inside passage cruise bc ferries

Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, BC

By: Author Taryn Eyton

Posted on Last updated: October 5, 2023

The Inside Passage ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert in British Columbia is one of the most scenic boat trips I’ve ever taken . And the funny part is, it’s just part of the provincial ferry system – it’s not a tourist boat trip or a cruise!

The route takes you up the coast of British Columbia through narrow inlets between mountainous islands . It’s called the “Inside Passage” because it avoids the rough open ocean. Along the way, you can spot whales, dolphins, rainbows, and lots of spectacular scenery .

Many people pay thousands of dollars to take a cruise ship through the Inside Passage on their way to Alaska. But the day-long ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert gets you the same views at a much lower price .

In this guide to the Inside Passage ferry you will find:

• Is the Inside Passage ferry worth it? Spoiler: I think so!
• Inside Passage ferry basics including routes, schedules, cost, and more
• The best time of year to take the ferry – which months are best?
• Advice for reservations and planning your trip including the standby list, booking hotels, and what to expect when you check in for the ferry
• What to expect on board including cabins, lounges, food, seating, and more
• What can you see from the ferry? My hour-by-hour run-down of the highlights you cruise past.
• What to bring on the ferry – My packing list
• Tips for taking the Inside Passage ferry to get the most out of your trip
• Inside Passage Ferry FAQ – all your questions answered

Hey there: Thanks so much for BC Ferries for hosting me on this trip. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Table of Contents

Is the Inside Passage Ferry Worth it?

The Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is BC Ferries’ longest and most expensive ferry trip , so you might be wondering if it is worth it? My answer is yes!

The entire voyage is incredibly scenic with great views of mountains, ocean, islands, and tons of wildlife out the window. Many people pay tons of money to take an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska , but the BC Ferries Inside Passage trip is a fraction of the price . (Not gonna lie though, it’s still not cheap.)

If you are planning a trip to Northern BC , Haida Gwaii , or Gwaii Haanas National Park , it’s a no-brainer to book the Inside Passage ferry. Instead of spending hours stuck in a car , you get to chill out on a boat and let the scenery drift by. The travel time from Vancouver to Prince Rupert by ferry is also comparable to driving.

Inside Passage Ferry Basics

Routes: There are two main Inside Passage ferry routes. The BC Ferries route goes from the Bear Cove ferry terminal at Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert in northern BC. The Alaska Marine Highway Route goes from Bellingham, Washington to Sitka Alaska or from Prince Rupert, BC to Skagway, Alaska. In this post, I’m going to focus on the BC Ferries route only.

How long does it take? In the summer, the sailing takes 16.5 hours.

Schedule: There are daytime sailings from Port Hardy and Prince Rupert every other day in the summer , leaving in the morning. The rest of the year , there are fewer sailings , typically 1-2 days a week and all sailings are overnight voyages. See the BC Ferries website for the latest schedule.

Stops: The ferry stops at either the Heiltsuk village of Bella Bella or the Tsimshian village of Klemtu . These are both water-access-only Indigenous towns. They are brief stops, and you must remain on board if you are carrying on to Prince Rupert.

Cost: As of 2023, adult fares are $110.70 to $188.55 depending on the time of year you travel. Standard vehicles cost $241.35 to $429.70 depending on the time of year. There are fees for any extra length over 20 feet (6.1m). These prices don’t include taxes and fuel surcharges.

Reservations: In the summer, reservations are highly recommended as most sailings are full. If you don’t have a reservation, you can try going on standby , but it’s risky. You can make reservations on the BC Ferries website.

Vessel: You will be travelling on the Northern Expedition , which is an ocean-going ship capable of withstanding heavy seas. It has two passenger decks and an exterior sundeck with cabins, lounges, and a restaurant. See the On-Board Amenities section below for more details. (Note: Occasionally the Northern Adventure, a smaller vessel is used.)

Best Time to Take the Inside Passage Ferry

The Inside Passage ferry runs all year, so you can take it at any time. However, summer is the best time to go for a few reasons.

Firstly, the weather is better . This is a rainy part of the world, especially in the fall and winter, so going in the summer gives you a better chance of having a sunny day. On my June trip, we had some drizzle, but also some sun and it was still beautiful. The seas are also calmer in the summer.

Secondly, in the summer the ferry runs during the day instead of offering overnight sailings like they do in the winter. That means that you can spend the entire journey looking at the incredible scenery.

And lastly, there is more daylight in the summer to see the scenery. I went in mid-June close to the solstice and we had daylight for almost our entire trip. We also caught an incredible sunset just outside Prince Rupert .

Inside Passage Ferry Reservations and Planning Your Trip

Taking the BC Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert requires a bit of advance planning. Read on for my tips for making ferry reservations, booking hotels on either end of your trip, and checking in for the ferry.

Make Ferry Reservations in Advance

To avoid disappointment, make ferry reservations in advance as they do sell out. This is especially important if you are travelling with a vehicle. There is usually lots of room for passengers, but not for cars. The Northern Adventure has capacity for 115 cars, but there are often lots of cargo trucks and RVs on the ferry, which reduces capacity.

Going on Standby

If you don’t have a reservation, you can sign-up for the standby list for either vehicles or foot passengers when you arrive at the terminal. (There is usually lots of room for foot passengers so there is rarely a foot passenger stand-by list.)

Names go on the stand-by lists in the order that you arrive, so go early. Keep in mind that they may have lots of standby vehicle spots or none at all. And if you have a larger vehicle, your chances of getting on board via standby are smaller.

Getting to Port Hardy

Port Hardy is at the northern end of Vancouver Island . It is a 4-hour drive from Nanaimo or a 6-hour drive from Victoria . If you are coming from Vancouver, the best option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in North Vancouver.

Psst! I recommend spending more time in the Port Hardy area. Read my list of the best things to do on Northern Vancouver Island for all the details.

Book a Port Hardy Hotel in Advance

In the summer, the ferry leaves early in the morning . That means that you will likely need to book a hotel in Port Hardy . When booking, be sure to leave a note for the hotel that you will be on the ferry and will need an early check-out. Book early as the nicer hotels sell out and the remaining hotels are kind of gross.

I’ve been to Port Hardy nearly a dozen times. My favourite place to stay is the Kwa’lilas Hote l . It is Indigenous-run and has gorgeous decor without being too pricey. The on-site restaurant is good too.

As a second choice, I would recommend the Quarterdeck Inn which is right on the harbour. My most recent stay there was before my hike on the North Coast Trail . Both of my picks are a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

If you have an RV , you are allowed to park at the Port Hardy ferry terminal the night before your sailing as long as you arrive before midnight. The fee is $22. There are also RV parks in Port Hardy.

Checking in for the Ferry

You need to check in at the terminal 90 to 120 minutes before the ferry leaves or you will lose your reservation and have to go on the stand-by list. That means that you may need to be at the ferry terminal as early as 5:30 am!

Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you will need to confirm your reservation and show ID for all passengers. Next, you will be placed in a holding area based on the size of your vehicle.

If you are travelling without a car , you will check your luggage , just like on a plane. But of course, you can bring a small backpack or tote on board. Foot passengers have access to a small lounge while they wait to board.

Loading the Ferry

When it is your turn to load, you will need to show your ID again . They start loading the ferry about 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Foot passengers go on board right away but loading cars is a very slow process .

This is because the vessel only has one vehicle door so all cars need to turn around and back into their parking spots on the ferry. If you are driving an RV you will need to back down the ramp onto the ferry. Ferry staff will help you by giving directions as you back up, but if needed, they will also drive your vehicle onto the ferry and park it.

After your car is parked, workers will place wedges around the wheels to keep it from rolling during the voyage. Don’t forget to also put your parking brake on.

Cars load onto the ferry in order of size , with the smallest cars going first, then midsized cars, vans, and SUVs, then pick-up trucks, then RVs. You may be waiting a long time between check-in and loading, so bring a book or take a nap.

While BC Ferries workers do their best, delays during loading are common. Unless you are driving a small car, expect to wait two to three hours between check-in and loading.

Arrival in Prince Rupert

You will arrive in Prince Rupert late at night after a long journey. Make sure you have a hotel booked as you will be too exhausted to drive far.

I recommend the Crest Hotel , which is the nicest hotel in town. Be sure to book a sea view room – each one has a bay window with a panoramic view of the ocean.

The Prestige Prince Rupert also gets great reviews and is a bit cheaper. Both options are in downtown Prince Rupert, about 10 minutes from the ferry terminal.

If you are driving an RV, there is an RV Park a few minutes from the ferry terminal.

Psst! I recommend spending a few days in Prince Rupert – there are tons of things to do!

Inside Passage Ferry On-Board Amenities

Since you will be on board the vessel for 16 hours, it’s important to know all of the amenities. Here’s a quick run-down of what you will find. There are directories in the stairwells to help you find your way around the ship.

Lower Car Decks

The lower car decks are closed and inaccessible during the voyage for safety reasons . However, there will open every few hours for 15 minutes if you need to get something from your car or attend to pets (which must stay in your vehicle). Each opening is announced on the vessel’s loudspeaker.

Upper Passenger Decks

There are three decks open to passengers throughout the voyage: decks 4, 5, and 6. This is where you will find the restaurants, lounges, cabins, gift shop, and kids’ area. I’ve got details on each of the key amenities below, as well as where to find them.

Passenger Cabins

There are very small passenger cabins on board if you want a private space or need to sleep. These are especially helpful if you are on an overnight sailing. My trip on the Inside Passage ferry was a daytime sailing so I didn’t book a cabin.

You can book an inside cabin (which doesn’t have a window), or an outside cabin with a window . It’s worth noting that the windows in the outside cabins look out across an outside deck so they don’t have the best view. Each has two twin beds and a tiny bathroom with a shower. They are very basic.

Inside cabins are cheaper at $110-120 depending on the time of year. Outside cabins cost $140-145 depending on the time of year.

You can reserve a cabin at the same time as you reserve your sailing . Cabin reservations sell out fast. When you board the vessel, head to the Purser’s office on deck 4 to get your cabin key card. If you don’t have a cabin reservation, you can also ask to be put on the cabin stand-by list here.

Aurora Lounge

The Aurora Lounge at the front of the ferry on deck 5 is available by reservation only . It has the best views on the ferry with huge glass windows that wrap around the bow of the vessel. The Aurora Lounge also has huge, comfy reclining chairs with footrests . It is only open between May and September.

You can book a seat in the Aurora Lounge when you make your reservation for the ferry . Seats cost $40 each. Your reservation guarantees you access to the lounge but it doesn’t book a specific seat.

When you board the ferry, go to the Purser’s office on deck 4 to get your key card to the lounge. Choose an available seat once you get inside. The best seats are the 14 in the front row.

I didn’t bother to pay extra for the Aurora Lounge on my trip and I don’t think I missed out on much as our seats still had a great view.

