seattle day trips to canada

How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Victoria from Seattle in 2024

A Seattle to Victoria day trip is the perfect escape from Seattle’s hustle and bustle.

Recently ranked as the #3 city in the entire world in the Conde Nast readers choice awards, this crown jewel of BC’s tourist crown is located right on your doorstep.

But how exactly can you take a day trip to Victoria BC from Seattle?

Let’s break it down.

The Best Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

Getting to victoria.

First things first: Victoria is 109 miles northwest of Seattle (that’s 175 km for us Canadians).

To get to Victoria from Seattle you’ve got several options:

• Seattle to Victoria seaplane : 45 minutes (~$200.00 USD one way)
• Driving from Seattle to Victoria (with Bainbridge ferry): 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Seattle to Victoria ferry (foot passenger only): 2 hours 45 minutes ($124.50 USD one way or $145.00 USD round trip same day)
• Seattle to Victoria Bus : Don’t even try it! It takes hours and hours.

Unless you’re willing to shell out $400.00 for the seaplane, taking the Seattle to Victoria ferry for $145.00 USD round trip offers the best price-quality ratio of the options.

Also, making the trip by sea allows you to soak in the majestic Pacific Northwest in all its beauty .

This is great for tourists who don’t have a car in Seattle , or any local Seattleites who can get a ride downtown to catch the ferry.

Want a bit more flexibility? Grab one way tickets here:

What to Do on a Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

There are tons of things to do in Victoria whether you’re looking for big city culture or epic gardens/scenery.

• Butchart Gardens – Explore stunning floral displays and themed gardens.
• Royal BC Museum – Discover local history, culture, and natural sciences.
• Chinatown – Visit Canada’s oldest Chinatown, vibrant shops and narrow Fan Tan Alley.
• Beacon Hill Park – Enjoy beautiful walking trails and wildlife viewing.
• Craigdarroch Castle – Tour a historic Victorian-era mansion.
• Inner Harbour – Walk around, enjoy eateries and street performances.
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Sample fresh seafood, quirky floating homes.

Let’s break down a one day itinerary though, so you can do your Victoria day trip like a pro.

Victoria Day Trip from Seattle: Planning an Itinerary

The majority of Victoria’s top things to do can be found within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

You’ll instantly recognize the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel , as well as the Provincial Legislature .

But, what exactly is the best way to maximize your time in Victoria?

Well, if you’re truly looking at seeing as much as possible, I’d suggest a half-day Victoria Hop on Hop off tour .

This allows you to cover 15 of Victoria’s top sites in one afternoon for as little as $40 USD.

But if you’d prefer the self-guided route, I’ll leave a few suggestions below:

Stop #1: Grab a Coffee or a Quick Lunch (1 hour)

If you’re looking for a quick bite, Red Fish Blue Fish offers some of the best fish and chips in town, smack dab in the heart of the Inner Harbour.

This outdoor pier-side eatery is just a 5-minute walk from Belleville Terminal. So you’ll find fantastic views of the Inner Harbour and a lightly battered halibut that’ll put England to shame.

If you’re looking for a more formal sit-down meal, the 10 Acres Bistro is a short stroll away on Courtenay St. They offer sustainable farm-to-table dining using only the finest local ingredients – always a crowd pleaser.

Related: The Best Places to Stay in Victoria

Stop #2: Breathe the Sea Air of Victoria’s Inner Harbour (1-2 hours)

During the summer months, the Inner Harbour is clearly Victoria’s beating heart. Here you’ll find festivals, buskers and the best people watching in town.

Not to mention, the area is home to the city’s most iconic buildings: the Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are automatic stops – as well as the Royal BC Museum and Miniature World .

If you’ve got the time, high tea at the Empress (three sittings a day, must be booked in advance) is one of the most prototypically Victoria experiences of all.

Nearby Fisherman’s Wharf offers food kiosks, boutiques, and a jumping off point for Victoria whale watching tours .

Related: The Best Victoria Tours by Sea, Street & Sky

Stop #3A: Feel the History in Oldtown/Chinatown (2 hours)

Just north of the Inner Harbour you’ll find the neighbourhood of Old Town. The area is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and historic character . Today the area remains home to much of the city’s commercial core, Chinatown, and the Waterfront.

On a day trip to Victoria from Seattle, I’d recommend checking out Antique Row , a three-block section of Fort Street which houses dozens of antique and collectible shops.

