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  • ร—
    Urban Bliss Life ยป Blog ยป Portland to Victoria BC Road Trip

    Published: April 5, 2016 / Updated: February 13, 2025 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    Portland to Victoria BC Road Trip

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    traveling to victoria bc with text overlay

    A road trip from Portland to Victoria BC is a roughly six-hour journey, but the beautiful scenery and a picturesque ferry ride make it well worth it.

    lighthouse in victoria, bc

    Considering a visit to beautiful Victoria, BC? Our family took a road trip from Portland to Victoria, then on to Vancouver BC for spring break and we had an incredible time! Plus, getting there was easier and shorter than we expected.

    Our journey from PDX took us up to Port Angeles, Washington, where we then boarded a ferry for the trip over to Victoria. It's a pretty popular route instead of driving the whole way.

    You can drive all the way, but that adds about 3 hours to the trip time. And you miss out on the fun of taking a ferry!

    In our Portland to Victoria, BC road trip guide, we'll give you recommendations on how to prepare for the trip, how to get tickets for the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry, what to expect on the ferry, and how long the trip will take.

    Jump to:
    • Prepping for the road trip
    • Scenic drive through the Pacific Northwest
    • Port Angeles, Washington
    • Taking the MV Coho Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria BC Canada
    • Do they use Canadian or US Dollars in Victoria BC?
    • What legal documents are needed to travel from the US to Victoria BC?
    • How much does the ferry ride to Victoria BC cost?
    • What is the process for boarding the ferry to Victoria BC?
    • How long is the ferry ride to Victoria BC?
    • What to wear on the ferry to Victoria BC
    • What can you eat on the ferry to Victoria BC?
    • Sit back and enjoy the ride to Victoria BC
    • More Canada Travel Ideas

    Prepping for the road trip

    family road trip packets for kids

    In preparation for our trip, I made each of my kids the traditional custom vacation packets that I prepare for each of our trips. You can get the full details on what I include in these packs in my Tips for Family Road Trip Bliss post.

    I've made these custom kid vacation packets for our road trip to Idaho, Eastern Washington, Montana, and for our travels to Hawaii, Switzerland, and Italy. For road trip food, I packed the usual snacks crackers, nuts, fruit, granola bars, waters, and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. I used my free Road Trip Packing List printable to make sure we had everything we needed packed, and we were on our way bright and early on a Sunday morning!

    Heading out on your own road trip? Download my free Road Trip License Plate Game and BINGO Printables and my Fun Road Trip Printables.

    Scenic drive through the Pacific Northwest

    boats in hood canal in oregon

    The drive from Portland, Oregon to Port Angeles, Washington took us about four and a half hours.

    We made one stop for gas and snacks, which took up about 20 minutes of our trip. Along the way, once you get off of I-5, the main highway, and onto the state highway that takes you to Port Angeles, the scenery is quite breathtaking.

    olympic peninsula ranger station

    You drive all along Hood Canal and through the Olympic National Forest. It's beautiful, and I see why so many people travel up to this part of the Northwest often for vacation! 

    Port Angeles, Washington

    port angeles, washington

    Victoria BC is located on Vancouver Island. Being one of many islands in the area, the only way you can get to it from Port Angeles is by ferry.

    Once you get to Port Angeles, there are plenty of signs to follow. These make it super easy to find the ferry service.

    Right next to the ferry dock, you'll find a large number of options for dining. Choose from small cafes for quick bites or sit-down restaurants.

    Plus, there's a fun dock that you and your family can walk down. It's a great spot to enjoy the views while waiting for the ferry to leave.

    Taking the MV Coho Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria BC Canada

    coho ferry port angeles

    For nearly 50 years, the historic MV Coho Ferry operated by the Black Ball Ferry Line has been the main vehicle and passenger ferry service linking the Port Angeles, Washington and Victoria BC. With an average capacity of 100 vehicles and 1,000 passengers per trip, the MV Coho is a spacious, well-run mode of transportation that operates throughout the year.

    First time taking the MV Coho Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria BC? Here's some helpful travel advice!

    Do they use Canadian or US Dollars in Victoria BC?

    port angeles wharf

    You can pay for the ferry and for snacks and souveniers on the ferry with either Canadian or US dollars, as well as with credit cards. Keep in mind that some credit cards charge an international fee, so as soon as you cross over into Canadian territory, you're going to be charged that fee for every card purchase you make.