Vista Buffet Restaurant

The large Vista Buffet Restaurant is located at front of the vessel on deck 4. Many of the tables have great views. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet with hot and cold items as well as a lunch and dinner buffet that includes soups, a salad bar and entrees.

The buffet closed in 2020 due to Covid-19 and hasn’t reopened so I wasn’t able to eat there on my trip from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. BC Ferries has announced that they have not yet decided if it will reopen.

If it does reopen, make sure you reserve a table once you are on board as it gets booked up.

The Canoe Cafe is the Northern Expedition’s cafeteria-style restaurant . Find it on deck 4 near the back of the boat. It’s a bit different than the cafeterias on other BC Ferries because it does not have a White Spot menu .

The cafe serves hot breakfasts as well as a lunch/dinner menu that is mostly burgers . They also have sandwiches and salads , but my favourite thing to order was the soup . They always have Manhattan-style clam chowder, but there is also a tasty soup of the day.

You can also get hot and cold drinks including machine-made espresso-based drinks. They also have beer and wine for sale.

There are tables in the canoe cafe, some of which have ocean views. Or you can get your food to go and eat it elsewhere on the ferry. When the cafe isn’t busy, the tables here can be a good place to play card games.

Raven Lounge

The semi-circular Raven Lounge is located at the back of the boat on deck 4 next to the Canoe Cafe. It has reclining seats and flat-screen TVs .

There are several movies shown in the lounge during the voyage . There is a schedule posted outside the Purser’s office and they also make an announcement on the loud-speaker before each movie starts.

Passages Gift Shop

The small gift shop includes lots of magazines, novels, local books, and art . Find it on deck 4 in the middle of the ferry. They also have stuff for kids and a surprisingly large selection of clothing . You can also find candy, travel-sized toiletries, and over-the-counter medication like pain-killers.

If you are looking for a souvenir , the gift shop is actually pretty good. I recommend the clothing and home goods from Native Northwest . They are an ethical brand that partners with local Indigenous artists to license their work and print it on t-shirts, bags, mugs, and more.

There is a small children’s area with a play structure on deck 5 on the left side of the ship. It is located at the end of a regular lounge area without any physical separation, so it can get a bit loud. It’s a great place to hang out if you have kids… and a terrible place to sit if you don’t.

Seating Areas

There are three main non-reservable indoor seating areas on the ferry, which are open to everyone. They are all first-come, first serve. Unless you have reserved a cabin or the Aurora Lounge, I recommend making a bee-line to some of these seats as soon as you get on the ferry.

Deck Four Seating Area

The first seats you will encounter are pairs of seats on deck 4 along the window in the middle of the boat. These seats often get taken first since people see them first. But some of them face backwards and they are in a high-traffic area between the cafe and the gift shop, so they aren’t my first pick.

Deck Five Forwarding Facing Seats

The second place you will find seats is in the middle of the ferry on deck 5 next to the cabin area. These seats face forward so unless you are on the end near a window, you can’t really see outside. As well, the windows look out over an outside deck. The ones are the left side also get noise from the Kids Zone.

Deck Five Sideways Facing Seats

In my opinion, the best seats are on deck 5 at the front of the ferry just outside the Aurora Lounge . These seats face sideways, directly against the window . And there is no outside deck obstructing your view. Try to get a front-row seat here (there are 19 on each side of the ferry) for the best view.

This is where we sat on the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. It was a great place to watch the scenery go by and we saw tons of whales .

The only disadvantage is that you need to pay attention to get up and walk to the other side of the boat to see the sites on the other side. (See the “What Can You See” section below for details on can’t-miss highlights.)

Outside Decks

There are several outside decks on the ferry. You can access the outside decks on levels 4, 5, and 6. The outside deck on level six has a large glassed-in covered area with benches and tables . In nice weather, it’s the best place to hang out and enjoy the views.

Bathrooms and Showers

There are bathrooms on each level of the ferry. As well, a few of the bathrooms have showers , but you need to ask at the Purser’s office to get a key for access.

Accessibility

Most of the ferry is accessible for those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids . There are two elevators for access between decks and an accessible washroom on decks 4 and 5. Due to raised sills, it may not be easy to get onto the outside decks if you use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, but there are some accessible exterior areas.

When you make your ferry reservation, you can select the accessibility option and get priority boarding so you can park next to the elevator. You can also book an accessible cabin.

Internet and Cell Phones

There is no wifi on-board and most of the voyage is outside of cell service . You will probably have cell service near Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert, but it may be too weak to use the internet. Plan to spend the entire journey off the grid! Download all the music, movies, ebooks, and podcasts you will need before your trip.

What Can You See from the Inside Passage Ferry?

The entire journey from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is incredibly scenic. Below I’ve got a run-down of what you will pass by along the way. The s ites are listed in the order you would see them when travelling from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert , so reverse the order if you are sailing the other way.

Whales and Other Wildlife

Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals feeding along the way. You can spot them any time but pay special attention to bays or inlets with river mouths as that is a favourite spot for them.

Leaving Port Hardy

The trip starts in Port Hardy. Almost immediately after leaving the harbour, you will pass between two small groups of picturesque islands . A few years ago, we kayaked near here in the Johnstone Strait . It was an incredible trip with lots of gorgeous marine life including tons of whales.

The next section of the trip has the roughest water as you cross Queen Charlotte Sound. This is the only spot where you will be exposed to the waves of the open ocean. Due to the currents, this section can have really unsettled seas with waves coming from multiple directions.

Before long, you will be done with the crossing and duck behind Calvert Island to begin your Inside Passage ferry trip. The remainder of the voyage is in sheltered inlets between islands and the mainland .

The first point of interest that you pass is Namu, a former cannery town that was built on top of a 10,000-year-old Heiltsuk First Nation village. You can spot the rusting cannery buildings from the right (east) side of the ferry. Namu is about 3.5 hours from Port Hardy or 11.5 hours from Prince Rupert.

Bella Bella

After the ferry swings left around Hunter Island, look for the Heiltsuk village of Bella Bella on your left (west). Depending on the ferry schedule, you may stop here to unload passengers and supplies for the town of 1,400 people. This is the largest town on the central coast. It’s about 5 hours from Port Hardy or 10 hours from Prince Rupert.

Dryad Point and Ivory Island Lighthouses

Just after Bella Bella, look for the Dyrad Point lighthouse on your left (west). The ferry swings left through here into Seaforth Channel, which has lots of small islands. Look for the Ivory Island lighthouse on your right. If you use binoculars, you will see the lush gardens around it, cultivated by generations of lighthouse keepers.

After Ivory Island, your route takes you through the slightly more open waters of Milbanke Sound, then into Finlayson Channel. Swindle Island, on your left (west), is home to Klemtu , a Tsimshiam village. The ferry stops here once or twice a week. This tiny town has a population of just 500 and is dependent on the ferry for supplies.

You can’t actually see the town from the ferry since it is hidden behind Cone Island. But you will be able to see the ferry dock a few kilometres north of the town just peeking out behind the island.

Boat Bluff Lighthouse

Just after passing Klemtu, look for Boat Bluff on your right (east). This is one of the prettiest lighthouses you will pass. It was built in 1907 to mark the narrow entrance to Tolmie Channel. It is about 7.5 hours from both Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, so it marks the halfway point of your trip.

Swanson Bay

After Boat Bluff, the ferry heads north into the long and narrow Tolmie Channel. Look for Swanson Bay on the right (east) side about 9.5 hours from Port Hardy or 5.5 hours from Prince Rupert. There was a pulp mill here until the 1940s, but today all you can see is a chimney and crumbling pilings.

About 30 minutes later, look for Butedale on the left (west). This was once a thriving cannery town, but the last residents departed in the 1970s. Today it is a ghost town . The lake above the town is dammed and sends an impressive waterfall down into the ocean.

Grenville Channel

Your route takes you through Wright Sound, and then into Grenville Channel about 11 hours from Port Hardy or 4 hours from Prince Rupert. This channel is 70 km long and only 425 metres wide (1400 ft) at its narrowest point. Mountains rise steeply up from the ocean on both sides, making for spectacular scenery .

Arriving in Prince Rupert

After Grenville Channel, you will emerge into Chatham Sound and navigate past several small islands as you approach Prince Rupert Harbour . A few minutes before the harbour you can spot Trigon Pacific Terminals where coal is transferred from trains to freighters.

What to Bring on the Inside Passage Ferry

There’s no way around it – the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is long ! While the incredible views will keep you interested, you will want to bring a few things on board to make you more comfortable.

Here’s my Inside Passage Ferry packing list:

• Binoculars: These are sooo helpful for spotting wildlife or getting a better look at the scenery passing by. Get the best quality binoculars you can afford – it really does make a difference.
• Rain jacket: You will want to spend time outside, especially if there are whales, but it can be rainy.
• Fleece or Light Puffy Jacket: It is windy and chilly on the outside decks. Layer a fleece or lightweight puffy under your rain jacket to stay warm.
• Books, movies, or music: You will want to bring some entertainment to keep you occupied. I brought my Kindle eReader , which I love for travel. And don’t forget to bring headphones for movies and music – your fellow passengers appreciate it!
• Power bank or multi-plug power bar: If you plan to use electronics, bring something to charge them. There aren’t very many plugs on the vessel and they are often occupied by other people charging. Bring a power bank so you don’t have to compete for a plug. Or bring a multi-plug power bar so you can be a hero and help lots of people charge at once.
• Small games: We saw many groups taking advantage of free tables in the cafe to play cards outside of meal times. We often travel with Exploding Kittens , Sushi Go , or Phase 10 .
• Sleeping gear: With the early morning departure and late evening arrival, many people choose to take a nap on board. I brought my Sea to Summit Aeros Down pillow since it packs down to the size of a mandarin orange. I also used our puffy blanket . Since it was the middle of the day, my eye mask and foam earplugs came in handy.
• Sea sickness medication: While most of the voyage is in calm water, the first hour or two can be a bit rougher. As well, the weather can be unpredictable. If you are prone to seasickness, ginger tablets or stronger medication like Dramamine (sold as Gravol in Canada) can be helpful.
• Snacks: You will definitely want to visit the onboard cafe for a hot meal, but you may not want to eat all your meals there. Pack some snacks or even a full picnic.