Vibrant Bastion Square contains some of the finest restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Victoria – as well as a seasonal artisan market. And the area is also home home to North America’s second oldest Chinatown between the 5-600 block of Fisgaard Street .

Fan Tan Alley is likely the area’s most popular attraction. This quaint alleyway that houses a variety of restaurants, cafes and boutiques is considered to be North America’s narrowest street.

Related: The Best Victoria Seaplane Tours

#3B- Pick One of the Heavy Hitters (2.5-3 hours)

If you’re willing to forgo the culture of Oldtown and cut back a little on your time spent in the Inner Harbour you should still have plenty of time to partake in one of Victoria’s “big two” attractions – Butchart Gardens or a Victoria whale watching tour .

The whale watching tours depart from the heart of the Inner Harbour, right next to Belleville Terminal.

This will give you plenty of time to make it back in time from your 3 hour tour to catch your evening boat back to Seattle.

But perhaps the most quintessentially Victoria experience is a visit to world famous Butchart Gardens. Located 25 minutes north of town in the suburb of Brentwood Bay, this 55 acre botanical garden attracts over one million visitors a year.

Despite its location, shuttles are available from outside the Fairmont Empress Hotel . So if you manage to book your visit online in advance a trip is more than doable. You may even have time to pair your visit with a trip to nearby Butterfly Gardens .

Seattle to Victoria Ferry Day Trip: How it Works

As I mentioned before, day trips to Victoria from Seattle are best done with the sleek passenger ferry service offers passengers a full range of amenities.

Aboard, you’ll be provided with comfortable seating, a duty free store, and plenty of food and beverage options.

The ferry even has an outdoor deck where you can take in the stunning views of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

As you pass through the quaint Gulf Islands you may even encounter a bald eagle, some dolphins, or even a pod of orcas!

Departure – 7:30/8:00 AM

To maximize you day trip, it’s best to trake the ferry that leaves bright and early from Pier 69 in Downtown Seattle .

The terminal is close to Belltown , as well as a short stroll from the Pike Place Market and many Seattle hotels .

You should arrive one hour prior to departure time.

However, you will have 15 minutes courtesy prior to departure to make the final boarding call.

Parking is available for just $10 per calendar day at the nearby Bell Street Pier garage , directly across Alaskan Way from the Edgewater Hotel.

Aboard the Boat – 2 hrs 45 min

The ferry ride to Victoria lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes – giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s stunning scenery.

You’ll definitely want to keep your camera on hand as you enter Victoria’s postcard perfect Inner Harbour.

The vessel doesn’t travel across open seas, though choppy weather is a possibility – that said, don’t expect to feel many bumps as it’s a very large ship.

After booking, you’ll have the option to upgrade to Vista Class seating on the upper deck. Here you’ll be provided with leather chairs, table seating and panoramic views of the Salish Sea.

Victoria – 10:45/11:00 AM

The Victoria Clipper arrives in Victoria at 10:45 am at the Belleville Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

The terminal is perfectly situated for you to start exploring the Garden City the minute you get off the boat.

You’ll have a few immigration formalities to go through first: so make sure you bring one of the following documents:

• Passport Card
• Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID)

Once you’ve cleared customs it should be smooth sailing.

You’ll have 5-6 hours to explore: take a tour, check out an attraction or enjoy the city’s many bars and restaurants.

You’ll then be required to return to the terminal in time for your early evening departure and do the entire procedure in reverse.

How to Book Your Seattle to Victoria Day Trip

In writing this post on how to do a day trip to Victoria from Seattle I’ve had the opportunity to work with lots of different online travel partners.

When it comes to the Seattle to Victoria day trip via the Clipper Ferry we’ve elected to partner with Viator for the following reasons.

• Viator is a massive company that offers over 300,000 travel experiences across the globe. Moreover, the company is also part of the massive Trip Advisor family guaranteeing economies of scale
• They offer a low price guarantee to ensure you receive the lowest rates
• Free cancellation and buy now, pay later tickets are available for the utmost flexibility
• They have an exceptional Trustpilot rating with over 110,000 reviews and offer 24/7 customer service

Furthermore, their Victoria day trip from Seattle package has received fantastic reviews from past customers on this platform.

In fact, as of the time of writing the experience has been granted a 4.5-star experience with over 360 reviews !

