Seattle–Victoria BC Ferry: The MV Coho
Correction: Port Angeles, Not Seattle
The primary year-round ferry between Washington State and Victoria, BC is the **MV Coho**—but it sails from **Port Angeles** (Olympic Peninsula), not Seattle. The route is operated by **Black Ball Ferry Line** (private, US-flagged).
MV Coho Specifications
- Built: 1959 (Christensen Shipbuilding, Tacoma)
- Capacity: 110 vehicles, 1,000 passengers
- Crossing time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Distance: 22 nautical miles (41 km) across Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Schedule: 2–4 round trips daily (seasonal); reservations recommended for vehicles
- Terminals: Port Angeles (US CBP) ↔ Victoria Inner Harbour (CBSA)
Seattle–Victoria Alternatives
| Service | Operator | Route | Time | Notes |
|---|
| Victoria Clipper | Clipper Navigation | Seattle (Pier 69) → Victoria Inner Harbour | 2h 45m | Passenger-only catamaran; year-round |
| Washington State Ferries | WSF | Seattle (Colman Dock) → Bainbridge Island → drive to Port Angeles → Coho | 4h+ total | No direct Seattle–Victoria car ferry |
| Kennewick/Port Townsend | Private/WSF | Seasonal passenger ferries | Var. | Limited schedule |
Inside Passage Context
The Coho route (Port Angeles–Victoria) is the **eastern gateway** to the Inside Passage—the sheltered coastal network extending north to Alaska. Many Alaska-bound travelers use this segment.
Border Formalities
- US CBP pre-clearance in Victoria (for US-bound)
- CBSA in Victoria Inner Harbour
- Passport/NEXUS/Enhanced DL required; arrive 60 min before sailing (vehicles)
Wanderlust World