Viewed on a map, the geography around Vancouver is a maze of channels, inlets, coves and islands big and small.  Many places are cut off by water from the mainland, which means that truly understanding the region and all it has to offer requires a brief primer on Vancouver’s vibrant ferry culture.

BC Ferries, the provincial ferry company, operates one of the largest fleets in the world, with 35 vessels serving 47 different ports of call.   Each day thousands of people take advantage of the ferries to visit Vancouver Island, the beautiful Gulf Islands scattered in the Strait of Georgia and hard-to-reach places on the BC coast.   Around Vancouver, ferries leave from the scenic ports of Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen (both about a 45-minute drive from downtown).

Many of the vessels are more like mini cruise ships than conventional ferries.  On board are cafeterias and buffets, gift shops and deluxe lounges, work stations and tourist info offices.  Open observation decks outside provide panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Sightings of seals, whales and bald eagles are common, and many ships have trained naturalists on board to comment on the wildlife.  In fact, the stunning scenery can make the trip feel more like a sightseeing tour than a ferry ride.

The best part: British Columbia’s ferries are relatively inexpensive and often uncrowded.  Most visitors to Vancouver choose to stick to dry land, never exploring the wonders that wait just off shore.  Plus, the process of booking a ferry trip is surprisingly easy.  For a small surcharge (around $15), reservations for cars can be made on the BC Ferries website, guaranteeing a spot on the vessel of your choice.