Tips for Taking the Inside Passage Ferry

There are a few things I wish I had known before taking the Inside Passage Ferry. Here are my top tips:

• Book everything well in advance. Reservations for the ferry, cabins, lounges, and good hotels in Port Hardy and Prince Rupert sell out.
• Have a plan for where you want to sit. There are tons of seats on the ferry, but you will want to make sure you get a good spot. (It holds 640 passengers but usually only has about half that many people on board.) If you don’t want to splurge on the Aurora Lounge, I recommend the sideways seating just outside the lounge doors. You can leave coats or bags on the seats to reserve them if you get up to explore other areas of the ship.
• Make friends with the people sitting near you. We spent nearly the whole voyage chatting with the couple next to us, which was lovely. The people sitting in our section got in the habit of calling out “whale” when one was spotted so those of us who were reading or napping wouldn’t miss it.
• Spend lots of time outside. The views are the best out there. The seating area at the back of deck six is the best place to hang out.
• Bring snacks. The food at the cafe is pretty good, but it’s more for meals. We forgot to bring some granola bars, trail mix, or fruit and I wish we had.
• Bring binoculars. It makes watching the whales sooo much better!
• Have a sea sickness plan. I don’t usually get seasick on large boats, so I was surprised to feel sick on the first part of the voyage out of Port Hardy. I found out later that this is by far the roughest part of the sailing since the waves come from multiple directions. I ate a big breakfast (a mistake!) and only took ginger tablets, which wasn’t enough. (FYI: There are sea sickness bags available throughout the ferry.) Later I took Gravol (Dramamine), spent time in the fresh air outside, and felt much better. The Gravol did make me feel really sleepy though. For what it’s worth, almost no one else on my sailing got seasick, so you likely won’t have to worry about it. Read my friend Karen’s guide to preventing seasickness for more tips.
• Set yourself up for sleeping. If you plan to sleep on the ferry, booking a cabin is the best plan. But they are expensive and sell out, so many people sleep elsewhere. It’s hard to sleep in the chairs (even though they are comfy) so many people sleep on the floor. Lightweight backpacking sleeping pads are a great idea, although we didn’t bring ours up from the car. Many people sleep on the floor between the rows of seats. After taking sea sickness medication that knocked me out, I took a 2-hour nap on the floor!
• Use a GPS app: We have a subscription to Gaia GPS , a mapping app that works offline. We mostly use it for hiking, but it was really fun to see where were were and follow along with the ferry’s route. We used it to to see what was coming up or find out the names of nearby mountains and coves.

Inside Passage Ferry FAQ

No. The ferry to Prince Rupert leaves from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. From Vancouver you will need to take the ferry to Nanaimo, then drive four hours north to Port Hardy.

The ferry takes 16.5 hours but due to delays, it can sometimes take a bit longer than that.

For the best weather and scenery, travel between May and September.

As of 2023, adults cost $188.55 and standard-sized vehicles cost $429.70. Rates are cheaper in the spring, fall, and winter.

Yes, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle as they usually sell out. However, you can take your chances and go standby. See the reservations section above for more info.

Yes. The ferry has room for 115 cars. Make reservations well in advance as they sell out.

Yes. For the most comfortable sleep, book a cabin. (See the section about cabins above.) You can also sleep in the lounge chairs and many people sleep on the floor. While sleeping in a tent on the outer deck is common on the Alaska Marine Highway ferries, it is not allowed on BC Ferries.

Yes, but they must stay on the lower deck, either in your vehicle or in a kennel in the pet area. The lower decks are closed during the journey, but there are scheduled opening times every few hours when you can go down and check on your pets.

No. BC Ferries’ regulations prohibit the consumption of personal alcohol. However, you can purchase beer and wine at the cafe.

No. The stops are quick loading/unloading stops for the small communities. You can’t go on-shore.

The Inside Passage Route from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is the longest ferry ride in BC at 16.5 hours.

So that’s everything you need to know to take the Inside Passage ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. Do you have questions about the voyage? Leave them in the comments – I’d love to help you plan your trip.

• Things to do in Port Hardy and on Northern Vancouver Island
• 20+ Things to do in Prince Rupert, BC
• Things to Do in Haida Gwaii
• The Ultimate Guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Latest Posts

• The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Stockholm Subway Art - May 18, 2024
• 2024 West Coast Trail Hiking Guide - May 2, 2024
• BC Parks Day Passes 2024 – Everything You Need to Know - April 25, 2024

Sunday 10th of March 2024

What time of year did you travel? We are looking at Port Hardy to Prince Rupert in late September when sunset in Prince Rupert is likely 7:30pm. Wondering if we will be able to see any of the spectacular scenery in the last 4 hours of the trip? Obviously a clear moonlit night is helpful but wondered if you have any comments:)

Taryn Eyton

My trip was in mid June, so very close to the solstice with long days. It does get dark later up north, so you'll have that in your favour, even in September. If the last four hours of your journey are in the dark, you'll be in the Grenville Channel the whole time. It's really beautiful, but it also looks kind of similar for almost 4 hours. The scenery for the rest of the sailing is still gorgeous so while you won't have as much daylight in September, it's still worth going. You also have a better chance of seeing whales in September because the humpbacks will be migrating south for the winter.

piotr piskorek

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

if i have small dog chihuaha and she stay lower deck is 5 lb this fack and joke

Unfortunately unless your dog is a certified service animal, it has to stay on the lower decks for the entire journey.

Wednesday 7th of February 2024

Great summary and it looks like you have some other great posts that I need to read. Curious to know - can you take this ferry in the reverse route ie Prince Rupert to Port Hardy?

Or is the best from Port Hardy, Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert?

Yes, you can take the ferry in both directions. I don't think there is any big advantage in taking in one way over the other - it just depends what fits with your travel schedule.

Sunday 5th of November 2023

Thank you for this helpful guide! Much of what I’m reading says to book in advance… how far ahead do people typically book?

Book as far ahead as you can. We booked about 3 months in advance and got lucky to get the dates we wanted for the ferry and hotels. I would recommend at least 3 months in advance.

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Im curious what the visibility might be like currently with all the wildfire smoke around the Prince George area and further south, we are tentatively booked for tomorrow but we are unsure whether to cancel as we’ve heard it’s a gorgeous route but not sure if we will experience any of it if the route has poor air quality/visibility?

Sunday 10th of September 2023

In general, the air quality on the coast is much better than elsewhere in BC since the ocean breeze blows inland. I use firesmoke.ca to look at potentially forest fire smoke impacts.

Call 1 (250) 386-7245

By Destination

Discover the spectacular natural world of the BC & Alaska

Adventures timed to coincide with peak wildlife phenomena

By Interest

Find your kind of adventure, here in the Pacific Northwest

Inside Passage

One of earth’s best cruising routes.

Explore the wildlife and spectacular natural world—whales, bears, seabirds, rainforests, and other wildlife, with our expert, local naturalists and guides.

The Inside Passage

Along the alaska, british columbia, and washington coast.

The Inside Passage, also called the Inland Passage or the Inner Passage, is a stretch of protected ocean approx. 1,500 km long, that runs from Puget Sound in Washington State, USA, along the British Columbia, Canada coastline, to Skagway, Alaska, USA. It is a popular cruising area and marine transportation route, due to its absence of open ocean swells and its relatively flat and calm waters. On Inside Passage cruises with Maple Leaf, you’ll sail on a 138-foot catamaran, an 88-foot converted tugboat, or a 92-foot classic schooner, with just 8 to 24 guests.

Tour the Inside Passage

This incredible stretch of coastline has several distinct areas. Each is worth a separate tour, which is why we have divided it up this way.

Alaska’s Inside Passage

Tidewater glaciers, lush rainforests, sea otters, brown bears, humpback whales, hot springs, and charming historic towns like Ketchikan and Petersburg.

Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage

Killer whales and dolphins, island-hopping, rainforests, beaches, warmer weather, and remote coastal communities.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Dry rainforests, island-hopping, temperate climate, great sailing, and encounters with marine mammals.

Haida Gwaii

Just west of the Inside Passage, directly along the continental shelf, lies the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. Islands teem with whales, seabirds, intertidal life and rainforests.

Experience the Inside Passage

See the Inside Passage through the eyes of our guests.

Our small ship tours allow you to experience the best of the Inside Passage.

• Marine mammal viewing (whales, sea lions)
• Guided bear viewing
• Rainforest hikes
• Island-hopping
• Cultural exploration
• Hot spring relaxation
• Kayaking and fishing (optional)
• Birdwatching
• Bird watching
• Historical site visits
• Wildlife photography

What People Say

See what our guests have to say about our Inside Passage tours.

“’Wild and wooly’ within a pristine wilderness. Pushing life to the limit. The best of days from sunrise to sunset. Thank you for the opportunity to rejuvenate our spirits. Merci from two Victorians and ex-Montrealers”

– Sheila Madill and Bill Fuller , Victoria, BC

“From our first inquiries to the final docking, our trip has been first class all the way”

– F. Shirley , Ontario, Canada

“An unbelievable experience with the most dedicated and involved crew I’ve ever experienced. Every day was ‘magical’. The bar for my next adventure now is high! A true way to tick off a bucket list item in such a successful way. Thanks so much to all the fabulous crew”

– Chuck Cole , Washington, USA

“Another wonderful trip on the Maple Leaf. Once again, the people, as well as nature, were great! This is always the most difficult part of the trip, saying Goodbye. Already planning the next journey”

– Jim and Judy Colvin , Los Angeles, CA

Featured Highlights

Where mountainous coast meets the pacific ocean.

The combination of the thousands of islands and the upwelling at the continent’s edge creates a rich coastal environment.

Teeming with Marine Life

From humpback whales, killer whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, and other large animals to countless fish, seabirds and invertebrates.

Bears and Wolves Roam the Shores

Coastal rainforest provides habitat for grizzly/brown bears, and black bears including the rare spirit bear, wolves, and many other mammals.

Ancient and Natural Geography

There are some cities and towns along it too, including Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Juneau.

Emerging Expedition Cruise Industry

Mostly operated by local Canadian and American companies, lets visitors experience the wonder of this natural world by becoming part of it.

A Brief History of the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage boasts a rich history. Ice covered much of it during the last ice age, forming navigable fjords as glaciers receded. People have inhabited this region for millennia, attracted by abundant resources and waterways. Due to the fluctuations in sea level over this time, likely much record of human habitation is under water. Coastal First Nations have skillfully traversed these waters in seagoing canoes for generations. In 2015, footprints dating back 13,200 years were discovered on Calvert Island, which could be the oldest to date in North America. In Europe’s age of exploration, Russians, Spanish and English explorers sailed into the area and began charting it. In the late 18 th century, Captain George Vancouver, extensively mapped the area. The United States’ purchase of Alaska in 1867 spurred exploration and marked the beginning of Alaskan cruises. Recently, as people started to demand high-quality, experiential trips, the diversity of cruise ships has increased. Now, in addition to the large 2,000-passenger ships traditionally associated with cruise tours, you can enjoy active, small ship cruises like those that we offer at Maple Leaf Adventures. And while much of the area is in its natural state, citizens are working hard to protect it by law from destruction—protecting the rainforests, the marine life, the bears and whales and remote beaches.

