No hotel? No problem. Skip the packing and the overnight logistics. Sail from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC onboard the MV COHO for a day full of scenic waterfront views, shopping, dining, outdoor adventure and local charm!
From afternoon tea and museums to gardens, whale watching, shopping, and waterfront walks, Victoria packs an incredibly diverse offering into a single day. Best of all, the MV COHO arrives directly in the Inner Harbour, placing many of the city’s most popular attractions within walking distance of the terminal.
Why Day Trip with Black Ball?
Traveling with Black Ball Ferry Line makes day tripping to Victoria simple. Park in Port Angeles (parking ranges from $12-$15 USD per day) and board the MV COHO as a walk-on passenger for an affordable, stress-free sailing across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Once you arrive in downtown Victoria, you are steps from historic streets, waterfront patios, boutique shopping, gardens, and iconic landmarks that blend old-world charm with Pacific Northwest beauty.
To help you make the most of your visit, we offer curated ferry and attraction packages that save both time and money. And with convenient departure times, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Victoria at your own pace before heading home.
Feeling spontaneous? Walk-on passengers do not require reservations, and we never sell out of walk-on space. Simply arrive at the terminal 30 minutes before departure and purchase your ferry tickets upon arrival. During your crossing, you can stop by our onboard Tour Desk to conveniently purchase attraction tickets and sightseeing tours for your day in Victoria.
Please Note: The Tour Desk is open for the 8:20am and 12:45pm (or 2:00pm) northbound crossings only.
Featured Day Trips to Victoria, BC
Make the most of your time, and hop on the 8:20am sailing from Port Angeles arriving in the heart of downtown Victoria at approximately 9:50am. After clearing Canada Customs, you have the rest of the day to explore! For a full day in Victoria, we recommend returning on the 7:30pm sailing, though the 3:00pm sailing is also available if you're planning a quicker visit.
A Must-See Escape: The Butchart Gardens with Shuttle Transportation
Day Trips from $126 USD per person
Experience the world-renowned 55-acre floral display. Packages include ferry fare, admission and round trip shuttle transportation to and from The Butchart Gardens.
Highlights: The Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and Afternoon Tea.
Best For: Photography lovers and families.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
7:50am: Arrive at the Port Angeles Terminal.
8:20am: Depart from Port Angeles.
If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must be at the terminal 60 minutes prior to your departure, 30 minutes prior for walk-on passengers.
9:50am: Arrive in Victoria, go through Canada Customs.
10:45am: Check in at the kiosk in front of the Fairmont Empress (721 Government Street) for your shuttle to The Butchart Gardens.
11:00am: Depart downtown Victoria for The Butchart Gardens.
11:40am: Arrive at The Butchart Gardens. You will have just over two hours to explore The Gardens at your leisure.
2:00pm: Depart The Butchart Gardens back to Downtown Victoria.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Victoria at your leisure. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat, experiencing a Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour, and exploring the Inner Harbour Causeway or Government Street.
7:30pm Depart from Victoria.
If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must arrive at the terminal 90 minutes prior to your departure, 30 minutes prior for walk-on passengers.
9:00pm Arrive in Port Angeles and go through US Customs.
An Ultimate Sightseeing Experience: Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off
Day Trips from $103 USD per person
Enjoy unlimited hop on and off priviledges at 14 stops throughout the city while enjoying live commentary and unbeatable views.
Highlights: Craigdarroch Castle, Fisherman's Wharf, and Beacon Hill Park.
Best For: First-time visitors and curious explorers.
A High-Altitude Adventure: Malahat SkyWalk
Day Trips from $84 USD per person
Ascend 250 meters above sea level for a 360-degree view of the ocean. Plus! Enjoy their FREE shuttle service that departs from Downtown Victoria.
Highlights: The Spiral Tower, the new Over Hang and the tree walk.
Best For: Thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
A Timeless Victoria Tradition: Afternoon Tea
Day Trips from $110 USD per person
Indulge in one of Victoria’s most cherished traditions with an elegant afternoon tea experience. Packages include ferry fare and a classic afternoon tea service.
Highlights: Premium teas, house-made pastries, and a refined atmosphere.
Best For: Couples, friends, and special occasions.
Explore More of Victoria
Looking for something a little more spontaneous? Victoria is your playground.
Culinary Tours: Walk off the boat and into Victoria’s vibrant local food scene. If you’d like to try a little bit of everything, we recommend one of Off The Eaten Tracks’s foodie tours.
Whale Watching: Experience the ultimate thrill while spotting different species of whales in the wild as well as an assortment of seabirds and other marine wildlife with Prince of Whales.
Boutique Shopping: Wander the historic Government Street or explore the hidden gems of Lower Johnson (LoJo).
Visit Fan Tan Alley: Discover local shops in Canada's narrowest street (just 3 feet wide)!!
Wander Through Beacon Hill Park: Stroll through the sprawling 75-hectare (190-acre) green space featuring manicured gardens, tranquil ponds, scenic walking trails, and roaming peacocks.
The Inner Harbour Loop: Take a water taxi, visit the Parliament Buildings, or simply enjoy a stroll along the Causeway.
Day Tripping Tips
Traveler Tip: Bringing your bicycle? It’s one of the best ways to see the city. The Galloping Goose Trail is easily accessible from the terminal and offers miles of scenic riding. PLUS: Bikes travel on the COHO at no extra cost!
Check the Schedule: Aim for the 8:20am sailing from Port Angeles to make the most of your day.
Documentation: Remember your Passport or Enhanced Driver’s License for the border crossing!
Easy Return Back to the USA: Check in for your return trip is quick and easy, giving you more time to explore until the very last minute. Just be sure to arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to your departure time. We recommend the 7:30pm sailing to make the most of your day (or you can catch the 3:00pm sailing).
Build Your Perfect Day in Victoria
Know Before You Go: Ferry FAQs
How long is the ferry ride to Victoria?
The sailing between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC takes approximately 90 minutes.
Can I bring my vehicle on the ferry?
Absolutely. The MV COHO welcomes both vehicle and walk-on passengers. Bringing your car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond downtown Victoria and discover more of Vancouver Island at your own pace.
Is downtown Victoria walkable from the ferry terminal?
Yes. The ferry arrives directly in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, just steps from many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, shops, waterfront paths, and hotels.
What travel documents do I need?
Because you’ll be crossing the border between the United States and Canada, valid identification is required for all travelers. Most passengers travel with a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license. Visit our ID Requirements page for in-depth border crossing information before your trip.
Is parking available in Port Angeles for walk-on passengers?
Yes. Although there is no parking directly at the ferry terminal, several privately operated parking lots are located within a short one- to two-block walk of the terminal in downtown Port Angeles. Rates generally range from approximately $12–$15 USD per day for both day trip and overnight parking.
How early should I arrive before departure?
Walk-on passengers and cyclists should plan to arrive approximately 30 minutes before sailing. Vehicle passengers should arrive 1 hour prior to departure in Port Angeles and 1.5 hours prior to departure in Victoria.
Do I need a reservation?
Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee space on your preferred sailing, although limited first-come, first-served vehicle space may still be available. Walk-on passengers do not require reservations and can simply purchase tickets at the terminal before departure.
Ready for an Island Getaway? Book your day trip today!
