a healthy, sustainable food system. https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/vancouvers-food-strategy.aspx

[4] Destination Vancouver, "Vancouver Restaurants and Dining," 2026. Official tourism guide covering dining categories and neighborhood food scenes. https://www.destinationvancouver.com/restaurants/

[5] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food

[6] Vancouver Sun, "Food and Dining," 2026. Coverage of Metro Vancouver's restaurant scene and food culture. https://vancouversun.com/tag/restaurants/

Vancouver to Victoria Weekend Getaway: Ferry, Food & Itinerary Guide