The Inside Passage Today

Today, the Inside Passage thrives as a marine route for cargo and passenger cruises between Seattle, Alaska, and points in between. It’s also a playground for private boaters and commercial cruises. Recently, as people started to demand high-quality, experiential trips, the diversity of cruise ships has increased. Now, in addition to the large 2,000-passenger ships traditionally associated with cruise tours, you can enjoy active, small-ship cruises like those that we offer at Maple Leaf Adventures. And while much of the area is in its natural state, citizens are working hard to protect it by law from destruction—protecting the rainforests, the marine life, the bears and whales and remote beaches.

Cruising by Expedition Ship

What’s your style.

Compare Alaskan and Inside Passage cruises here: Expedition Cruises by Small Ship: These are the trips that we at Maple Leaf Adventures have offered for over 25 years. On these inside passage cruises, you are part of a group of 24 or fewer guests, who experience the wonder of the coastline, its wildlife, its rainforests, beaches and cultures. You’ll go ashore frequently to experience the coastal world, as well as sailing the inside passage. Inside Passage by Ferry: Both the Alaskan and British Columbian government ferry systems operate a transport network between coastal towns. Some people who wish to see the landscape but not spend time exploring it also choose to travel the inside passage this way. Big Ship Cruises: These are the cruises most people think of when they hear the words “Alaska cruise tour”. The ships are about 950 feet long and carry about 2,000 passengers. Unlike small Alaskan cruise ships, these big ships stop only at port towns. The experience is completely different from expedition cruises by sailing ship and is for people who don’t wish to experience the nature of Alaska as their top priority.

Inside Passage Itineraries

Expedition cruises by small ships that explore the scenic routes of the Inside Passage.

Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest

Embark on a summer expedition across one of the richest coastal ecosystems in the world.

Great Bear Rainforest

Follow magnificent runs of wild salmon to the home of black, grizzly, and the elusive white-furred spirit bear.

Desolation Sound in Spring

Explore the stunning waterways, fjords and islands of Desolation Sound, one of the world’s most popular cruising destinations.

Alaska Supervoyage

Embark on a sweeping small ship adventure of southeast Alaska.

Gulf Islands in Spring

Here, snow-capped mountains ring an inland sea, full of intricate waterways among hundreds of warm islands.

Wines and Islands

Experience Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands’ emerging wine regions.

Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise

Explore BC’s rich and colourful craft brewing scene.

Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage

Spend a week cruising up Vancouver Island’s diverse coast with a world-class crew.

Desolation Sound and Fjords of BC

This journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, as well as neighbouring inlets.

Gulf Islands in Fall

Island hop in the National Park Reserve, visit wildlife colonies, walk rainforest and rocky bluffs, and tiny islands not visited by ferries.

Great Bear Rainforest in Spring

Bird migrations, newly awakened grizzly and black bears grazing on green sedges—experience it all on a small ship adventure.

Whales and Totems

Explore intricate passageways between idyllic islands in the Broughton Archipelago, one of the best places on earth to see whales.

Inquire Today

Contact Us for More Information or to Book Your Expedition Adventure!

Emailed Newsletter

Subscribe to our occasional enewsletter and look forward to doses of inspiration including photos, videos, webinars and special offers.

Printed Newsletter

Sign up to receive our annual print newsletter delivered straight to your mailbox, keeping you up-to-date with new itineraries and special offers.

Request Brochure

Order your free travel guide to the best of our wild west coast, including the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, Alaska, and more.

• Discover Northern BC
• Inside Passage

Confirm New Booking

Another booking already started.

You have another booking already started. Confirm you want to clear it and continue with your new booking.

Inside Passage To Calgary

• Map & itinerary

Booking options

Package overview.

See the wild beauty of the rugged West Coast while staying in the charming oceanside communities of Port Hardy and Prince Rupert on Vancouver Island. Enjoy an unforgettable whale-watching or grizzly bear tour before continuing onwards to see breathtaking mountain views in the Canadian Rockies.

+ PRINCE RUPERT ADVENTURES TOUR

From $2,889.

+ taxes and fees, per person based on double occupancy

Package includes:

• Ten nights' hotel in seven destinations
• Two sailings: One-way ferry between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert for two adults and one vehicle
• Ferry reservations
• Prince Rupert Adventures Tour

Get in touch to start  planning your future adventure. Call 1-888-223-3779 Ext. 3 or

Metro Vancouver to Courtenay

Depart Metro Vancouver for a scenic sailing to Vancouver Island. Explore the unique seaside town of Nanaimo, or stop at the historic Old Country Market in Coombs before checking into the Bayview Hotel in Courtenay for the night.

Lodging:   Bayview Hotel

Courtenay to Port Hardy

As you make your way to Port Hardy, visit the remote communities of Sayward, Telegraph Cove, and Port McNeill to take in more spectacular sights on Northern Vancouver Island.

Lodging: Kwa'lilas Hotel

Inside Passage sailing to Prince Rupert

Relax and enjoy the scenic 16-hour cruise up the renowned Inside Passage as you make your way to Prince Rupert.

Lodging: Crest Hotel

Prince Rupert

Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime with Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. Dependent upon the season, enjoy a grizzly bear or whale-watching tour .

Prince Rupert to Smithers

Enjoy the views as you follow along the mighty Skeena River while driving east on Highway 16 as you make your way to the charming town of Smithers.

Lodging: Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge

Smithers to Prince George

Journey along the Yellowhead highway as you make your way from Smithers to Prince George. Along the way, stop and enjoy the scenic rest areas that overlook rivers, mountains, or small lakes. 

Lodging: Prestige Treasure Cove

Prince George to Banff

Depart Prince George and make your way on a 7-hour journey towards Banff. Make short detours and see the emerald glacier lake in Lake Louise, or visit the 400 year old icefield, Athabasca Glacier. Other popular stops to make on this journey include, Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake, Lower Falls, and Johnston Canyon.

Lodging: Basecamp Suites Banff

Enjoy the beauty of one of the worlds most breathtaking mountain towns with a ride above the treetops and valleys on the Banff Gondola, or take a relaxing sailing with a Lake Minnewanka Cruise.

Enjoy your last full day in Banff sight-seeing the emerald lakes and snow-capped peaks on foot, peddling, or skiing. Join Ice Field exploring tours with a knowledgeable guide, or visit the quaint local shops along the main street to find local art and souvenir's.

Banff to Calgary

As you depart Banff, make stops at Kananaskis Lakes, Fort Normadeau, and the Rocky Mountain Museum to see the most out of your Canadian Rocky Mountain journey before arriving in Calgary.

Lodging: Coast Calgary Downtown Hotels and Suites

Spend your final day in Calgary, before returning home to Vancouver at your leisure or extending your trip further into Alberta.

Make the journey your own

On the phone.

Call 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779 Ext. 3) Toll-free within North America

More phone options 

Get a quote

Fill out the form and a BC Ferries Vacations travel consultant will contact you for further details.

Get started 

Visit us at the Vacations Centre, located at 1010 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver.

Learn More 

Quality. Value. Trusted.  Let us take the stress out of planning your next coastal BC getaway. Save when you bundle your ferry travel with hand-picked hotels and activities.

• Destinations
• Privacy Policy
• Historic Travel

BC Ferries: The Inside Passage

Posted by Linda Fasteson

• StumbleUpon

The Inside Passage, British Columbia, Canada

We rode two of VIA Rail’s renowned scenic routes, the Canadian took us northeast from Vancouver to Jasper, in the Canadian Rockies. After a stay in Jasper, the Skeena brought us back to the Pacific coast in a northwesterly route to Prince Rupert.

VIA Rail map of Canadian (red) and Skeena (yellow) routes

We considered the 90 minute flight back to Vancouver, but with a few days to spare, discovered a far more interesting alternative. We cruised along British Columbia’s majestic Inside Passage. We landed in Port Hardy in northern Vancouver Island, rode a bus from one end of the island to the other, and explored Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia, before boarding another ferry to Vancouver.

BC Ferries is a vital part of the British Columbia’s transportation system and is one of the largest ferry operators in the world. Its 39 ships travel to 47 terminals along the coast from Victoria, in southernmost Vancouver Island, to Prince Rupert, near the Alaskan border.

The 240 mile Inside Passage Route between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy travels past soaring mountains, picturesque fjords, narrow channels, and remote islands. The daylight sailing between late May and September on the Northern Adventure , one of the newest ships in the fleet, is BC Ferries’ most popular excursion.

This exceptional trip is a great value and there are a variety of discount plans . Snacks and meals are available at the outdoor barbeque café or in the cafeteria. The comfortable lounge has large windows and a big screen television. For added convenience during this fifteen hour journey we booked an outside cabin with berths, a private washroom with shower, and large picture window and relaxed in comfort after dark.

The Inside Passage

Inside Passage, British Columbia, Canada1

The stunning vistas are windows into life along the coast. Moose and deer swim across Grenville Channel, the narrow waterway lined with mountains that soar to heights up to 3500 feet. Whales and dolphin emerge from the sea. History comes to life as you sail past one of the last of the old coastal cannery villages, mining and logging areas, and pulp mills.

The large eagle head painted on the Cultural Center marks the fishing and forestry community of Bella Bella, one of the largest First Nations villages on the coast. 10,000 year old artifacts were unearthed at the coast’s oldest known settlement, Namu, so named by the First Nations for the whirlwinds known as willy-waws.

Port Hardy, Vancouver Island

The ferry disembarks late at night in Port Hardy, the largest community in northern Vancouver Island. At the Glen Lyon Inn our morning view was a harbor coming to life. Fishing boats headed out for the day and bald eagles swooped from the trees. A baby black bear dashed across the yard.

We began our day in town with a hearty breakfast with locals and their dogs at Captain Hardy’s, across the street from the Greyhound Bus Station . Rotary Park, just down the street, is a good place to spot bald eagles.

The bus trip to Victoria, in the south end of the island, takes nearly ten hours. Vancouver Island is about two-thirds the size of England, but has only around 60 thousand inhabitants, compared to England’s 60 million. About 97% of Vancouver Island’s population lives in the southern half, about half of these in Victoria.

The first part of the ride along Highway 19 is through the vast timberlands and logging roads, a wilderness of forested mountains and lakes. There are some short stops in small towns like Port McNeill, a chance to pick up snacks, souvenirs, or perhaps a local Dude Beer. A quick café stop is made for lunch, and there is a transfer to another bus in Nanaimo .

Nanaimo, sometimes referred to as the “Hub, Pub,and Tub City” for its central location, taverns, and unique boat races, is best known for its coal exports. It was at the nearby Wellington mine that Robert Dunsmuir, who built a grand mansion in Victoria, discovered the richest coal deposit on the island and went on to become one of the wealthiest men in Canada.

