small boat from Canada Place to Orcas Island?

[enymarsh]

I was thinking of taking a cruise that ends in Vancouver at Canada Place Pier and then I wanted to visit my brother who lives on Orcas Island which is off the coast of Seattle. Anyone know the best way to do this? Specifically I was wondering if there is any small craft that will do the trip on the water since it is clearly the straightest path, while the over-land route will be considerable longer... any thoughts? Thanks!

[westcoasttech]

I was thinking of taking a cruise that ends in Vancouver at Canada Place Pier and then I wanted to visit my brother who lives on Orcas Island which is off the coast of Seattle. Anyone know the best way to do this? Specifically I was wondering if there is any small craft that will do the trip on the water since it is clearly the straightest path, while the over-land route will be considerable longer... any thoughts? Thanks!

 

There is no ferry from downtown Vancouver to any of the Islands - (they've tried to set it up a couple of times, but it never takes off). To get to Vancouver Island (and Victoria) you would have to travel to Tsawwassen which is about an hour or so outside of Vancouver (rough estimate of time, sorry, I don't drive and know that it would take probably more than an hour on transit) (down towards the border with Washington State). A quick Google search seems to imply that you would have to take a Washington State ferry to get to Orcas Island, as they seem to provide a regular service to the San Juan Islands from Anacortes and Sidney, BC (which is on Vancouver Island).

 

Here's the link to the schedule:

 

http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ScheduleDetailByRoute.aspx?route=ana-sj-sid

 

I believe to get the Washington State ferry from Sidney, you would first have to travel, Vancouver to Tsawwassen (by road), Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (by BC Ferry), Swartz Bay to Sidney (by road, somehow?) and then catch the Washington Ferry. However I'm not a regular ferry user, so perhaps some one who is could comment or advise.

[enymarsh]

There is no ferry from downtown Vancouver to any of the Islands - (they've tried to set it up a couple of times, but it never takes off). To get to Vancouver Island (and Victoria) you would have to travel to Tsawwassen which is about an hour or so outside of Vancouver (rough estimate of time, sorry, I don't drive and know that it would take probably more than an hour on transit) (down towards the border with Washington State). A quick Google search seems to imply that you would have to take a Washington State ferry to get to Orcas Island, as they seem to provide a regular service to the San Juan Islands from Anacortes and Sidney, BC (which is on Vancouver Island).

 

Here's the link to the schedule:

 

http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ScheduleDetailByRoute.aspx?route=ana-sj-sid

 

I believe to get the Washington State ferry from Sidney, you would first have to travel, Vancouver to Tsawwassen (by road), Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (by BC Ferry), Swartz Bay to Sidney (by road, somehow?) and then catch the Washington Ferry. However I'm not a regular ferry user, so perhaps some one who is could comment or advise.

 

Thanks so much for attempting to help me! I know this is not going to be easy, but I just got off the phone with my brother and we will find a way! I may just have to take a land route which although not simple, is still much easier than trying to take ferries...

[VTX-AL]

My guess is that you will have to find your way from Vancouver to Anacortes. Then the state ferry service to Orcas Island.

 

...VTX-Al

[enymarsh]

My guess is that you will have to find your way from Vancouver to Anacortes. Then the state ferry service to Orcas Island.

 

...VTX-Al

 

Yup... sounds about right!:rolleyes: Thanks!

[enymarsh]

Thought I would just post about what I have decided to do... am staying at the YWCA downtown ($81) and then taking a train from VC to Mt. Vernon and then a taxi to the ferry... all the other options were too complicated without a car. I will be able to walk most everywhere since the Y is so centrally located. I can even walk from the pier to the hotel if they let me go through security on foot. This is a great set of options for me!

[PNW Traveler]

Thought I would just post about what I have decided to do... am staying at the YWCA downtown ($81) and then taking a train from VC to Mt. Vernon and then a taxi to the ferry... all the other options were too complicated without a car. I will be able to walk most everywhere since the Y is so centrally located. I can even walk from the pier to the hotel if they let me go through security on foot. This is a great set of options for me!

 

Your plan will work. The Mount Vernon train station is small. You should be prepared to call a taxi after you arrive rather than expecting taxis to be waiting at the curb for passengers. The taxi ride to the ferry dock in Anacortes will be 20 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. You will purchase your "walk-on" ferry ticket inside the terminal. If you arrive early, there is food for purchase and a waiting area inside the terminal. The larger ferries on this route have elevators if you have wheeled luggage. It's a beautiful trip through the islands!

[enymarsh]

Sounds wonderful! So, you don't recommend trying to book the taxi by phone really far ahead? (like a month)

[xlxo]

and then taking a train from VC to Mt. Vernon and then a taxi to the ferry...

Also consider Greyhound... departing from the same train station they also stop at Mt Vernon. Greyhound offers additional schedule options if the train departure times are inconvenient.

[enymarsh]

Also consider Greyhound... departing from the same train station they also stop at Mt Vernon. Greyhound offers additional schedule options if the train departure times are inconvenient.

thanks! will do since someone also told me that the train is often late...?

[PNW Traveler]

The trains run "mostly close" to "on time," and can be late. The busses can also be late because of delays at the border crossing. The scenery is better from the train.

Regarding your reserving a taxi in advance, it would probably be better to call a cab when you arrive in Mount Vernon.

[enymarsh]

Thank you... sounds like a plan!

[scottbee]

Another option is take the QuickShuttle bus (the Vancouver Cruise -> Seattle Airport bus) and get off at the BLI/Bellingham airport. From there you can fly BLI-ESD (Eastsound/Orcas Island) on San Juan Airlines

Edited March 13, 2015 by scottbee

[enymarsh]

Thanks for the idea but I think I want the experience of being on the ferry, maybe see some sea life... also, I will be taking a plane when I head out to SEA to fly home.