10+ Things to Know When Taking the Clipper Ferry to Victoria from Seattle

My alarm rang off at 5 am.  Groggily I stumbled out of bed, started the coffee maker, and minute by minute came back to life.  However, instead of running on caffeine, I started to run on adrenaline.  In just a few short hours I would be in an entirely different country, all thanks to the Victoria Clipper V; a ferry that runs to Victoria from Seattle (and vice versa).

Sure enough, I caught an Uber, arrived at the Clipper port, and quickly boarded the ferry.  A short three hours later, which felt like the blink of an eye, I had arrived on Vancouver Island.  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to be exact.  Just as quickly as I boarded the ferry, I departed the ferry and stepped onto Canadian soil a mere minutes later.

The ride on the ferry from Victoria to Seattle was painless.  Quick and easy, I wondered why it had taken me so long to experience the Clipper for myself.  Was it that I was worried about becoming seasick?  Because that didn’t happen.  The ferry glided through the ocean seamlessly, and in the three hours, it took to get from country to country I only noticed a few bumps – logs that we had run over.  Was I nervous about navigating a new transportation system solo?  Also silly… getting on and off the ferry was as easy as anything I had done in the past.  And even easier than going through security to board an airplane!  So again, why did I wait so long to experience the Clipper for myself?!  This is everything you need to know when taking the Clipper Ferry to Victoria from Seattle.

 

If you’re planning a trip from Seattle to Victoria, book your one-way ticket here or same day, round-trip ticket here!

 

1.  The History of the Ferry Route Between Victoria and Seattle + History of the Clipper

The ferries that have operated between Victoria and Seattle come with a truly fascinating history.  In 1925 Princess Marguerite, a Canadian passenger vessel operated back and forth between British Columbia and Washington.  It was built in Glasgow, Scotland, and owned by British Columbia, sailing back and forth between what was known as the “triangle route”; a route that hit Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle.  In 1942 Princess Marguerite was used as a troopship and sunk by the Germans during WWII, killing 50-60 people on board.  This information wasn’t released to the public until 1945.

Since then a Princess Marguerite II and III were built, but the service from Victoria to Seattle was limited.  Eventually in 1986 the Victoria Clipper I came to fruition and at the time was the fastest passenger vessel in the northern hemisphere, servicing Seattle and Victoria.

Since 1991 the San Juan Clipper joined the fleet and allows for whale watching trips to the San Juan Islands.  Now the Victoria Clipper V is the ferry that operates between Seattle and Victoria.  The Victoria Clipper V seats 440 people and can reach speeds up to 36 knots (approx 41 mph).  Before arriving in the USA, the Clipper V operated in Germany.

 

2.  Staff Onboard the Victoria Clipper is Incredible

When you show up to a hotel, get on an airplane, board a boat, eat out at a restaurant, (etc); you expect a certain level of kindness and willingness to help from the staff.  However, the staff on board the Clipper took it to another level.  Upon boarding the Clipper the staff that was first at the gate to greet you did so with friendly smiles.  They were patient as I (along with other passengers), fished around for our passports and pulled up our boarding passes on our phones.  They kindly greeted us and made sure we knew which direction we were supposed to be going.

Service was taken a step further when staff members were assigned to “sections” of the boat, from economy class all the way to comfort class.  They were there to assist us with any needs, answer questions, and in the case, you didn’t want to get out of your seat – bring food and drink right to where you were seated.  I was most impressed with the knowledge of the staff.  I grilled numerous members on the history of the Clipper and the best things I should be doing in Victoria.

Needless to say, the staff is what truly made my Clipper experience stand out.  Beyond the cleanliness, champagne served on board, and the ability to roam throughout the cabin freely, without the staff the experience wouldn’t have been quite the same.  I also quite enjoyed that on my way home I was able to recognize several staff members.  Because there is only one Victoria Clipper V, servicing Seattle to Victoria (and vice versa), the likelihood of recognizing someone is high!  Something that made me comfortable as I departed home to Seattle.