Don’t believe us? Well check out a few yourself in the snapshot below:

For more information, to check out some more reviews and receive a low-price guarantee click on the button below:

Seattle to Victoria Day Trip FAQs

Can you do a day trip from seattle to victoria.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Seattle to Victoria by taking a seaplane or round-trip ferry service from downtown Seattle. Both options give you 6-7 hours to explore Victoria.

Is a day trip to Victoria from Seattle worth it?

Yes, a day trip to Victoria from Seattle is worth it if you’re looking for a unique escape to a laid-back city with British vibes, amazing gardens, and a walkable and compelling downtown.

What are the customs procedures when taking the Victoria Clipper?

Since you’ll be travelling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through customs and border patrol at the border. As such, you will need one of the following travel documents:

When heading to Victoria you’ll be processed through Canadian Immigration and Customs upon arrival . However, when leaving for Seattle you’ll be required to pass through U.S. Immigration/Passport Control before departure. So be sure to give yourself plenty of time to clear customs before sailing time.

Still not sold on a Seattle to Victoria day trip?

I’ve done my best to get your Seattle to Victoria day trip in gear, but maybe you’ve still got a few questions.

If so, I’m always available in the comments below for custom travel advice whether it’s Seattle to Victoria or other destinations throughout British Columbia.

Enjoy your Victoria from Seattle day trip ⛴️

Related posts

How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver from $18.50

Vancouver to Victoria by Bus: 2024 Prices & Timetable

How to Get a Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria: Prices + 2024 Schedules

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Seattle – Victoria Ferry

FRS Clipper offers the only direct fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, BC—the Victoria Clipper.

The Victoria Clipper ferry operates year-round service, round-trip 1 time per day*. The fast ferry features three main classes of service including Economy (lower deck), Vista (upper deck) and Comfort Class (upper deck) each with an upgrade option within each class. Comfort Class includes leather seating in a private spacious class cabin on the upper deck, panoramic views along with complimentary snacks, coffee and tea.

*Excludes a winter dry dock period. Spring/summer schedule may include two round trips on certain dates.

Victoria Clipper V Onboard Menu | Seating Classes and Chart | FAQs | ID & Travel Requirements | Clipper Fares | Current Special Offers

Save on Hotel Packages

We've done the hard work for you and vetted a wide array of Victoria's top hotels! You'll receive a special discount on your Victoria Clipper fast ferry when adding an overnight hotel stay and an even greater discount for a 2-night stay!

Visit The Butchart Gardens

Immerse yourself in more than 300,000 blooms at world-renowned The Butchart Gardens with a hotel package deal or day trip to Victoria from downtown Seattle on our high-speed Victoria Clipper V fast ferry!

Ferry Schedule

Double sailings: sep, sep 29 – oct 13, oct 14 – nov 4, nov 5 – nov 26*, nov 27 2024 – jan 5, 2025*, travel fares.

Schedule and fares subject to change. Rates are $10 USD higher per person/segment of travel for Fri/Sat departures from Seattle and Sun departures from Victoria.

Schedule and fares subject to change. Rates $10 USD higher per person/segment of travel for Fri/Sat departures from Seattle and Sun departures from Victoria.

Additional Fare Notes

ADVANCE Fare – Round-Trip only: Advanced purchase fares must be purchased a minimum of 2 days prior to travel date, non-refundable.

STANDARD Fares – Round-Trip only :  Standard fares are fully refundable for cancellations received 2 or more days prior to travel, non-refundable within 48 hours of travel date.

Hotel Package :  Non-refundable within 4 days of travel date.

Adult : Rates are $10.00 higher per segment of travel for Friday & Saturday departures from Seattle, and Sunday departures from Victoria. Additional fees apply to class upgrades. Child (1-11 yrs old) : Children pay 50% of adult fare.

All fares include applicable taxes. A security fee and fuel surcharge will be added to all Seattle/Victoria fares & packages. Non-cancelable; date, voyage restrictions may apply. Actual fares may vary based on booking and travel dates. All rates in US Dollars. Rates are based on economy class seating. Schedule is subject to change.

Group travel discounts available for 10+ people, traveling together. Please contact us to inquire.

