We will be traveling from port angeles to victoria for an overnight this summer during a 10 day trip to the seattle/onp area. I have heard about the Coho and Victoria Express ferries. Are there any others? Are there advantages to one over the other? I'm not sure whether we will take our car or leave it overnight. All we want to do is see the inner harbor, downtown and the gardens. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Victoria Express is passenger only and takes 60 minutes while Coho is an auto ferry and takes 90 minutes. Victoria Express is a much small vessel and subject to greater motion. The boats cross north and south against a west to east current. Swell should not be a big problem in summer, but if you have a history of motion sickness, take the Coho, it will worth the extra half hour. Most people would not mention the motion issue, I mention it for good and probably obvious reason.

These are the only two vessels from the Peninsula to Canada. Other options are from Anacortes (long trip) or mainland British Columbia. Victoria Express costs $10.50 and Coho $9.50 passenger rates. Taking your car on the Coho can be tricky. The boat usually fills in summer, so people line up the night before for the morning run. There's usually overflow and runs are about 4 hours apart, therefore missing a run is a big deal.

You can get along well in Victoria without a car if you are a hearty walker. Visiting the Garden requires a bus trip up Island. Buses are frequent and comfortable. Taking a car is preferred if you want to tour the many great local artists studios, but you would not really have time for that on a one night trip.

Leaving your car overnight should not be a problem if you have lodging the previous night at a local hotel, they should be willing to keep your car. There is also parking across from the dock in PA and many people leave cars. Your car should be safe there, but I would opt for leaving it at the hotel if possible. I believe the main PA hotel (it's a Best Western I think) will take you to the dock.

We took this trip (again) last month and had a great time. The highlight was the art studios. See www.cohoferry.com and www.victoriaexpress.com for further info. Enjoy.

Thanks for your advice. If we take the Coho without our car, is there any reason to get there more than 1/2 hour ahead of time? Is it easy to park and get to the boat--are the parking lots ever full? We will be driving from Port Ludlow and Sequim.

I have seen the parking lots full, but only on a particularly busy holiday weekend. The lots are right across the street. I'm not aware of there ever being a problem just getting on the Coho as a walk on. It's a big ship, but without a huge car deck. A half hour sounds like cutting a little close with parking, walking and ticketing.

We took the Victoria Express over on the 4th of July, and the Coho back later that day. We walked up to the Express about 20 minutes before it left and bought tickets. But, the Coho left 10 minutes later, so we knew we could get on it if the Express was full. You need to get to either boat 30 minutes before departure coming back to go through customs. Both rides were smooth, and the larger Coho actually rocked more. Both trips took at least 15 minutes longer to cross than they advertise.

While you're in Victoria make sure you take the guided tour of the Parliament Building. Better than we thought it would be and very entertaining.

we have taken them both.. will be back next week and and taking the coho.. more room to walk around smoother ride just liked it better

The only ferry service between Port Angeles and Victoria is now the Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho). The service is year-round and takes 90 minutes to cross. All road-legal vehicles are accepted (with a 14' height limit) and walk-on passengers are also accepted. There is ample parking in several private lots very near the dock. The schedule has many more sailings during summer months. www.CohoFerry.com is the web site. 1(888) 99-FERRY for questions.