 

3.  The Clipper is (Relatively) Affordable

I had been eyeing Clipper prices for a while and had originally thought, “seems steep for a ferry”.  (Note that Clipper prices vary throughout season and day of the week).  I hadn’t compared the ferry prices to what the cost of flying would be, which turns out to be much more expensive.  Or the cost of what renting a car would be; which would be about equal to the ferry but carry the added responsibility of driving, parking, and filling up with gas.  Not to mention the drive from Seattle is 4.5 hours, versus the three hour Clipper ride.  When I thought of all of these factors PLUS the fact that I would be traveling to a different country, I bit the bullet.  Turns out that my original thoughts of “this is too expensive” didn’t necessarily ring true.  To me, the price of my ticket felt worth it.

The Clipper is split into three different classes, all offering different amenities and coming with three different price tags.  With the economy being the cheapest, vista class being in the middle, and comfort class being the most expensive.  Economy boards last (with Vista), has its own staff members coming to serve them, comfortable seats, and access to the outdoor deck.  Plus being on the first floor of the ferry economy class gets off the ferry last, meaning you’re the first to get through security.  I chose the economy and would do it again in a heartbeat.

With vista class, you have premium access to the viewing deck but expect other passengers to be walking through frequently.  After all, there’s only one way to get to the outdoor deck.  The most expensive ticket, comfort, you get more privacy (nobody is allowed to walk through your class) and free snacks!  Both vista class and comfort class also have seats that are a bit bigger than the economy, they are both on the second floor of the ferry, comfort boarding the boat first.  However, they are the last to get off – being on the second floor.

 

READY TO BOOK?  GET YOUR ONE-WAY TICKET HERE OR YOUR SAME-DAY ROUND-TRIP TICKET HERE

 

4.  Luggage on the Clipper

When you take the Clipper, you’re allowed to bring a personal item and a small, carry-on bag at no extra charge.  If you have more, you’re also allowed to check-in two pieces of luggage at $20/bag/leg of travel.  (So if you bring two pieces of luggage it will cost an extra $40 there and $40 back – $80 total).  This can only be paid with a credit card at the port.  If your luggage weights over 50 lbs the cost to check is $30/bag.  Bags weighing over 70 lbs cost $40/bag.

If you’re planning a day-trip (taking the Clipper in the morning and arriving back in the afternoon on the same day), and you have luggage with you there is an option to check your bags both in Seattle and Victoria.

• Seattle – At the Seattle Terminal during double sail days only; $10/bag – credit card only
• Victoria – At the Victoria Clipper year-round (1000-1700); 15 CAD – credit card only

 

5.  Food & Drink on the Clipper

You can purchase both food and drinks on the Clipper.  The food is light and you can expect things like yogurt, sandwiches, muffins, etc.  There are also drinks (including alcohol) for sale onboard.  One thing that I like about the Clipper is that you’re also allowed to bring your own food and drink onboard (excluding alcohol) if you don’t like the options offered.  You should know that if you plan to purchase food and drink onboard, the ferry is cashless so you do need to bring a credit or debit card with you.

 

6.  It’s Quick, Easy, and Seamless!

The best part of my experience taking the Clipper was the ease of it!  No waiting in crazy security lines, just arrive and board.  While comfort class and vista class board first, if you’re in the economy you may be waiting for a short amount of time.  Like an airplane, however, there are rules about baggage.  You’re allowed a carry on bag and one personal item; if you bring more you must check it.  This line did look to take longer so if you’re planning on checking a bag you may want to arrive a little bit earlier versus if you’re just walking on.

It takes about three hours once you board the ferry and take off, to cross from Seattle to Victoria (or vice versa).

 

7.  Traveling to Victoria from Seattle with the Clipper is a Totally Doable Day Trip – Even Solo!

In the summer months, the Victoria Clipper V travels to Victoria in the morning and heads back to Seattle at night (times vary).  This makes for a totally doable one day trip!  Getaway from the busy, crowds of Seattle, hop on the ferry, and arrive in a rather clean, fresh Victoria to explore for the day.  (Book your same day trip here).

Or like me, plan to stay a night!  I boarded the ferry early Tuesday morning, arriving in Victoria at 10:30 am which allowed me to spend the entire day in Canada.  I took off for Seattle Wednesday evening arriving home at 8 pm.  This gave me more than 24 hours to spend in Victoria.  While I could have stayed longer it was perfect for the amount of time that I was able to spend.  (Book your one-way ticket here).

