A day trip from Vancouver to Victoria by BC Ferries is possible because sailings run from about 7:00 am to 10:00 pm from Tsawwassen and 7:00 am to 9:00 pm from Swartz Bay (sample day, 18 October 2026). The crossing takes 1 hour 35 minutes each way, and Swartz Bay is not downtown, so the time check below subtracts your travel to and from the terminal. The floatplane is the faster option; see the Vancouver comparison.
How many hours do you get in Victoria?
How the time check works
- Pick the sailing out of Tsawwassen and the sailing back from Swartz Bay.
- The tool adds the 1 h 35 min crossing to the outbound departure, then subtracts the time you enter for getting between the terminal and downtown, and the time to leave town before the return.
- What is left is your time on the ground, and the published fares for your party.
The defaults for terminal-to-downtown travel (50 minutes) and for leaving town (80 minutes, including a 30-minute buffer at the terminal) are estimates. BC Transit’s route 70 timetable shows trips of roughly 46 to 55 minutes between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay, but traffic and ferry delays vary.
Other ways to spend the day
If you would rather fly, the floatplane page has the check-in and baggage rules. The Vancouver to Victoria ferry page lists fares, the BC Ferries Connector and the full sailing table.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Victoria as a day trip from Vancouver?
Yes. BC Ferries listed sailings in both directions from early morning to late evening on 18 October 2026. The time check above shows how many hours that leaves in Victoria for the sailings you pick.
How much does a day trip from Vancouver cost?
On foot, the adult terminal fare is $21 each way plus a 5% fuel surcharge, and a BC Transit single ride from Swartz Bay is $3. The tool multiplies the published fare by the number of travellers and by two for the return; it does not include the surcharge, bus fares or getting to Tsawwassen.
Is the floatplane better for a day trip?
Harbour Air’s flight takes about 35 minutes dock to dock and lands downtown, which leaves more time in Victoria. Fares are higher. Compare both in the Vancouver calculator.
What is the last ferry back?
On 18 October 2026 the last listed Swartz Bay departure was 9:00 pm. Schedules change by day and season, so check the BC Ferries schedule for your date.
Do I need a car?
No. Many visitors travel as foot passengers and use BC Transit route 70 between Swartz Bay and downtown Victoria.