Fare Classes

Economy Class Includes:

• Main cabin seating
• Table/group seating in select areas
• Onboard locally sourced food, spirits, and beverages available for purchase
• Onboard gift and duty-free shop

Vista Class Includes:

• Spacious leather seating with panoramic views

Comfort Class Includes:

• Comfort class priority check-in and boarding*
• Exclusive forward and top deck seating
• Panoramic views
• Luxury leather seats with individual tables
• Complimentary welcome drink
• Unlimited premium coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks
• Free checked luggage**

Travel Information and ID Requirements

Anytime you’re traveling between Canada and the United States, you’ll have to pass through Customs and Border Protection. That means no matter how you’re traveling from Seattle to Victoria or Victoria to Seattle, you’ll need a Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID). Learn more about ID and Travel Requirements.

Directions & Parking

Seattle clipper terminal.

2701 Alaskan Way, Pier 69 Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 448-5000

Nearby parking

Bell street pier garage.

Parking can be found at the Bell Street Pier Garage, located at  9 Wall Street , diagonally across Alaskan Way from the Clipper Terminals at pier 69.

There are entrances to the garage on both 9 Wall Street and 2323 Elliot Ave.  The garage has a height restriction of 6’6″. Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

FRS Clipper exclusive rate*: $10.00 per calendar day.

When exiting the garage, please use the 5th floor, Elliot Avenue exit as this exit has 2 lanes and is typically staffed.

*Requires a coupon, which must be collected from a Clipper attendant while onboard the vessel . Both the original parking ticket as well as the coupon are needed to exit the garage.

Victoria Terminal

Victoria ferry terminal.

Belleville Street Victoria, BC V8v 1W9 Canada (250) 382-8100

203 Quebec Street Lot

Daily & overnight parking

Cost: $3.00 per hour, or $8.00 before 10AM for every 10 hours, or $12.00 for every 12 hours, or $16.00 for every 24 hours ($32.00 for oversized vehicles). Prices in CAD

Hotel Grand Pacific Garage

463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1X3, Canada

Cost:  $3.00 per hour, or $12.00 from 6 AM to 6 PM .  $24.00 CAD per night plus taxes (until 8 AM). Garage has a height restriction of 6’4″. Parking is subject to availability at the time of arrival. Parking spots cannot be reserved ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with a few parking options.

2701 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, United States

2701 Alaskan Way Pier 69, Seattle, WA 98121

254 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, Canada

Canada, 203 Quebec St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W2, Canada

"Being able to take the Clipper from downtown Victoria to downtown Seattle is a perfect way to travel."

- Mistuhree, Duncan, CA TripAdvisor

"I loved the speed, comfort and convenience of how to get to Victoria. It drops you within walking distance of great hotels and all the Inner Harbour activities."

- Doug M., Seattle, WA TripAdvisor

"No TSA hassles. No long lines at the US-Canada border. Our trip was smooth and scenic."

- Tom_Fiala, Orlando, FL TripAdvisor

Traveler Specials

Get a great deal on Clipper travel with our best available rates, military and first responder appreciation fares, and kids discounts.

Victoria Overnight Packages & Day Trips

A short and scenic ride through the Salish Sea, Victoria is the perfect day trip destination from Seattle. Save on your Clipper cruise when you book an overnight hotel package!

Victoria Overnight Packages

Victoria Day Trips

Seattle Overnight Packages and Day Trips

Get the best Seattle travel deals with a package that bundles transportation, Seattle hotel accommodations and activities to best suit your travel needs!

Seattle Overnight Packages

Seattle Day Trips

Choose an Option to Begin Planning Your Trip

For guests traveling internationally, please review our ID and Requirements carefully before booking travel.

• Includes one-way or round trip travel via the Clipper ferry.
• Routes available between Seattle and Victoria
• Includes travel to any of our destinations with activities or hotel stay or both.
• Enjoy the convenience of booking the entire trip all at once.

Need help planning your trip? Call our Clipper Pacific Northwest travel experts at 800-888-2535 between 9am-6pm PDT (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm PDT (Sat-Sun).

Coronavirus update : Clipper ferry service is cancelled between Seattle and Victoria until August 7, 2020. Learn more.

Plan Your Trip

Children's ages

Clipper defines a child as 11 years and younger, but hotels and tours may have different child ages. Please enter the ages for all children 18 and under. Infants under 1 (<1) are free on the Clipper, but are not provided a seat.

Agent Login

Travel Advisors with existing accounts can log in to create new bookings. If you are a Travel Advisor and would like to view/edit an existing booking, please visit the Agent Dashboard.

For your guests traveling to Canada, please read our ID and Requirements page carefully before booking travel. Thank you!

Sign Up for the Latest from FRS Clipper