Victoria from Bellingham (Vancouver, Everett, Anacortes: coupons, gardens, drivers license)

[MountainViews]

We are going to be visiting relatives in Everett and Bellingham in the spring. Would anyone happen to know the best way to get from Bellingham to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island? We hope to visit the gardens in Victoria while in the area. I would ask my wife's aunt in Bellingham, but from past experience, by the time she finished telling me, I'd probably forget why we were even going there.....

Are there ferry boats from Bellingham to Victoria? Or are there other ways to get there without a long swim?

Thank you!

[Ira500]

The easiest way would be to drive up to the Canadian ferry in Tsawassen, just over the border, maybe 25 miles from Bellingham, and the ferry goes to Sidney, which is just north of Victoria...It's a short and pretty ferry ride. You may want to google BC Ferries for more info.

[MountainViews]

Thank you. I would imagine that crossing the border requires a passport, so that might not work for us. But I will keep that in mind.

I appreciate the reply.
MV

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by MountainViews

... I would imagine that crossing the border requires a passport, so that might not work for us. ...

You will also be crossing the border to get onto Vancouver Island if you take the alternative ferry from Anacortes. (much longer process)

But.... you can get an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) that allows border crossing by land or sea (not air), available in most border states (probably TX too ) They are faster and cheaper to get if you already have a passport, but it is an option (leave yourself plenty of time to get it)

You will want to plan your crossing into CDN at a 'non-peak' time, and consider using the 'truck crossing' or another nearby if I-5 is backed up.

[hallmarkJen]

Originally Posted by MountainViews

Are there ferry boats from Bellingham to Victoria?

Yes, check at the Bellingham Ferry Terminal. It's more expensive than the public ferries.

[allforcats]

The enhanced driver's license program of the Dept. of State is essentially for commuters who work in Canada or Mexico, and involves an application process and a wait for approval.

An enhanced Texas driver's license will likely net a SENTRI, which permits faster entry to Mexico. For the northern border of the U.S. you need a NEXUS.

Both Canadian and U.S. Immigration and Customs officials take attempts to enter their countries very seriously. Here's what you need to know to:
-- enter Canada
Entering Canada • U.S. Consular Services in Canada
-- enter the U.S.
Documents You Will Need to Enter the United States - CBP.gov

[brian_in_Bellingham]

Victoria San Juan Cruises

A good day trip to Victoria from Bellingham, a lot easier then going through the border. There are 2 for 1 coupons, and they include a salmon or chicken dinner on the way back.