If you do want to spend more than one day in Victoria and want to explore a larger part of the island, I suggest renting a car to do so.  I prefer to use Discover Cars to compare prices across multiple rental companies.

 

 

Are you planning on visiting Victoria?  Don’t miss…

• How to Spend a Day Solo in Victoria, BC

 

8.  Can You Take a Car on the Victoria Clipper Ferry?

The Victoria Clipper Ferry that runs between Seattle and Victoria is passenger only, meaning you can’t bring your car.  However, if you’d like to bring your car you can drive to Port Angeles and take the Blackball “Coho” Ferry to from there to Victoria.  The drive from Seattle to Port Angeles takes around three hours.

If you’re set on having a car upon arrival, I recommend booking one with Discover Cars and picking it up once you’re in Victoria.

 

9.  Cancelation Policy

If you purchase tickets here or here, you’re are able to receive a full-refund as long as you cancel 24-hours before departure.  If you book directly through the Victoria Clipper website, the cancelation policy is as follows…

• Advance fare (round-trip) – non-refundable
• Standard fare (round-trip) – non-refundable within 48 hours of departure
• Hotel package – non-refundable within 4 days of travel

 

10.  Is there Wifi Onboard?

While there is wifi at both the terminal in Seattle and in Victoria, there is no wifi offered onboard the ferry itself.  To stay entertained while traveling, I recommend bringing a book (I like to travel with a Kindle/iPad) or some sort of puzzle with you!  (I’m partial to a sudoku book).

 

11.  The Clipper is More than Just a Ferry

Not only does Clipper Vacations provide a ferry route from Seattle to Victoria (and vice versa), but the company does loads more!  The Clipper also provides a route to the San Juan Island and can offer overnight packages in Victoria, Seattle, San Juan Island, Vancouver, Portland, Whistler, or multi-city packages.  If you’re strapped for time and looking to do a day activity versus an entire trip, the Clipper also offers whale watching!

Once onboard the staff is available to assist with any and all needs, including booking packages for your stay.  There are pamphlets found throughout the cabin with details on high tea at the Empress, taking a bus to The Butchart Gardens, and more.  Or if you’re visiting Seattle from Victoria Clipper Vacations also assists with setting up activities in Seattle as well.

 

Misc Things to Know When Taking the Ferry from Seattle to Victoria

• You will need a passport
• Unlike an airplane, you are allowed to bring liquids onboard the Victoria Clipper
• If the ferry service to Victoria, BC happens to be canceled due to weather, you will still have the option to make it to Victoria, even if it means taking a bus
• When traveling internationally, I recommend purchasing SafetyWing travel insurance in case anything were to go wrong

 

The Best Things to Do/Tours in Victoria

Below you’ll find some of my top recommendations for when you visit Victoria whether you have one day or more!

• Historical Victoria Walking Tour 
• Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour
• Castles, Hoods, & Legends Bike Tour
• Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure
• Victoria Guided Food & History Tour

 

Canada Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Canada

 

Before I departed the Clipper, I asked the Captain to share one fact about the ferry that you couldn’t find anywhere else.  He shared with me, “If you sit by the door, you’ll be the first one off the boat.”  And I’d have to say that he is correct.

So you see?  Taking the Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria, Canada is much more than a transportation vessel.  Staff members can also help make plans, set up activities, and more.  The staff is friendly, the ride is smooth sailing and my only regret?  Not taking the Clipper sooner.  I hope that this guide to everything you need to know when take the Clipper Ferry to Victoria from Seattle was helpful!  If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below.

 

If you’re visiting Seattle, don’t miss my travel guides to the city!

• 10 Unique Things to Do in Seattle
• How to Have the Perfect Weekend Trip to Seattle
• The Ultimate Guide to Seattle
• 7 Things to Do When it’s Raining in Seattle
• Best Bars in Seattle
• The Ultimate Guide to the Seattle Food Scene
• The Best Dessert Places in Seattle
• Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Pike Place Market
• Best Places in Seattle for Views of the Seattle Skyline

 

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For more information and inspiration on visiting Canada, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppincanada” or under my highlights for “Canada”

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