The Vancouver-Victoria Fairy - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Rifleman · 08-14-2009, 08:57 AM

The boat, not the godmother.

I was wondering if any of you have been on it, and I got a few questions about it.

Do I need to go early and line up if I want to tug my car across? Are tickets usually sold out, and do I need to book it a few days in advance? It's like a cruise, right? Is there gamblin' on board? If not, is there a swimming pool?

I'm visiting 'Nuck territory, and if any of you also happen to have Kristin Kreuk's home address so I can stal.., I mean, visit her house unannounced and surprise her, I'd appreciate if you could pass that info along, preferably via PM.

The Yen Man · 08-14-2009, 09:02 AM

I've only been on it a couple of times, the last time being a couple months ago. From my experience, you don't need to book in advance or line up that early. I got there about 15 minutes before departure and still got a ticket.

And it's not like a cruise. There's no gambling on there. It's just a restaurant and a gift shop onboard. It's only about an hour and a half boat ride too, so it goes by pretty quick.

It's a relaxing ride I find. Nothing special, but kind of neat if you've never experienced it.

kermitology · 08-14-2009, 09:04 AM

Going from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay) has a ferry every hour. Ferry departs every hour on the hour. You buy a ticket when you get there, and you get directed to a lane. They call which lanes are going on the boat. If you miss the current one, you'll likely be on the second one. Last week I got there at 1:40 and caught the 3:00 ferry.

No it's not like a cruise really, no gambling or swimming, it's actually kind of cold. It takes about an hour and a half.

If you are with someone else it'll cost you $72 with taxes for you, the car and one other person.

Go to the bcferries.com site for more.

4X4 · 08-14-2009, 09:08 AM

I took this picture on the Van-Nanaimo ferry. Clearly it's the funnier route.

tvp2003 · 08-14-2009, 10:09 AM

If you're going during a busy time (i.e. on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon) expect some delays (obviously). A couple of years ago I went on the labour day weekend and it was a two ferry wait if you didn't purchase an advance ticket.

There used to be a buffet on certain ferries -- not sure if they still do that or if it's any good...

kermitology · 08-14-2009, 10:12 AM

Yeah, they still do the buffet, but it's pretty expensive IMO.

I usually just wait to eat.

Zevo · 08-14-2009, 10:13 AM

Umm...ya, you don't need to purchase an advance ticket to ride a fairy in Vancouver or Victoria. Now if you want to ride a ferry....

Cactus Jack · 08-14-2009, 10:14 AM

I thought this thread was about the Sedins.

It is a beautiful ride, enjoy the scenery.

MelBridgeman · 08-14-2009, 10:26 AM

Reservations cost an extra 15 bucks, guarantees you on the boat, but depending on the time...you usually can get on the first one you arrive for...Late Sunday afternoons especially on long weekends going to the mainland from Swartz Bay you could wait a few hours if you dont reserve

Ya it aint no cruise bro...they do have an arcade...that is about it

08-14-2009, 10:31 AM

Being from Nanaimo, I lived on the ferries. I remember a time when you didn't need reservations. The hamburgers are good, they're White Spot O burgers! I love the gravy!

HOOT · 08-14-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Do I need to go early and line up if I want to tug my car across? Are tickets usually sold out, and do I need to book it a few days in advance? It's like a cruise, right? Is there gamblin' on board? If not, is there a swimming pool?

Think of it as more of a slow highway. There is no gambling, no swimming pool and no fun. Bring lots of quarters for the video game room and massage chair thats about all the excitement you will find on those boats.

What day(s) are you traveling? That will be a factor in if you need reservations.

http://www.bcferries.com/

I'm still laughing about the cruise comment that is just priceless.

MelBridgeman · 08-14-2009, 11:34 AM

Alex Burrows departs every hour

Tyler · 08-14-2009, 11:51 AM

Ferry.

Peanut · 08-14-2009, 12:01 PM

Sometimes you can see whales - don't know if that's only during particular seasons or what. The Captain usually will announce it so people can go look out the windows.

That is about the most exciting experience I have had aboard the Vancouver-Victoria ferry.

The Goon · 08-14-2009, 12:04 PM

Best Freudian spelling error ever.

tvp2003 · 08-14-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOT

Think of it as more of a slow highway. There is no gambling, no swimming pool and no fun. Bring lots of quarters for the video game room and massage chair thats about all the excitement you will find on those boats.

What day(s) are you traveling? That will be a factor in if you need reservations.

http://www.bcferries.com/

I'm still laughing about the cruise comment that is just priceless.

We should have just told him to go straight to the washroom, change into his speedo, and then head upstairs for poolside drinks

trew · 08-14-2009, 12:27 PM

If you are planning on just hanging around downtown in Victoria, I would suggest grabbing the PCL bus rather than driving. It goes pretty much from downtown to downtown.

It's a lot cheaper, than taking a car, and is timed out so that you don't spend a lot of time waiting for the ferry. It's never full either.

drewboy12 · 08-14-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvp2003

We should have just told him to go straight to the washroom, change into his speedo, and then head upstairs for poolside drinks

Dont waste your time trying to line up for the poolside change room. Either change in your vehicle or the first bathroom as soon as you exit the garage. Head to the top deck! They supply towels so no need to bring your own! Oh before you head up first take your bag back to the garage and lock it in your car.

VANFLAMESFAN · 08-14-2009, 02:06 PM

This might be my favorite thread of the year. I'm not dogging on you Rifleman, but it's pretty damn funny. The spelling of ferry was funny enough, but the questions about the cruise and swimming pool just kind of put me over the edge. I'm sorry, but it's pretty damn funny. I'm just picturing a dude getting out of your car, putting on his swim suit, heading up to the deck with a towel looking for a swimming pool. Or asking an employee where the black jack tables are.

Personally, I hate the ferries. The novelty wears off after about 10 minutes. If you do catch a really nice day, it's not that bad to go sit on the deck, put on your sunglasses and just relax. There isn't much inside outside of out dated arcade games and a Triple O's diner. Have fun.

HOOT · 08-14-2009, 02:09 PM

If they did have a casino (which I'm in favor of, but will never happen) then the ride would be awesome!