Ferries

Ferries are very much a way of life in British Columbia.

With the exception of the Greater Vancouver area, much of Canadas most Western Provinces' coastline is rural and rugged terrain, crossing which is either difficult and/or expensive. Therefore, many communities are accessibile only by air or water.

BC Ferries run scheduled services from the lower coast (near Vancouver) mainland to Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast (on mainland but further up coast and not accessibile by road) together with numerous islands dotted throughout the West Coast. The map above shows just some of the ferry routes connecting the lower mainland with the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.

Travelling by ferry often allows views and vistas that would be impossible to see by road.

Also, in Canada there is a very social element to ferry travel - the ferry line-up (see photograph above). Canadians are social people and so the ferry line-up (waiting for your ferry) is a great opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs and chat to other people in the queue - discuss where you're going, where you've been and exchanging tips on what to do & see.

A & D