The advantage of this tour company is that the travel coaches are much smaller, allowing for only 24 passengers. Our group included 14 travel agents from Holland and tourists from England and Germany. The British Columbia ferry system Boarding a ferry on the British Columbia Ferry system is quite an experience. Their fleet of 42 ships is larger than the Canadian Navy. The two new super ferries, the Spirit of British Columbia, and the Spirit of Vancouver, carry 2,000 passengers.
Ferries operate year round with reduced schedules and rates during the winter months.
Getting on the ferry is kind of like going through a turnpike toll plaza. Our tour bus, along with about 25 other buses, drove right into the belly of the ferry, where everyone disembarked and made their way upstairs to relax in a warm lounge, and watch the scenery along the picturesque Gulf Islands. The more adventuresome passengers could go out on deck to brave the elements, or elect to stay inside and enjoy hot coffee and French pastries in the coffee caf , or go up another level to the huge breakfast buffet. Other amenities include a game room, a gift shop, and a playground for the little ones. Gardens that bloom all year Victoria's legendary passion for gardening began when British settlers planted roses to remind them of home.