There is time to visit the galleries or cafes of Nanaimo’s downtown and waterfront areas before boarding the bus to Victoria. The landmark three-story bastion, built in 1853, is the oldest Hudson Bay Company fort in North America.

Victoria: The Garden City

Parliament and harbor area, Victoria, British Columbia

The provincial capital is known as both the Garden and Retirement Capital of Canada. With plenty of sunshine—it is on the dry side of the mountains and hills—and mild winters, it is considered one of Canada’s best places to live. Orcas make their home in these waters year-round, making for great whale watching.

Much is within walking distance of the lovely Inner Harbor. Take the Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour in front of Fairmont Empress for a good narrated overview of the area and surrounding neighborhoods like Oak Bay, said to be “under the tweed curtain”, or “more British than the British”.

There are many tea rooms and more restaurants per capita than in any other place in Canada. With fine museums, ethnic restaurants in the Old Town, unique shopping districts like Antique Row, and charming Victorian buildings designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead , it is a vacationer’s delight.

Parliament, Victoria, British Columbia

The impressive Capitol sparkles by night, outlined by 3333 glowing light bulbs. Beyond the golden lions and Gates of Harmonious Interest in Canada’s oldest Chinatown is its narrowest passageway, Fan Tan Alley, site of Mel Gibson’s motorcycle scene in Bird on a Wire.

Fairmont’s Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia

The centerpiece of the Inner Harbor is the century-old landmark Empress Hotel , which epitomizes the steep-roofed chateau-style Fairmont hotels built to accommodate grand rail travel. The hotel of choice for royalty and celebrities, its notable guests include Katherine Hepburn, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, and Shirley Temple. Edward, Prince of Wales, waltzed in the Crystal Ballroom in 1919. A taste of grandeur and traditional elegance may be had for a pittance at the renowned afternoon tea or curry buffet in the Bengal Room.

The Fairmont Empress faces the harbor on the site where the leading fur and land business, the Hudson’s Bay Company, established Fort Victoria in 1843, naming it for the reigning monarch. The Hudson’s Bay Company was here to supply the tens of thousands who came through the area in the Gold Rush and grew to be the largest retailer in Canada. In 1921, they opened a $1.5 million state-of-the-art store that had fifty departments and that was decorated in gleaming brass and mahogany. The mezzanine level library featured a live orchestra.

In 2003, a new flagship store, The Bay Center , opened downtown in the main shopping district along Government Street. Also on Government Street are such tasty temptations as Rogers’ Chocolates and Murchie’s Teas.

Have a regal experience amidst some 300 wax figures and the Crown Jewel Theater in the Royal London Wax Museum. Dine by the grand chandelier in McDonald’s or see the world’s smallest operational sawmill at Miniature World, billed as “The Greatest Little Show on Earth”.

totem pole, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia

What distinguishes Victoria from other elegant cities is the rich aboriginal cultural and artistic heritage.

totem poles, Royal BC Museum

The crown jewel of the Royal BC Museum is the First Peoples Gallery, with such artifacts as Haida argillite carvings, shaman regalia, a Kekuli (pit dwelling), masks, and totem poles.

First Nation artifacts, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia

mask, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia

Kwakiutl House features ceremonial objects reflecting the rights Chief Kwakwabalasami inherited from his parents or obtained through marriage. From the Ice Age’s Wooly Mammoth to the pioneer’s frontier town, cannery, and 1890s gold mine, a visit is a trip through time.

First Nations clothing, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia

shaman figures, Royal BC Museum Victoria, British Columbia

Helmcken House, adjacent to the museum, home of fur trade doctor John Sebastian Helmcken, is one of the province’s oldest houses still on its original site.

Thunderbird Park, Victoria, British Columbia

Around the corner, Thunderbird Park has Northwest Coast totem poles and a big house for carving built under the direction of Chief Mungo Martin. Beacon Hill Park, on land donated by Hudson Bay Company, has the second tallest totem pole in world. Mile 0 of the world’s longest continuously paved continental highway, the 4862 mile long Trans Canada, is on Victoria’s shore.

Craigdarroch music room, Victoria, British Columbia

Craigdarroch Castle is a fine example of the extravagant bonanza castles built with the immense fortunes made during the rapid industrialization and expansion of the west at the end of the 19th century. This 39 room Victorian turreted sandstone mansion was built by Scottish immigrant, industrialist, and coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the richest man in Western Canada.

Craigdarroch, Victoria, British Columbia

The latest refinements and finest materials were shipped by rail, including a notable collection of stained and leaded glass windows. Dunsmuir died months before the completion of the mansion. His wife lived there until her death in 1908.

Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia

Robert Pim Butchart was a pioneer in the cement industry at the onset of Canada’s western expansion. He built a cement plant and home on nearby Tod Inlet, now suburban Victoria, near the Saanich Peninsula’s limestone deposits. His wife, Jenny, transformed the depleted quarry between the plant and their home into a lovely sunken garden that has expanded to what is now known as Butchart Gardens , a 55 acre National Historic Site of Canada. With concerts, fountains, holiday displays, and special illuminations, it is considered one of the best floral displays in the world, and draws over a million visitors a year.

Victoria to Vancouver

From downtown Victoria, Pacific Coach connects to BC Ferries for service to the city of Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport . The ferry passes the scenic gulf islands, a haven for bald eagles, seals, or whales.

Our vacation began and ended in Vancouver, the “Crown Jewel of Western Canada”. This harbor city with gleaming glass skyscrapers is surrounded by mountains and has lovely parks and gardens. Terraced waterfalls filter out noise in the busiest part of the city.

Canada’s third largest city is consistently named one of the world’s best places to live. Little wonder half of British Columbia’s population chooses to live here. Vancouver has been chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

As in Victoria, there is a narrated Hop On Hop Off City Attractions Loop Tour, convenient transportation between the highlights. Browse the shops, galleries, and markets of Granville Island. Explore the second largest Chinatown in North America. Ride the free shuttle around Stanley Park , where you can stroll the gardens, visit Vancouver Aquarium or take a horsedrawn carriage ride. Enjoy the view from the 3 km sea walk.

When Captain Vancouver arrived to map the coast in the 1790s he was met by wary natives and confrontational Spaniards. However, timber, furs and waterways made this remote colony a treasure of the expanding British Empire.

This was a wild and rowdy frontier town of lumberjacks and sailors when John Dayton arrived in the 1860s. He offered his barrel of whiskey to anyone who would build him a saloon and had one in a day. “Gassy Jack”, so named for his propensity to tell tales, is credited with founding the community of Granville, unofficially dubbed Gastown. Tourists now flock to the cobbled streets and Victorian buildings of Vancouver’s oldest section, where the landmark clock steams every 15 minutes.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is known for its classic refinements like afternoon tea. The modern Fairmont Waterfront has spectacular views of the busy working port and is conveniently linked to the cruise ship terminal. Guests include former President Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry.

From the wilderness to afternoon tea fit for the Queen, it’s all here and linked by a range of convenient modes of transportation. Simply choose your own adventure and sit back and enjoy the ride.

Leave a Comment 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.

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress

Pin It on Pinterest

Share this post with your friends!

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Affordable one day inside passage cruise - BC Ferries

• Canada    
• British Columbia    
• Vancouver Island    
• Port Hardy    
• Port Hardy - Things to Do    

A great experience riding aboard the Ferry as we travelled through some wonderful scenery. The... read more

After an enjoyable drive up Van Is. along the coast and forest/mtns., we came to Port Hardy where... read more

Affordable one day inside passage cruise

I experienced a formal Vancouver/Alaska cruise twice before with major cruiselines. This was a first time ferry voyage for me as a foot passenger. Although the route is not identical to the one taken by most cruiseships, it is at least as scenic, if not more so. The summer daytime sailing is worth every penny it costs. The 10 yr old ship is beautiful and spotlessly clean. I reserved an outside cabin to enable me to take a snooze and morning shower, since I had to leave the hostel at 5 am. On board I decided to add a seat in the Aurora Lounge. The only negative of the ship layout is that, other than the Aurora Lounge, there is no seating inside or out with a forward view. The general seating is rather fragmented and only provides views sideways from the ship on one side only, which is kind of boring, especially in the narrower channels. There is also no outside deck access to the bow of the ship. So the only view forward is from the Aurora Lounge, at $ 40 CAD per seat. IMO, on this route a forward view is important to fully appreciate the scenery. (The no cost alternative is the outside seating on the rear decks, which also offer great views). You can choose an Aurora seat from a floorplan available in the Purser's office. Since the floor is flat and the seat backs are quite high, visibility from all rows behind the front row is quite limited. On my sailing only the front row and a few second row seats were rented out. The seat you select will be yours for the day. Seats recline and offer foot rests, and are very comfy. The lounge is very quiet. There is no engine noise this far to the front of the ship. If I would have to chose between a cabin or a lounge seat, I would opt for the seat. (For parties of more than one: 3 seats equal the cost of an outside cabin). Access to the Aurora Lounge is by means of electronic key cards. I did not make use of the buffet restaurant. I found my selections of the cafeteria food to be mediocre at best. Same for the afternoon BBQ on one of the rear decks. If the scenery is your primary objective and if you don't have the money or time for a fancy cruise, this will be a great option to experience the beautiful BC coast. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Note: This review may not be entirely applicable to overnight winter sailings, when a cabin obviously is the better choice.

Caneuropeanada, Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review! I'm happy you were able to experience two of the comfortable amenities offered on the Northern Expedition vessel. It's great that you had the opportunity in our Aurora Lounge to observe the beautiful ocean views that this trip allows. We look forward to travelling with you again in the future! Kind regards, Taylor - Customer Care BC Ferries

The ferry between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert is large and spacious and even though it was at the height of the holiday season the ferry did not seem crowded. We paid extra to be in the front lounge with reclining numbered seats but the other lounges had good views. The cafe could not be described as cheap and the chowders were the best value if on a budget. A BBQ takes place on deck at lunchtime which sounded nicer than it actually was. If the weather is bad, given that it is a 15 hour trip, a cabin would be advisable and not hugely more expensive than the premier lounge. Films are shown in the onboard cinema - a children's one at lunchtime and an adult one in the evening. The captain would alert passengers to any whales spotted but as everyone immediately rushes to the windows unless fleet footed, it would be impossible to see out.

Hello Liz, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am happy to hear you took advantage of our amenities onboard the sailing and enjoyed the Aurora Lounge. This area offers views at the front of the ship and a quieter place to escape to during the journey. I personally love the clam chowder and enjoy having an ice cream as dessert to treat yourself. I always recommend vising the sun decks to for the gorgeous West Coast views of the ocean and shoreline. If your lucky, you will also see some of our resident ocean friends. Our Captains will do their best to advise passengers when they are visible. We look forward to welcoming you onboard in the future! Sincerely, Olivia-Customer Care BC Ferries

Long day that flies bye. Took the Northern Expedition ferry to Prince Rupert as part of a motorbike tour north. Boarding and loading the bikes was straight forward and efficient. Booked a cabin once in onboard for just over $100 well worth it as it’s a place to relax on the 16 hour cruise. Ship very clean, lots of seating and restaurant serves decent food. Crew all very helpful and friendly. Even on a misty wet day the view along the inner channel are stunning.... waterfalls, shades of green and narrow channels between islands make this journey special. Also saw orca and humpback whales as well as seabirds. Offload in Prince Rupert was easy and safe. A must do trip.