    What legal documents are needed to travel from the US to Victoria BC?

    port angeles dock

    One you arrive in Victoria, you'll go through customs, which will require you to provide valid proof of citizenship. We brought our passports.

    However, for children who are 16 years of age or younger, you can show either:

    • a passport
    • an original birth certificate, or
    • a naturalization certificate/citizenship card.

    Be sure to check the latest travel regulations before you travel, as border requirements are subject to change.

    How much does the ferry ride to Victoria BC cost?

    port angeles art

    You can ride the ferry as a walk-on passenger, or drive your vehicle onto it.

    For the best prices and availability, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation in advance if you are taking a vehicle across on the Coho Ferry. Rates start at $76.50 for a one-way ticket for a vehicle and driver, plus a vehicle reservation fee.

    Tickets are also required for each additional passenger. Adult tickets are $22.50 each way. Kids under 12 are $11.25.

    In all, for a family of two adults and two kids under 12, a round-trip journey would cost $259 (including a $16 round-trip vehicle reservation).

    If you have young kids under age four, they travel free.

    Online registration for vehicles must be made at least 12 hours in advance of sailing; telephone reservations may be made up to one hour prior to sailing for those last minute planners.

    Tour buses and commercial vehicles need to call in advance for those specific current rates.

    Note: Avoid travel dates that fall during the third week of February, as the ferry is closed for annual maintenance.

    *Ferry prices updated as of Feb. 2025.

    What is the process for boarding the ferry to Victoria BC?

    cars on port angeles ferry

    Once you drive up to the ticket booth, there will likely be a line. Receive your ticket and place it on your dashboard. Then proceed to the numbered row the agent on the dock assigns to you. Park immediately behind the last car.

    At this point, you may stay in your car. However, if you have more than 20 minutes to wait, you can get out of the car and stretch your legs. About 10-15 minutes before they open the doors, they'll make an announcement that it's time for all passengers to return to their cars.

    The loading process for vehicles is a clearly well-organized and often-done process. The guys direct you to your lanes inside the ferry on the vehicle decks. As long as you are paying attention, everyone gets on and off safely and quickly.

    After parking, you then leave your car and head upstairs to the large passenger seating areas. You are not allowed to remain in your vehicle during the ferry crossing.

    How long is the ferry ride to Victoria BC?

    Ferries run twice a day from Port Angeles: in the morning and mid-afternoon. Sail time to Victoria, BC is approximately 90 minutes from port to port.

    We found the best time to depart was in the morning. That way you still get to enjoy a full day in Victoria after you disembark.

    During that time, you can make use of the ferry's WiFi and use any electronic devices you brought on board with you. I suggest bringing valuables with you from your vehicle and keeping them with you at all times. Not that it is unsafe in any way, but just because I recommend that wherever and whenever you travel. If you keep valuables to a minimum when traveling, even better.

    You can remain seated in the covered areas for passengers the entire time, or you can move about inside and outside of the main area, during the entire trip.

    What to wear on the ferry to Victoria BC

    coho ferry windy

    No matter what time of year you take the ferry, I suggest bringing at least a light jacket with you. It can get quite windy, and also rainy, while sailing. My daughter and I only lasted a few minutes outside each time we ventured out. It became so cold so fast, and was too windy for us to carry on any kind of conversation.

    Being outside Is a great way to experience the ferry ride, though. So if you can go outside even for a few minutes, I highly suggest doing so. You will have beautiful views of surrounding islands!

    What can you eat on the ferry to Victoria BC?

    coho ferry snack bar

    The MV Coho has a small snack bar and seating area. Here, you can buy hot and cold beverages. You'll find coffee, beer, wine, and child favorites like milk and apple juice. You can also purchase snacks like cookies, crackers, hot dogs, nachos, and more that you can enjoy in comfort.

    Sit back and enjoy the ride to Victoria BC

    ferry approaching victoria bc

    The ferry ride from Port Angeles to Victoria is incredibly smooth, and it goes quite quickly. My favorite part was when we were about 10 minutes from shore. That's a great time to head outside to watch the city come into view.

    Victoria is a GORGEOUS city full of travel sites and beautiful scenery. For travel ideas, check out my Things to Do in Victoria, BC guide and my recommendations on Downtown Victoria Restaurants.

