Budget Saver: Take 64% Off Your Fare When You Walk on the Ferry From Washington State to Vancouver Island

Washington State Ferry and Mt Baker (10,778 feet - 3,285 meters) View Photo Gallery

This article will take you though the logistics of traveling without your car on the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia.

The Low Down: Walk On Fare

A one-way walk on fare for one adult (age 19 – 64) is $16.85 from Anacortes, WA to Sidney, BC. Roundtrip cost is $33.70 on the Washington State Ferry.

64% Savings: Leave Your Car Behind

The cost of bringing a car from Anacortes to Sidney is $113 roundtrip - just for the car! A trip for two (with car) would cost $180.30. Reduce that cost by 64% to just $67.40 roundtrip for two adult walk ons (without car). Victoria Regional Transit System will get you around the Greater Victoria area (more on this below).

Option: Bring Your Bike

Bringing your bike is also an option. It will cost an additional charge of $6.00 one way ($12.00 roundtrip) on the ferry. The Victoria Regional Transit System is equipt to carry two bikes on each bus. However the Anacortes / Skagit Transit bus is not equipt to carry bikes, just ride to the ferry terminal from downtown Anacortes.

Ferry Port Locations

Anacortes, WA is located 77 miles (1 1/2 hours w/o traffic) northwest of Seattle. Sidney, BC is 16 miles (25 minutes) north of Victoria located on Vancouver Island.

Victoria Government Parliament Buildings - Inner Harbour - Victoria, BC

Victoria Government Parliament Buildings View Photo Gallery

Where to Leave Your Car in Anacortes

There are two Park and Ride locations in the Anacortes area - both with free overnight, multiple day parking. (Keep reading for info on parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal.)

One is located in the downtown area of Anacortes at 10th and Q Streets near the Safeway grocery store. The other is located at March's Point on the outskirts of Anacortes along Highway 20.

From either of these locations you can take the Skagit Transit 410 bus directly to the ferry terminal. Bus fare is $1.00 per adult. Skagit Transit – Anacortes Ferry Info

The ferry terminal is a little over 3 miles from downtown Anacortes, so it might be best to wait for the bus as opposed to walking with your bags.

Parking at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal
If you are feeling a little spendy or just need things to be a little easier, there is parking at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. The rates are as follows:

1 day (0-24 hours) - $10.00
2 days (48 hours) - $20.00
3 days (72 hours) - $25.00
One week (7 days) (72-168 hours) - $40.00
Calendar Month Permit - $90.00 (plus $4.00 processing fee)

Get more information for the Anacortes Ferry Terminal parking.

Bags / Luggage

Just walk on the ferry with your bags and leave your car behind! There are no lockers or bag check on the ferry. They ask you to not leave your bags unattended on the ferry for the 2 – 2 1/2 hour crossing.

Arriving in Sidney BC – Bus from Sidney to Victoria

Once you arrive in Sidney, you will go through customs with other people who walked on. The 70 Express Bus will take you directly into Downtown Victoria. Unfortunately, the bus does not enter the ferry area. It is a short 10 minute walk - 3 blocks west, 4 blocks north - to the bus stop. View this route map. Or walk along 1st Street for a view of the water and turn at Beacon Avenue.

Single tickets on the bus are $2.50 per ride. A DayPASS is a great option at $7.75 (valid until midnight). You may purchase a DayPASS at 7-11 located on Beacon at Resthaven Dr one block from where you catch the bus at 5th and Beacon. View fares. Transfers are available on the bus. View the Victoria Regional Transit System website.

Beacon is the main drag in the area. Catch the 70 Express Bus on Fifth at Beacon (Southwest corner of Fifth and Beacon in front of DFH Real Estate and Sidney Mortgage). Buses run about every 30 minutes. View the 70 Bus Schedule - View Bus Map

The 70 Express Bus will take you to Government at Superior in Downtown Victoria. You will arrive a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbor and the Empress Hotel. This is a main sightseeing area and well worth the walk.

The Empress Hotel - Inner Harbour - Victoria, BC View Photo Gallery

Sailing Times

View Washington State Ferries Sailing Schedule

Spring 2011 (March 27 - June 18, 2011)

Anacortes to Sidney – Lv: 8:30am, Ar: 11:10am

Sidney to Anacortes – Lv: 12:05pm, Ar: 3:00pm

Summer 2011 (June 19 – September 24, 2011)

There are two sailings leaving from Anacortes to Sidney:
Lv: 8:25am, Ar: 10:55am
Lv: 2:45pm, Ar: 4:50pm

There are two sailings leaving from Sidney to Anacortes:
Lv: 12:00pm (noon), Ar: 2:05pm
Lv: 5:55pm, Ar: 8:25pm (note the Skagit Bus may not be running this late – check for times)