Hello Tonywbhort, Thank you for your kind five-star review! You have sold the trip very well with your words. Our crew strive to provide world-class service with every sailing, but on this route, the beautiful scenery and wildlife views make their job a lot easier. I am happy to hear that you had a wonderful sailing and would recommend this trip to others - it should be on every person's bucket list! We look forward to welcoming you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Josh - Customer Care BC Ferries

This was so much fun....we did reserve an outside berth (well worth the $150 CAN) in addition the the car/per person charge ...we packed some food and alcohol for the trip- although the cafe and restaurant on board are really very nice....we saw whales, orca, seals, and eagles..incredible scenery ..the sixteen hours past very quickly....my only issue is no wifi for passengers

Hello jameslfoley, Thank you for your five-star review! I am happy to hear that you had a wonderful time when travelling with us this summer. Although a common occurrence on this route, every sailing is not lucky enough to see whales, orcas, seals and eagles all in one trip! We are lucky enough to be able to offer these wonderful views for no extra cost as well. It sounds like the food services were up to your standards as well, and the crew on board work hard to make sure that every sailing produces world-class service. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is unavailable on board this route. On our shorter sailings, Wi-Fi connectivity relies on a land-based network to provide a connection to the Internet. This requires a continuous, stable, high-speed connection. Due to the length of our Northern Route sailings, the required signal is not strong enough. On the plus side, the view is amazing and provides a great opportunity to disconnect! We look forward to welcoming you and your family on board again in the future. Kind regards, Josh - Customer Care BC Ferries

We want on the cruise for 15hours. A long time but you actually don’t feel it. The cruise is amazing there is very few people which makes it relax and calm. No need to take the aurora or cabin as you can easily find a place at the lounge area and the view is still the same. The landscape is quite the same along the way but the weather is different which make the landscapes various. The only thing which is not nice is the food on site. You pay expensive price for really bad quality!

Hello J9203NUclairel, Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. I am happy to hear that you were able to take advantage of the beautiful scenery when travelling between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy this summer. We are very lucky to be able to offer those views for no additional price! It is unfortunate to hear that the food on board did not live up to your standards. If you ever find an issue with the quality of the meal (or anything else) when travelling, please do not hesitate to reach out to a crew member or the catering staff. They will do their best to accommodate or issue a refund whenever possible. With that said, we look forward to welcoming you and your family on board in the future for your next adventure! Kind regards, Josh - Customer Care BC Ferries

This is the 3rd time we have traveled the Inside Passage with B C ferries, this time from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. We arrived about 11/2 hours before sailing . Boarding slick and easy . We opted for a cabin just to put stuff in and have a catch up sleep for the first couple of hours. Beautiful weather and the most stunning fjord / sound scenery pretty well all the way . Pick up a route map from the pursers desk. Sat on deck enjoying the spectacular vista unfolding . When the whales show there is an announcement. We had the barbecue lunch, and the lovely buffet dinner . Can’t wait to do this trip next time!!

Hello MrMrsW50, Thank you for the 5-star review! We're so glad to hear about your positive experience when travelling with us between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy. The sun deck is one of the best places onboard as it is the best locations to see all the West Coast scenery and view of our ocean friends. We offer several amenities onboard and I am happy to hear you took advantage of them and enjoyed the buffet. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon! Olivia-Customer Care BC Ferries

Inside Passage Circle Tour

Commence this exciting seven to fourteen day trip in the lively and bustling metropolis of Vancouver, with its wonderful array of public gardens, parks and beaches. One of the most desirable cities on the planet to explore, Vancouver is awash with outdoor possibilities, from the famous Stanley Park to the infamous Wreck Beach. Once you’ve had your fill of art, shopping and fine dining, and have explored what the city has to offer, travel south and board a BC Ferry at Tsawwassen for the relaxing 90-minute scenic ride to Vancouver Island.

In the capital city of Victoria , you’ll discover the Victorian’s love for the natural world in the profusion of gardens, parks and hanging flower baskets, where totem poles stand as a proud reminder of the Native heritage, and the Royal BC Museum displays a world-class repository of historical and Native artifacts.

Cross the Malahat Ridge north of Victoria, and travel through the lush, rolling Cowichan and Chemainus Valleys , with this pastoral atmosphere continuing as you make your way north towards Nanaimo and Parksville . As you drive the island highway, its always a treat to look across the Strait of Georgia at landmarks on the mainland, as the spires of the Coast Mountains rise on the eastern horizon.

The farther north you head towards Courtenay and Campbell River , however, the more the peaks and glaciers of the island’s ranges vie for equal attention, principally the imposing Comox Glacier, Forbidden Plateau, and Mount Washington. Interesting stops along the North Island Highway include a short side trip to Sayward , a small coastal settlement on Kelsey Bay , and Port McNeill . From here, ferries run to nearby Cormorant and Malcolm Islands, and the towns of Alert Bay and Sointula , located respectively on each island. The U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, an inspiring Kwakwaka’wakw museum, examines cultural origins and potlatch traditions.

Get ready to travel through the protected waters of British Columbia’s central and northern coastline, and the 507-km Inside Passage route plied by cruise ships en route to Alaska. BC Ferries’ may not rival the QE ll in size, but is majestic enough to carry freight trailers, family sedans, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and touring bicycles.

Passengers boarding in Port Hardy for the trip to Prince Rupert include the usual manifest of adventure-hungry world travellers you’d expect to find boarding a ferry in British Columbia, bolstered by a contingent of tree planters, depending on the season. By the conclusion of the journey, you’ll probably be on nodding, if not full-blown speaking, terms with many of your fellow passengers. Aside from the short stretch of open ocean between Vancouver Island and Rivers Inlet, where the Central Coast archipelago begins, the route north to Prince Rupert leads through a narrow maze of channels, passes, and reaches. Snow and ice coat the peaks of the mountains, and their shoulders plunge to the tideline. So rugged is most of this coast that if you were exploring here by kayak, you’d be challenged to find a welcoming landing site. Passengers should keep their eyes peeled for a whale or dolphin in Queen Charlotte Sound. With a bit of luck, you might even see a white-coated Kermode bear on Princess Royal Island’s lengthy shoreline.

Disembark at Prince Rupert, the gateway to pristine wilderness, nestled up under the Alaska panhandle. Witness the legacy of oral history, archaeological discoveries and unique artifacts that depict ten thousand years of northwest coast history at the Museum of Northern BC, or visit BC’s oldest surviving salmon cannery, now designated a National Historic Site.

After exploring the town, board another ferry (summer) for the hauntingly beautiful Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) , and learn about the fascinating culture of the Haida people, or visit the Gwaii Haanas National Park and Naikoon Provincial Park.

Venture westwards along Highway 16 through the Skeena River Valley to Terrace , nestled within a forest amidst the Coast Mountain Range. Host to a myriad of outdoor activities, visitors should break out their hiking boots and fishin’ pole, and keep their eyes peeled for the elusive ‘Great Spirit Bear” – the white Kermode bear.

Stop for totem poles at the small village of Kitwanga and Kitwancool , to see what are reputed to be the oldest and finest examples of totem poles in the world. Admire the Hazelton Mountains and the ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum in Hazelton, with its seven decorated tribal houses fronted with several totems that stand silently on the banks of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers.

In the picturesque Bulkley Valley, Smithers is known as Little Switzerland, offering great summer outdoor recreation, and some of the best snowmobiling in British Columbia during the winter. Travelling through Houston and Vanderhoof brings you to Prince George , the hub of northern and central British Columbia, and the departure point for brave souls heading up the lonely Alaska Highway. Prince George sits between two mountain ranges on a dry plateau at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers. For those who get their thrills under the open sky, Prince George is a paradise. Several parks and heritage trails are close by, and literally thousands of lakes and rivers beckon you and your rod, canoe, boat and backpack.

Southbound on the Cariboo Highway 97, you’ll follow the old Cariboo Wagon Road of the 1860s, which led eager prospectors northwards on the great Cariboo Gold Rush, arriving in the town of Quesne l, where you can soak up the rich history of the Gold Rush era or try your hand at a little gold panning. Take a side trip to rediscover gold country in the legendary and historic gold rush town of Barkerville , 88 kilometres east of Quesnel. Billy Barker found lots of gold here in 1862, whereupon the town became the largest city north of San Fransisco; then it became a ghost town; and now it’s an exciting place of great interest to visitors.

Next up is Williams Lake , set in the heart of the Frontier, amid lakes and rolling ranchland. Williams Lake has been the focal point and service centre for the ranches of the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions since the turn of the century, and is home to the famous Williams Lake Stampede, held in early July.

Check out the 11-metre Kharu cross-country racing skis, accompanied by a pair of 9-metre poles, outside the Information Centre in 100 Mile House , the self-professed International Nordic Skiing Capital. Stop at the gold rush town of Cache Creek and visit Hat Creek Ranch, and the 1862 roadhouse that served the teams and passengers of the B.C. Express Stage Line that travelled the original Cariboo Wagon Road.

Continue your journey to Lytton , located where the green waters of the Thompson River meet the brown, silt-laden rushing waters of the mighty Fraser River. Lytton is perhaps best known as the “Rafting Capital of Canada” – numerous first-class commercial rafting companies guide visitors through the white waters of these adventurous river routes. Lytton was also on the path taken by hardy prospectors who made there way north to the gold fields. Gold rush history and native culture is evident in the different buildings and activities, such as Remembrance Day Pow Wow. Definitely a destination of unique and exciting adventures! Want a closer look at Hell’s Gate? Take the airtram for breathtaking views of the Fraser River as it roars through this famous gorge.

On your way back to Vancouver, visitors will want to spend several days exploring the lush Fraser Valley. The pretty little town of Hope holds great appeal for outdoor adventurers. Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area is nearby, as is Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Recreation area, and not far away is Manning Provincial Park, with more lakes and hiking trails. The local joke here is that no matter which way you are going, the rest of B.C. is “beyond Hope”.

After a hectic day of sightseeing, relax and rejuvenate the soul in Harrison Hot Springs . Called the “Spa of Canada”, Harrison Hot Springs is a resort town with recreation and health at the forefront.

Complete your circle tour with a stop at Chilliwack , Cultus Lake , Abbotsford , Langley and Fort Langley .

