The Best Way to Travel: From Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia by Victoria Clipper
If you’ve ever dreamed of a quick escape from Seattle to the charm of Victoria, British Columbia, the Victoria Clipper might be your new favorite way to travel.
Recently, our family packed up for a long weekend adventure and hopped aboard this passenger ferry—and it turned out to be one of the smoothest and most enjoyable journeys we’ve ever had. From kid-friendly comforts to the option of bringing along your pup, the Clipper made getting to Victoria feel like part of the vacation itself.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, here’s everything you can expect from the experience and tips for travel.
Stress-Free Travel from Downtown Seattle
One of the biggest perks of the Victoria Clipper is its convenience. No airport lines, no long drives—just an easy walk (or short rideshare) down to Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. The Victoria Clipper is passenger only – no personal cars. Since we have young kids, we drove our car downtown, and used their validated parking lots (at a discounted rate of $10 a day, parking your car is far easier and cheaper than SeaTac airport)
Check-in is simple, and once you’re onboard, you can settle in for a relaxing ride across the Salish Sea. Instead of worrying about traffic or border crossings by car, you can sip coffee, enjoy the view, and let someone else do the navigating. The trip takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most relaxing ways to reach Victoria.
Logistics
Travelers are advised to arrive at least an hour before clipper departure to allow time for check-in and U.S. exit customs processing. Since the Clipper crosses an international border, you’ll need the proper documentation (passports, enhanced ID, birth certificates, pet vaccine records and CDC paperwork) round trip. U.S. and Canadian customs are completed before boarding in Seattle and again upon arrival in Victoria. The process is similar to airport customs on a smaller scale. On return to Seattle, you’ll go through U.S. customs at the terminal.
We chose not to check in luggage as we had a short trip, but you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, as well as check up to two pieces of luggage. Our trip started in classic PNW cold rainy grey weather and ended with gorgeous blue skies and hot sun, so dress accordingly.
The Victoria Clipper offers different seating options to fit various travel styles and budgets: Economy Class, located on the lower level, is the standard option and the most budget friendly. Vista and Comfort Class are located on the upper level. Comfort is the most premium and expensive option, with spacious seating located at the front of the boat for best views, more privacy, and complimentary food and drinks. We rode Vista for a nice middle ground option and booked window seats to enjoy the views.
Do note that the Economy class being on the lower level makes it much easier to disembark quickly (and if the Clipper is full, this can make an hour difference). I strongly recommended you get your luggage ready as the boat nears the dock (all luggage is on racks on the lower level/Economy section). Once everyone gets up to try leave, it is extremely difficult to get your luggage.
Kid-Friendly Comforts
As parents, we’re always looking for travel options that make life easier with little ones. The Clipper checked every box: spacious seating, friendly staff, and plenty of windows for curious eyes to watch for whales, seabirds, and passing islands. There’s tables so my daughters could color or watch on ipads. Snacks/beverages, a little gift shop, and bathrooms are available onboard, so we didn’t have to worry about frequent stops like a road trip.
The best part? Our kids thought the ferry was part of the adventure, and we didn’t hear a single “are we there yet”? By the time we docked in Victoria’s Inner Harbor, they were excited to explore Canada.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
We loved that the Victoria Clipper also makes it possible for furry family members to come along. Larger dogs can ride in a kennel on deck or dogs that are 15 pounds or less and fit in a 20”x11”x11” enclosed soft carrier can travel in the passenger cabin, like an airplane. For us, knowing Nike could join in on the fun was a huge relief—and it meant we didn’t have to choose between a family trip and leaving her behind.
Pet space is highly limited, and so it’s recommended you book in advance to make a reservation, but it’s quite easy with a phone call.
Arriving in the Heart of Victoria
Unlike flights that end with another transfer or long road trips with break stops, the Clipper delivers you straight into downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbor. You can even book tours on the Clipper, so transportation takes you to tourist destinations like Buchardt Garden directly, but we wanted to check into our hotel first.
Within minutes of stepping off the boat, we were surrounded by the city’s iconic sights: the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress, and lively waterfront walkways. No car required—we could explore on foot, by bike, or even by Victoria’s charming little water taxis. We walked to our hotel downtown easily. Victoria is one of the most walkable and beautiful cities in the world, and a top tourist destination for good reason.
Why We’ll Choose the Clipper Again
The Victoria Clipper turned what could have been a stressful travel day into an enjoyable experience. It’s efficient, scenic, and welcoming for families with kids and pets. For us, it set the tone for an unforgettable weekend in Victoria—and we’re already planning our next trip back.
So if you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly getaway from Seattle, consider swapping the car keys for a ferry ticket. The journey on the Victoria Clipper is more than just transportation—it’s the start of the adventure.
