BC Ferries

Well, it's true, Vancouver Island is definitely an island!  And to get there you need to either fly or go by ferry.  www.bcferries.com is the place to find out more information on traveling to Vancouver Island but basically there are two main routes to the Island.  If you are heading to Victoria, then you want to go via Tswassen and if it is Tofino/Ucluelet, Nanaimo, Comox, Campbell River orPort Hardy, then you want to take the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo run.

I was crossing from Nanaimo to Vancouver and reading my Grandfather's story about his "boat" trip to Canada from England.  He was born in England in 1889 and came to Canada the first time in March of 1905.  His story includes a letter written by his sister Maud to their sister Polly back in Eccles.  It appears they left Liverpool on the SS Victorian on a Monday and arrived in Halifax on Saturday.  It was the maiden crossing for the Victorian but it didn't go so well.  Most of the passengers, including my Grandfather and his family of 7 were sea sick because it was so rough.  She comments "the ship is in such a bad condition we can't get a drink of water because it has so much sea water in it(there was 2 feet of water in the hold)....we have not had any ship's food yet, the smell of it makes us nearly sick (but) we keep getting fresh milk off the stewards.  It seems by Thursday they were having tea, however on Friday the first food they had was poached eggs and toast. 


Crossing for my family back in 1905 is nothing like a BC Ferry trip to Vancouver Island or any of the smaller islands, it is pretty much an organized adventure which, at times, does require a bit of planning - I'm happy to help if you need it.  A century later the travel industry for relaxation, (safe) exploration, meeting new cultures and new people is very well established.  I've been in this business for 35 years, 22 owning the West End Guest House.  It is still as exciting to me as my Papa's first trip to Canada.

View from a porthole on the lower car deck. The bigger ferries take over 350 cars and a dozen or so semi trailers too.

Vancouver - the West End from a distance. The West End Guest House is just to the left of the tallest building - the Shangrila Hotel.

Approaching Horseshoe Bay terminal. Notice the roof on the right side of the frame. This is the Boat House Restaurant - a great spot for an excellent seafood dinner and a superb view.

The Brochure Rack will help you make decisions on what to do and where to stay.

Pick up a BC Bed & Breakfast Guide.

The Gift Shop has all sorts of interesting bits and pieces - things to eat - Rogers Chocolates, things to wear, souvenir things, things to read and things to listen to. It is worth a stop.