Approximate Distance: 2,000 Km Approximate Duration: 7 to 14 days

• Campbell River
• Prince Rupert
• Haida Gwaii
• Fraser Lake
• Prince George
• Barkerville
• Williams Lake
• 100 Mile House
• Cache Creek
• Harrison Hot Springs

How to Cruise the Inside Passage for Cheap

When I begun planning my Western Canada holiday, I made a list of the things I most wanted to see and do. Of course visiting The Rockies, Vancouver Island and Vancouver were all on that list, but the thing I wanted to do most was cruise the Inside Passage.

I did my research and found that the cruises were expensive. Just seven days cruising return to Vancouver up the Inside Passage to Alaska was going to cost me at least a few thousand dollars. This made me worry that I wouldn’t be able to see this place that I’ve been dreaming of visiting for so long. At least not on this trip anyway.

So I dug a little deeper because I thought to myself, there really had to be a cheaper way to cruise the Inside Passage. Backpackers and budget travellers wouldn’t be parting with thousands of dollars just for a short cruise like that, so I knew there had to be a way.

Finally after hours and hours of research I found it! I found a way to cruise the Inside Passage for cheap and without having to spend days on a cruise. And I want to share this experience with you, so you too can save thousands of dollars but still have the cruise of a lifetime through some of the most scenic waters in the world.

BC Ferries Inside Passage Day Cruise

BC Ferries is the biggest ferry company in the Western Canada state of British Columbia. They run passenger and vehicle ferries between the mainland (Vancouver area) to Vancouver Island and around parts of the main island and out to some of the smaller islands too. Most people who have visited or researched this part of Canada would have heard of these ferries.

But the one ferry that you might not know about is the Inside Passage Day Cruise. Running from mid June to mid September each year, this 16 hour cruise travels between Port Hardy, at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, to Prince Rupert, in the northern reaches of the Canadian coast just 50 km (as the crow flies) south of the Alaskan border.

The Inside Passage Day Cruise not only accommodates foot passengers, but like most other BC Ferries, you can take your vehicle on-board as well. This means cars, motorbikes and motorhomes. They even accommodate commercial vehicles!

Cruises leave at 7:30am and arrive into port at 11.30pm. During the height of the summer months, most of the cruising time is in daylight, allowing you to see as much of the Inside Passage as possible. Sailings earlier and later in the season will travel a short time in the dark, but this allows for some pretty spectacular sunset and sunrise viewing from on-board the cruise.

While all of this is excellent, what you really want to know is the price! Now remember that the seven days cruises I talked about earlier cost at least a few thousand dollars.

As a foot passenger on a BC Ferries Inside Passage Day Cruise, you’ll be paying just $195.00CAD per person. If you have a car, you’ll pay just $640.00CAD for one vehicle with one passenger (less for motorbikes). This is a saving of thousands of dollars and because it is a one day sail, you’ll be saving yourself time to see more of this beautiful country.

For my cruise, I sailed from Port Hardy north to Price Rupert on the last sailing of the season in September. Here is a little about what you can expect on-board the cruise and the scenery you’ll see along the way.

On-board the Vessel

The Northern Expedition is one of the biggest vessels in the BC Ferries fleet. It is over 150 metres long, holds 638 passengers and crew, can have up to 115 vehicles on-board and travels at a maximum speed of 20.5 knots.

Just like any large ferry or cruise, there are plenty of amenities on-board to keep you comfortable for the entire journey.

A standard foot passenger ticket gets you access to everything on the cruise except for the Aurora Lounge and the Staterooms, where extra fees apply. I opted for the standard ticket as I figured I’d be spending most of my time out on the deck enjoying the view (and I was right!).

Inside there are lots of comfortable seats that either face directly out the windows or angled towards the windows to take in the view. The seats also recline a bit too, making it super comfy for relaxing and taking a little nap from time to time.

Where you will spend most of your time (regardless of the weather in my case) is out on the deck. Yes it was raining and cold for a lot of my journey but with incredible views I just chose to rug up in my waterproof gear and make the most of it.

There is ample covered and un-covered seating on deck with the best views to be had from the back of the boat. I also found it to be more protected from the wind at the back.

On-board there are two food choices.

The Canoe Cafe

This casual dining area is similar to a cafeteria where you serve yourself and it is open for the entire duration of the cruise. There are lots of comfortable seats, some by the window, and tables with wooden edges on them for when it gets a little rocky.

At the Canoe Cafe you’ll find self-serve hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads, cakes and other snack foods. There is also a hot food bar where you can get things like eggs and bacon for breakfast and burgers, fish and chips and soup from midday into the evening.

I enjoyed a cream cheese bagel for breakfast, a beef burger for lunch and a chicken stir fry for dinner. All were nice and exactly what you would expect from cafeteria dining as well as being reasonably priced.

I really enjoyed the big range of herbal teas they had available too. After spending time on deck in the cold taking in the view, a hot tea was exactly what I needed to warm up!

Vista Restaurant

The second dining option is the Vista Restaurant. This is a buffet restaurant open for lunch and dinner hours.

I unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to eat at Vista because by the time I arrived at the dining room for dinner, it was booked out for the rest of serving time. I highly recommend you reserve a table when you board to avoid missing out.

Entertainment

If sitting back and enjoying the spectacular scenery isn’t enough for you then there are other things you can enjoy on the cruise as well.

Head to the Raven Lounge to enjoy a movie. There were two movie’s played on my sailing and they show movies that will entertain people of all ages.

If you are travelling with kids, then they will definitely want to check out the Kids Zone. There you will find nautical themed play equipment and wall murals to keep the kids entertained. Plus comfy seats so mum and dad can sit back and enjoy the view while keeping an eye on the little ones.

What You Will See on the Inside Passage

While the cruise ship itself is great, what you really need to know about is what you’ll see on this 16 hour journey. To sum it up, the journey is nothing short of spectacular!

The landscape starts out pretty flat but as the boat maneuvers itself through the passage ways of islands on the left and mainland and islands on the right, the landscape changes. By the halfway point of the cruise there are towering mountains surrounding the passageways with spectacular cascading waterfalls and thick green rainforest clinging to the sides.

There are many points of interest throughout the cruise and the Captain makes a point of announcing each one as you go by. Make sure you pick up the Points of Interest brochure from the Pursers office when you board. It tells you more about the things the Captain announces along the journey.

I had two favourite spots along the cruise. The first was the one and only stop at Bella Bella. This remote fishing and logging community is home to the largest First Nations community on the west coast of Canada. I was fascinated by the massive ferry maneuvering its way into place at the tiny dock and then watching the passengers and commercial vehicles disembark.

Off to the left of the dock, you can straight away see why it is a popular fishing spot. While on deck I saw what must have been hundreds of fish jumping out of the water.

My other favourite spot was the half way point of the cruise, Boat Bluff. This tiny lighthouse is visible for 32 km and is located on the southern end of Sarah Island, marking the entry of the Tolmie Channel.

As we cruised past this spot, the sun made a rare appearance and shone down on the lighthouse. At the same time a pod of porpoise rode a small wave right in front. It was a pretty special moment of the cruise.

The biggest highlight however, was the opportunity to see so many whales. When I say so many, I’d say it was in the dozens for my cruise.

The Captain did his best to announce when there was a whale spotting, but when the boat is travelling at 20 knots in one direction and the whales are swimming in the other direction they disappear pretty quickly. If you want to see whales, the biggest tip I can give you, is to spend as much time out on deck as you can handle.

I saw humpback whales fully breaching out of the water, diving in and out, looking like they were having a blast. It was really something special and a highlight, not just of my Inside Passage Cruise, but of my whole month in Western Canada.

Book Your Own Inside Passage Cruise

If an Inside Passage cruise has been something you’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t been able to justify the cost, then I urge you to check out the BC Ferries Inside Passage Day Cruise . This link will tell you everything you need to know about dates, times, prices and added extras.

Here are a few things I think you should know about:

• If you are travelling as a foot passenger, your luggage is checked just like on a plane. Make sure you pack a day bag with everything you will need for the 16 hour journey as you won’t have access to your bags again until the ferry docks.
• Access to your vehicle is restricted to certain times during the cruise. Ensure you have everything you need packed into a day bag and bring it with you when you leave you vehicle after boarding.
• While the majority of the cruise is through calm passageways, there are a few parts of the cruise where it can get a little rocky. If you have experienced sea sickness in the past, I would recommend bringing along something to combat this.
• There are lots of spectacular scenery during the cruise and some entertainment to keep you occupied, however, if you are the type to get bored easily, I would recommend bringing some reading material or something else to keep yourself busy. 16 hours (plus pre-boarding time) is a long time to be confined to a ferry.
• Bring layers of warm clothing. Even in the height of summer, the weather along the Inside Passage can be unpredictable and change multiple times during your cruise. A weather proof jacket at a minimum is recommended.

Disclaimer:  Thank you to BC Ferries for hosting me. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Over to you!

Where in the world have you been on a cruise?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Join my email list and get a FREE copy of my TRAVEL PLANNING TEMPLATE

My Travel Planning Template will make your travel planning simple & stress-free!

18 thoughts on “How to Cruise the Inside Passage for Cheap”

What a lovely post. As a person who still calls BC home (even though I haven’t lived there for 20 years) seeing these gorgeous pictures makes me miss it so much. I have never been on the Inside Passage ferry – seems I am never home at the right time – but it is on my list of to do very very soon!

Thanks Jane. I highly recommend doing this trip next time you are in BC for the summer. It is spectacular and travelling so slowly really is a special way to see something.

It looks amazing Jen. I was meant to do this myself a couple of years ago but my plans ended up falling through. I have been on a lot of ferries between Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, as well as the ferry between Juneau and Sitka in Alaska, and they were all stunning – it is such a beautiful part of the world. I definitely want to do the Inside Passage sometime in the next couple of years for sure!

It was amazing and you should definitely try to fit it into your travels. I’m going to explore more of the Gulf Islands and get up to Alaska next time i’m over there. I’ve fallen so in love with Canada!

Fantastic! I´ve also cruised the inside passage and was fascinated by its incredible beauty, not to mention the cruise experience. It´s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks Mark. So good to hear you enjoyed your cruise on the Inside Passage too. It is definitely one of those once in a lifetime experiences.

Thank you for the wonderful post! I took the same Inside Passage Cruise from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. Totally awesome! I was joining a tour boat in Great Bear Rainforest but no way I would be able to afford a cruise to Alaska and this was almost the same. I remember the Captain announcing the places which I tried to take notes of, sadly not done well. Don’t remember a copy of highlights from Pursers Office, that would have helped. I have some amazing photos and some wondered what I would do for 15 hrs…..on deck on one side or another. Thank you for bringing back beautiful memories of my trip of a lifetime!

Thanks Brenda. So glad I could bring back those memories for you.

