How long is the ferry?

The sailing time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Do I need a reservation?

It is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

Is there a flight option?

Yes, you can fly from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to Vancouver (YVR).

How much is the ferry?

Prices vary by vehicle size and passenger count; check the BC Ferries website.

Yes, BC Ferries Connector offers bus service from Victoria to downtown Vancouver.

Malahat

Vancouver

Ship

Malahat to Vancouver

Updated: 30 May 2026

To travel from Malahat to Vancouver, you must drive south to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and take a BC Ferries vessel to Tsawwassen. The total journey takes approximately 4 hours, including ferry boarding and sailing time. You will then drive from Tsawwassen into downtown Vancouver via Highway 17 and Highway 99. This is the primary route for island residents heading to the mainland.

Total Distance: 110 km including ferry, 95 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving your own vehicle onto the ferry is the fastest, taking 4 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving to the ferry as a walk-on passenger is the cheapest method, costing roughly 20 CAD for the ferry fare.

Compare Malahat to Vancouver Routes

Ship

Connecting

Duration

4 hours

Avg Price

80-100 CAD

Operator

BC Ferries

Route

Highway 1 to Swartz Bay, Ferry to Tsawwassen, Highway 99 to Vancouver

Book your ferry reservation online in advance to guarantee a spot.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Always book your ferry reservation at least a week ahead for peak travel times.
Arrival Time
Arrive at the ferry terminal 45 minutes before your scheduled sailing.
Traffic
Expect heavy traffic on Highway 99 when entering Vancouver during rush hour.
Public Transit
Use the SkyTrain once in Vancouver to avoid parking costs.
Weather
Check the ferry status online during winter storms.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the sailing, especially regarding vehicle decks.
Highway 99
Be cautious of merging traffic near the tunnel entrance.
Emergency
Keep your phone charged for navigation and ferry updates.
Pedestrian Safety
Be aware of high pedestrian traffic in downtown Vancouver.