    More Canada Travel Ideas

    • Family-friendly Things to Do in Victoria BC Canada: Butchart Gardens on UrbanBlissLife.com
      Things to Do in Victoria BC: 5 Family-Friendly Activities
    • sunset view of Victoria Harbour from a room at the Inn at Laurel Point
      Inn at Laurel Point
    • Travel to Vancouver BC: What to Do in Granville Island Market, on UrbanBlissLife.com
      Things to Do in Granville Island (Vancouver BC)
    • Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, Vancouver BC Canada - hotel review on UrbanBlissLife.com
      Where to Stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Coal Harbor Hotel

    Many thanks to Tourism Victoria for sponsoring this family travel series, and to Black Ball Ferry Line for the complimentary ferry ride covered in this post. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Shelley says

        August 01, 2017 at 11:30 am

        Thank you for your detailed experiences. My family and I would like to drive from Portland to Victoria in the next couple of weeks and this helped to plan our trip. Very much appreciated.

        Reply
      2. Mama Munchkin (@globalmunchkins) says

        April 07, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        There have been some great discounted flights to British Colombia recently so we were thinking of taking the kids. Can't wait to keep reading about your adventures there! We have never ridden on a vehicle ferry I think the kids would totally get a kick out of it ;) Thanks for sharing!!

        Reply
      3. Bella B (xoxoBella) says

        April 07, 2016 at 10:12 am

        I love Victoria! The ferries are a bit of a struggle during busy times, but worth it!

        Reply
      4. Chantal says

        April 06, 2016 at 11:36 pm

        Victoria is such a beautiful city! I have not been in many years but need to make the trip again soon.

        Reply
      5. Tiffany says

        April 06, 2016 at 8:10 pm

        I'm a Canadian girl myself from Calgary but I haven't ever made it out to Victoria - only Vancouver. One day I'll get there!

        Reply
      6. Willow says

        April 06, 2016 at 5:40 pm

        I have always wanted to see British Columbia! I visited Ontario about 30 years ago. That is my only experience seeing Canada!

        Reply
      7. Pech says

        April 06, 2016 at 4:08 pm

        I will definitely add bring a ponytail holder in case it's super windy as you are walking on the ferry! In my all adult group on the ferry, we enjoyed beer and checked it into our Untappd app - which you get a special badge for having beer on a boat too.

        Reply
      8. Leah says

        April 06, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        This sounds so great! Victoria is on our bucket list!

        Reply
      9. Erin says

        April 06, 2016 at 2:42 pm

        I so loved going to Victoria last summer! It was so charming and beautiful, plus there was so much good food too! We took the ferry from Port Angeles too, it was my first time on a car ferry which I thought was kind of fun! Looking forward to reading the rest of your Victoria posts to see where else you went!

        Reply
      10. Trish Delgado says

        April 06, 2016 at 2:01 pm

        I've ridden a ferry in NY before. It is my dream to visit Canada so I'm looking very much forward to the rest of your posts on your experience.

        Reply
      11. Joanna says

        April 06, 2016 at 1:08 pm

        It looks like you had a blast! I have always wanted to go to Canada, especially after living in Washington State for so long and being close to the border, Love the photos!

        Reply
      12. Sophia Breton says

        April 06, 2016 at 12:38 pm

        I'm going on a Cruise to Alaska and Canada. I do believe that we are stopping in Victoria and is looks absolutely stunning!

        Reply
      13. Melinda says

        April 06, 2016 at 12:17 am

        I haven't been to Victoria since I was a kid! My husband and I have great (separate!) memories of it and hope to take our kids up there in the near future!

        Reply
      14. Jen says

        April 06, 2016 at 12:17 am

        Looks like your kids had so much fun! We took that same ferry 3 years ago when we headed from PDX to Gabriola Island off Vancouver. Great tips, that was pretty much our experience too. After the ferry ride we stopped over in Victoria for the night to see a concert - what a cute town! I hope you enjoyed some moose and lobster photo ops there too. :)

        Reply
      15. Suzannah says

        April 06, 2016 at 12:03 am

        So much great info in this post! We rode that ferry last summer and did a day trip to Victoria from Port Angeles where my husband's grandparents live. We go up to PA quite a lot. Such a beautiful area!

        Reply
      16. Rosie from Blog To Taste says

        April 05, 2016 at 10:47 pm

        Looks like you are off to a smooth start! I have not taken this ferry either, but it sounds much more enjoyable than driving the whole way. I love your daughter's shirt! She must have known she would be featured on the blog with a message like that!

        Reply
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      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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