Vancouver Island is one of the best riding destinations in the Pacific Northwest — but from Washington or Oregon, you can't ride there without getting on a boat. Here's how the options compare for riders in 2026.
Option 1: Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho), Port Angeles → Victoria
For most riders coming up from Washington or Oregon, this is the most direct way to the Island. The Coho sails from Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula straight into Victoria's Inner Harbour. Crossing time is about 90 minutes, and you roll off right downtown — our store at 508 Herald Street is only a few minutes' ride from the terminal.
- Fare: US$50 one way for a motorcycle and rider, according to Black Ball's current fare table (includes a fuel surcharge that can change). Sidecars and trailers cost more.
- Reservations: available for motorcycles for a small fee (US$6 one way when booked online). Reservation fees are non-refundable.
- Check-in: reserved vehicles need to be at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure, or the reservation can be forfeited.
- Schedule: sailings are reduced in winter — two round trips a day in the winter 2026/27 schedule. The Coho is also out of service for annual maintenance each winter; for 2027 that's January 4 to February 3.
- Time zone: heads-up for the winter schedule — Black Ball notes that Victoria is one hour ahead of Port Angeles, so check arrival times carefully.
Best for: riders combining the trip with the Olympic Peninsula, and anyone who wants to land in downtown Victoria.
Option 2: BC Ferries, Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay
The alternative is to ride north on I-5, cross the border at Blaine, and take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula. The crossing takes about 1 hour 35 minutes and winds through the Gulf Islands — one of the most scenic ferry rides on the coast. From Swartz Bay it's a short ride south to Victoria.
- Frequency: this is BC Ferries' main route to Victoria, with many more sailings than the Coho, especially in winter.
- Reservations: on summer weekends and holidays, sailings can fill up. Check current conditions and reservation options at bcferries.com.
- Border: you cross by land at Blaine/Peace Arch or Pacific Highway, so factor in wait times — the CBSA and CBP both publish live border wait times.
Best for: riders coming from the Seattle area or further north, or anyone combining the Island with a ride through BC's mainland.
What about Anacortes → Sidney?
The Washington State Ferries route from Anacortes through the San Juan Islands to Sidney, BC used to be a favourite with riders. It has been suspended since 2020, and as of spring 2026 Washington State Ferries said it can't bring the route back until at least 2030, when new vessels are expected. You can still ride the San Juan Islands on WSF's domestic routes — just not on to Sidney.
The FRS Clipper from Seattle to Victoria is passenger-only, so it's not an option for your bike.
Crossing the border on a motorcycle
Whichever way you come, you're entering Canada. Make sure you have:
- Valid ID for the border — a passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced driver's licence, depending on how you cross.
- Your bike's registration. Border officers can ask for it.
- Proof of insurance. Many US insurers cover short trips to Canada and their regular ID card is accepted — but policies differ, so confirm with your insurer before you go.
- A letter of authorization if the bike isn't registered in your name.
Requirements can change. Check the Canada Border Services Agency before your trip.
Which one should you take?
- Coming from Oregon or the Olympic Peninsula: the Coho, no contest.
- Coming from Seattle or the I-5 corridor in winter: BC Ferries, for the frequency.
- Want a loop? Go one way, come back the other: Coho in, BC Ferries out (or the other way round).
See you in Victoria
Once you're on the Island, come say hi at 508 Herald Street — open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm. Then check out our guides to the Pacific Marine Circle Route and the ride to Tofino.
Fares, schedules and ferry information last checked in November 2026. Always confirm with the ferry operator before you travel.