Traversing the NorthWest Passage
1 - 27 September 2025

2 September 2025: Day 2

Vancouver to Victoria

Introduction

We awoke after a good sleep in the St Regis Hotel in Vancouver. This was our third visit to the city so we had decided to explore the capital city of the province - Victoria on Vancouver Island. There is a ferry that crosses to the Island and a convenient bus service that starts in central Vancouver (with a number of stops at hotels and other locations) before driving straight onto the ferry and then across Vancouver Island to Victoria. For us it was almost a door-to-door service.

By bus and ferry to Victoria, BC

The bus left the Pacific Central Station at 0930, so after a leisurely breakfast we found our way to the train station and went the two stops to the the Main Street - Science World stop, then walked across the park to the Central Station, the same route as a year ago when we caught the "Le Canadien" train to Toronto. Our bus was waiting but we sat in the shade as the day was getting very warm. Came 0920 and everybody boarded (there were more people that expected) and off we went through the centre of Vancouver. Travellers from local hotels had already been picked up, but we stopped at several locations on the way out for more guests. At the ferry we loaded more bags (but no prople) then drove onto the ferry, at the head of the queue.

The ferry departs from Tsawwassen, where the long pier almost crosses over into United States territory. The ferry sails southwest across a small part of Washington, then enters a narrow channel between Galliano and Mayne Islands before winding its way to the other terminal at Swartz Bay. We reboared the bus, waited for the front to open then headed south to the provincial capital of Victoria. The town of Victoria is the oldest English settlement in Canada. The coach ended its travels behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a large, elegant Hotel on the waterfront. Our hotel was the more modest Days Inn, about 10 minutes walk around the harbour front.

Main Street Station

The train we caught.

Our coach awaits.

Science World

A selection of Vancouver architecture as seen from the coach.

Big banners procaliming "Ccanadian owned and operated" were common.

More passengers for Victoria

One of the piers at Tsawwassen.

Approaching the ferry pay booths.

Ā truck load of chickens, I presume?

Caravans, bigger than some houses.

Luggage but no passengers - already on board.

Departure.

Entering the passage between the islands.

Fancy seating on the upper deck.

Arrival and the front doors open up.

The sign reads "2 Burley Men moving Ltd" - beats "Mate with a truck".

Cabbages I think.

First glimpse of the Fairmont Empress Hotel

On the walk to the Days Inn

They say its a slower pace of life here...

Our room.

Meal time at the Steamship Grill and Bar

The HOHO Bus in Victoria

After settling into our room we decided to explore Victoria using the Hop-on Hop-off bus (the HOHO bus). This conveniently departed from outside the Empress Hotel jsut a short stroll away, on the half-hour. We boarded the 1430 bus and explored the sights of Victoria. HOHO buses in some cities are not worth the money or time, but this one was well organsed and the driver/commentator had useful stories to tell. It was 90 minutes well spent.

The Fairmont Empress dominates the view