Thank you for this really helpful post as I too am looking for a short inside passage cruise. One thing I don’t understand is how you get back from Prince Rupert? Is it another 16 hrs back to port Hardy the next day?

Hi Carolyn, Yes you can do the cruise back or fly back. However what I did was then take the train from Prince Rupert to the Rockies. It was amazing! Cheers Jen

I came to Canada from India for a holiday in 1989 and did the inside passage with my wife and five year old daughter Thirty Dollars each.We still have Photos Film and fresh memories of each and every moment ,we travelled on the bus to Port Hardy and stayed there the night to catch the 7.30am departure.to Prince Rupert to visit relatives working in the salmon cannery.they kept us for two weeks.So the service which we got then is still the same. So for those of u who are thinking of going pleas don’t think just go.go go.lifes too short. Give ur kids a surprise gift this is more appreciated than any presents.

So excited. Doing this trip in July 2019. Did the big cruise ship but wanted to do something a little more than be on a massive cruise ship with a couple of thousand people!

Great choice Sharon! You will love it.

Is it possible to travel on this ferry from Prince Rupert, and how far north does it travel. Can you hop on and off as it travels north.

Thinking of travelling to Canada. However, could you advise if April is a good choice of month to do so. Thank you.

I’ve been looking for a cheap way to see the inside passage, so this sounds perfect! Do you see all of the inside passage, that you would see on a big cruise, on this ferry day cruise? And do you see any glaciers?

I would like to do the day cruise from Port-Albert and come back on the next day. Can we sleep on the ferry ?

As far as I know there isn’t an overnight ferry you can take but they do have rooms you can book on the ferry.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Alaska Cruise Ports

Inside Passage (Alaska-Canada)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-06-03 04:24

Port Inside Passage cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Inside Passage, Alaska-Canada. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Inside Passage is a popular Alaskan coastal cruise itinerary route for oceangoing ships. The shipping route extends from Southeast Alaska (AK USA) to Northwest Washington (WA USA) passing through Western British Columbia (BC Canada). Vessels using this shipping route are able to avoid open ocean's bad weather and visit some of the isolated Alaskan communities. Inside Passage is best known for the scenic coastal cruising through straits and passing by Alaskan islands, the largest of which are Chichagof , Baranof and Prince of Wales (see the map below).

Inside Passage is navigated by cruise liners, as well as tugboats, freighters (cargo ships), fishing boats and passenger ferries serving Alaska Marine Highway, Washington State Ferries and BC Ferries systems. The "Inside Passage" term is often used to refer to the islands and ocean round the passage itself. Sometimes the Inside Passage is mistakenly referred to as "Inland Passage", a reference to early quests of explorers to locate Northwest Passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.

It is generally accepted that Inside Passage starts in Washington's Puget Sound and extends north, first along the coast of British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle. During the Klondike Gold Rush, it was one of the sea routes from California and Seattle WA carrying prospectors north.

The route's portion that belongs to BC Canada has coastline approx 40,000 km (25,000 mi). It includes the protected Strait of Georgia (between BC mainland and Vancouver Island), Johnstone Strait (between mainland and Vancouver Island), as well as a short stretch along Hecate Strait (close to Haida Gwaii Islands ). Northwards from Fitz Hugh Sound, the route is sheltered through various large islands - like Pitt Island and Princess Royal Island.

The Alaskan portion of the Passage extends 800 km (500 mi) from north to south and 160 km (100 mi) from east to west. The region encompasses 1,000 islands, 24,000 km (15,000 mi) of shoreline and thousands of bays and coves. While Alexander Archipelago in Alaska offers some protection from the Pacific weather, much of the area suffers from strong semi-diurnal tides that can create extreme 9 m (30-foot) differences between high and low tide. Careful piloting is required in many places in order to not hit underwater obstructions.

The Inside Passage is a well-known destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The coastal mountain ranges and the islands make for great wildlife viewing and outdoor travel activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping.

Alaska’s Inside Passage route is used by cruise liners leaving from homeports Seattle and Vancouver BC and usually operating on 7-day roundtrips. The "cruise coastline" has length approx 800 km (500 mi). Ship travel in the region offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing (whales, sea lions, seals, brown bears, bald eagles) and enjoying the coastal scenery (glaciers, small settlements). All cruise companies offer as alternatives land tours (optional) to expand their customers' vacation. The list of Alaskan cruise ports along the Inside Passage route includes Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island) , Sitka (Baranof Island) , Skagway , Juneau . Scenic destinations along the route include Glacier Bay NP , Misty Fjords (wilderness), Tongass Forest (USA's largest), Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park.

Inside Passage cruise terminal

The following map shows all ports of call, islands and destinations visited on traditional Alaska Inside Passage cruise itineraries.

Seabourn launches 2024 Alaska season with Seabourn Odyssey's final sailings

Seabourn, renowned for ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, commenced its 2024 Alaska season on Friday, May 10, as the Seabourn Odyssey set...

Princess Cruises' 2024 Alaska program features Aurora Borealis experience

This summer, guests sailing with Princess Cruises to Alaska will enjoy an exclusive Voyage to the Stars experience featuring the Aurora Borealis, or...

Canada Place Cruise Terminal (Vancouver BC) anticipates record year amid sustainability focus

Preliminary forecasts indicate another potentially record-breaking year for cruise passenger visits to Port Vancouver's Canada Place Terminal, as...

HAL-Holland America enhances Alaska Cruisetours with resort upgrades and new Yukon Tour

HAL-Holland America Line is enhancing its Alaska Cruisetours for the 2024 season with upgrades to accommodations at McKinley Chalet Resort and the...

Princess Cruises celebrates Alaska's 65th anniversary with 55th anniversary season

In celebration of Alaska's 65th anniversary of statehood, Princess Cruises - Carnival Corporation's luxury brand renowned for its world...

Celebrity Cruises opens bookings for 2025-2026 Alaska & Australia itineraries

Celebrity Cruises has officially opened bookings for its 2025-2026 Alaska and Australia itineraries, featuring three ships - Celebrity Edge...

RCI-Royal Caribbean opens bookings for 2025 Alaska cruises

RCI-Royal Caribbean International is expanding its cruise offerings in Alaska for summer 2025. The popular liner Anthem OTS will join the Alaskan...

ACL-American Cruise Lines introduces new 2024 Alaskan itineraries

ACL-American Cruise Lines has revealed its plans to offer voyages to select American national parks in 2024, with itineraries ranging from 11 to 18...

2025 dates announced for the National Geographic Expeditions cruises

National Geographic Expeditions has revealed the dates for its 2025 cruises. These expedition voyages provide an immersive encounter with the natural...

Princess unveils 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season

Princess Cruises has revealed its 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season, presenting 3 captivating roundtrip itineraries and an exclusive new...

•   show more news

Inside Passage - user reviews and comments

Chief Steward

Job description.

CHIEF STEWARD – Staffing Pool/Refit

Tsawwassen                                                 

As the Chief Steward, you are responsible for all passenger services onboard our vessels; this includes passenger and employee safety, emergency response as well as catering and retail operations. You will manage a team of diverse, cross functional operations personnel. 

You will be committed to the Company’s vision and values including safety, exceeding customer expectations and performance efficiency. Your experience would include proficiency with relevant processes and procedures and a demonstrated knowledge in safe work practices and the leadership & development of employees. You will also be familiar with budget processes.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Ensure passenger and employee safety is at the forefront of our business by leading including leading a safety focused team with process review, awareness and implementation on new initiatives and directives,
• Model exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers by using timely and appropriate problem solving techniques to address a variety of possible; and at times unexpected; issues,
• Strong capacity to act independently within a dynamic operation,
• Deploy your crew appropriately to meet operational, regulatory and business requirements for the various areas including: catering, retail, baggage handlers and janitorial,
• Identify and implement strategies to improve quality of service, productivity and profitability,
• Manage labour and expenses within the approved budget under the direction of the Senior Chief Steward,
• Lead and manage a diverse team in all aspects of the business, with particular focus on creating developmental plans, mentoring staff and guiding the performance management process as required,
• Strengthen the department by empowering all members to contribute ideas of innovation and continuous improvement across environmental, employee engagement and financial areas,
• Work in a team environment by respectfully engaging with various departments; encouraging collaboration as required,
• Attend departmental and operational meetings as requires.

Refit Management:

• Provide supervisory support to the Refit Clean Team at Deas/TSA.
• Assist in creating refit cleaning team schedules to ensure all tasks meet standards.
• Participate in refit deck plate inspections and attend weekly project meetings to stay updated on progress and address issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders throughout the refit process to keep the project on track and resolve issues, including: Vessel SCS, Scheduling Services ,External contractors, Trades personnel and project teams.
• Aid in coordinating the work scope and completion, providing regular updates to the project team and SCS.
• Perform additional duties such as preparing reports and logs, and communicating with the Refit and vessel Senior Chief Steward.
• Ensure a safe working environment for the Refit Clean Team, adhering to Worksafe and BCFS safety initiatives and practices.
• Manage the refit budget, ensuring all expenditures stay within allocated resources.
• Plan and execute crew training programs, ensuring all team members are thoroughly prepared and possess necessary skills.

Leadership / Communication :

• Conduct Performance Reviews and provide ongoing coaching and mentoring in a constructive manner that encourages employee development,
• Strong capacity to work collaboratively with cross functional departmental partner,
• Ensure a respectful and inclusive workforce,
• Self-motivated and demonstrated success leading a team in a unionized environment,
• Willing to communicate and contribute new processes and ideas and foster change,
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism at all times; lead by example and promote a customer centric culture.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum 2 years of experience in a leadership role overseeing employee development of a diverse team is preferred,
• University/College degree in business, human resources or hospitality is an asset,
• Past demonstrated success in the food and beverage, hospitality or another customer service centric industry would be strongly preferred,
• Must be able to read, write & speak English fluently,
• Must be knowledgeable in labour cost control,
• Known for working cohesively as part of a team; coupled with ability to coach, train, counsel and encourage employees,
• Highly responsible & reliable with a demonstrated capacity to work under extreme pressure in a fast paced environment,
• Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times,
• Proficient in budgeting and forecasting,
• Keen acumen in business writing and presentation skills, as well as strong project management skills,
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and problem solving abilities,
• Flexible to work variable shifts; evenings, weekends and holidays. 

Additional information

The target salary range: $75,100 to $93,800. The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and internal equity. Starting salary may exceed the target range on exceptional basis.

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your application by June 7, 2024.

"We connect communities and customers to the people and places important in their lives.” At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We offer a unique West Coast working environment with diverse challenges and opportunities. Whether your goal is to work behind the scenes, onboard our ships, or within our land based operations, you are a key contributor to the BC Ferries team.

BC Ferries supports employment equity and diversity in the workplace and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace. 

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.