Do I need a passport?

For US–Canada land/sea travel, bring the travel documents your nationality requires — check official border guidance.

Can I day-trip to the US by ferry?

Sometimes yes, but timing and border queues matter more than the sailing length.

Ferries from Vancouver & Victoria to the USA: Schedules

How to take a cross-border ferry day without missing the boat

Book or confirm sailing times and terminal location.
Arrive early for vehicle or walk-on lines.
Have border documents ready before boarding queues.
Keep a simple food plan that survives delays.
Protect the return sailing with a buffer — missing it cascades the day.

Cross-border ferry day checklist

Passport/docs ready the night before.
Arrive early for vehicle or walk-on lines.
Build buffer for border delays both ways.
Have a simple food plan on board or at terminal.

Published 2026-07-13 · FanVancouver Travel Desk

Ferries & Boats from Vancouver / Victoria to the USA: Schedules, Prices

You cannot sail directly from downtown Vancouver to the USA on a scheduled ferry — the classic sea routes to America leave from Victoria. The good news: combining a Victoria trip with a ferry to Seattle or Port Angeles is one of the most scenic ways to cross the border. Here is every current option, with terminals and fares.

Victoria → Seattle: Victoria Clipper (passenger ferry)

Operator: FRS Clipper
Terminals: Victoria — Clipper Terminal, 254 Belleville St (Inner Harbour). Seattle — Pier 69, 2701 Alaskan Way.
Crossing time: about 2 h 45 min, passenger-only high-speed catamaran.
Schedule: typically 1 departure daily each way in winter, 2 in summer (morning and late afternoon). Always confirm on the official site — the timetable changes seasonally.
Fares: from ~US$115–145 one way, ~US$180–230 return; discounts for booking 14+ days ahead.
Border: US customs pre-clearance at the terminal — arrive 60–90 min early with a valid passport (or NEXUS).

Victoria → Port Angeles: Black Ball Ferry MV Coho (car ferry)

Operator: Black Ball Ferry Line — running this route since 1959.
Terminals: Victoria — 430 Belleville St. Port Angeles, WA — 101 E Railroad Ave.
Crossing: 90 min across the Strait of Juan de Fuca; 2–4 sailings daily depending on season.
Fares: walk-on adult ~US$25, car + driver ~US$70–80 one way. Vehicle reservations strongly recommended in summer (~US$10 fee).
Why take it: Port Angeles is the gateway to Olympic National Park — Hurricane Ridge is 45 min from the dock.

Sidney → Anacortes (Washington State Ferries)

The historic WSF international route from Sidney (30 km north of Victoria) to Anacortes via the San Juan Islands has been suspended since 2020 and Washington State Ferries does not plan to restore it before the end of the decade. Check wsdot.wa.gov for status before planning around it.

Other ways to reach the USA from Vancouver

Option	Route	Time	Fares & notes
Amtrak Cascades train	Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station St, Vancouver → Seattle King Street Station	~4 h 25 min	From ~US$42–75; scenic shoreline route, 2 departures daily
Cruise ships	Canada Place, 999 Canada Pl	7+ nights	Seasonal Alaska cruises technically call at US ports — see our Alaska cruise guide
FlixBus / Quick Shuttle	Downtown Vancouver → Seattle	~4–5 h with border stop	From ~US$25–45

Border documents checklist

Passport valid for your whole stay (US land/sea entry also accepts NEXUS; US citizens may use an Enhanced Driver's Licence at sea ports of entry).
Non-Canadian/non-US citizens: check whether you need a US visa or ESTA before booking — sea arrivals on the Clipper/Coho follow the same rules as air arrivals for most nationalities.
Arrive 60–90 min before sailing for customs; no firearms, cannabis or fresh produce across the border in either direction.

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