Community Forums

Orangepeel · 05-24-2014, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

No change in rates in summer; they're high all the time.
Reservations possible on BC Ferries, If your travelling on a Fri or Mon . I'd rec-commend them . You MUST arrive 30 mins. before sailing time or your reservation & fee is lost.
I avoid summer travel, so on that route in particular, can't say if they would be necessary mid- week days.
Ferry rates have doubled in the last 8 years, and March first of this year, they started charging BC seniors 1/2 fare for mid-week travel, instead of being free; we just paid vehicle fee , no passenger fare.

Thanks for that info Skip. I would not have known about that 30 minutes and with my luck would have arrived at 25 minutes!

And that stinks that thy changed senior fares. It seems more things like this are disappearing; I see it often when I am out with my mom. I figure by the time I get to claim my senior status it won't be worth much.

Skip426 · 05-24-2014, 10:00 AM

BC ( Bring Cash ) ferries , is an equal opportunity gouger . They do offer a discount card ( Experience ) but unless your planning multiple uses, per year not worth the hassle . If you don't have the correct amount loaded on the account card you have to load a minimum $ 105 ( I think ) to use the card. So if you are a dollar short it costs you $105 the amount stays on the card till used, no refunds.

Also, BC Ferries, has a fuel surcharge, the fares posted are based on a set price for fuel, when the fuel price changes, or the Canadian dollar value changes; because they are buying fuel in US$; the amount of the surcharge changes. So any calculations you make on pricing today, can be off considerably when you get to the ticket booth.

Orangepeel · 05-24-2014, 10:10 AM

Yowtch! That discount card does not sound like it would work well for me. Maybe Jack ran his with a discount card. In my other post on page 1 I still did not get the numbers he did.

Jack1234 · 05-24-2014, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangepeel

Yowtch! That discount card does not sound like it would work well for me. Maybe Jack ran his with a discount card. In my other post on page 1 I still did not get the numbers he did.

I think your numbers are correct as the website I visited did not take into account the "over-height" premium. Apologies.

Orangepeel · 05-24-2014, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack1234

I think your numbers are correct as the website I visited did not take into account the "over-height" premium. Apologies.

Ah, that would explain some difference! Now if I can get past having to make two reservations that would save me $30 and bring that cost down!

Do you all think it might be too risky to just make the RV reservation and hope I can drive the toad on without a reservation? Not sure how busy it gets and if I would mess plans up by trying it.

Skip426 · 05-24-2014, 10:34 AM

Way more space on the ferries for passenger vehicles than anything over height. So reserve for the RV, and showing up over 1/2 hour early should get the toad on .

EDIT: These are BIG ships, multiple loading decks and 1/2 decks and wings that vehicles get loaded to , the RV will be easy to find, the person driving the toad, will have to make careful note of location to return. Stairwells are marked with different paintings of ocean wildlife, star fish, whales, seals etc. decks well numbered as are the bulkhead parking zones. Don't ignore the return to vehicle announcements so you can watch the ferry dock, if you're not in your vehicle ready to move , you will not be popular.

Orangepeel · 05-24-2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Don't ignore the return to vehicle announcements so you can watch the ferry dock, if you're not in your vehicle ready to move , you will not be popular.

Heh, that is an understatement. We have seen this happen on a Seattle/Bainbridge ferry.

Thanks for all the advice folks; we really appreciate it!!

OLYLEN · 05-25-2014, 09:24 AM

Why is it GOUGING to recover the cost of YOUR pleasure? Both BC and Washinton state ferries are cost recovery and WA ferries run at a loss. I love the idea of senior discounts but at a point even us old guys must pay a fair share.
LEN

Ron_H · 05-26-2014, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeabeckS

Just wondering if you're aware that you need a US Passport to visit Canada these days? I've discovered on some motorcycle forums that I belong to...that not everyone is aware. Or do you have the "enhanced" Washington drivers licenses?

Just for clarification, here is a quote from the Canada Border Services website...

"If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification."

You don't need a passport at a land border crossing if you area US or Canadian citizen. You do however need a passport or Enhanced Driver's License to re-enter the US.

Oregon Duck · 05-26-2014, 07:42 AM

I have taken all the ferries. First how long are you staying on Vancouver Island and how far up are you traveling. Scenery is best on Anacortes thru San juan islands or B C Ferry. Black Ball is Quick but just goes across the Strait. If your just going to Victoria you can leave your R V at a park in Anacortes and motel it with just the car. The Island has a lot to offer just depends on the time you want to spend.

Orangepeel · 05-26-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon Duck

I have taken all the ferries. First how long are you staying on Vancouver Island and how far up are you traveling. Scenery is best on Anacortes thru San juan islands or B C Ferry. Black Ball is Quick but just goes across the Strait. If your just going to Victoria you can leave your R V at a park in Anacortes and motel it with just the car. The Island has a lot to offer just depends on the time you want to spend.

A week to ten days is how long we plan to stay. We plan on staying at Peddler Bay RV & Marina and using the toad to get around. We really don't want the expense of a hotel and our RV is far more comfortable.

Oregon Duck · 05-26-2014, 08:06 AM

Whatever you decide in summer all the ferries can have 1 to 2 hour wait. get in line early even with reservations. Its hard to time getting there with traffic at all locations. I would recommend anacortes, and there are nice parks close by. We use to live in san juans and I never tire of the trip thru the islands. Enjoy you trip

Orangepeel · 05-26-2014, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon Duck

Whatever you decide in summer all the ferries can have 1 to 2 hour wait. get in line early even with reservations. Its hard to time getting there with traffic at all locations. I would recommend anacortes, and there are nice parks close by. We use to live in san juans and I never tire of the trip thru the islands. Enjoy you trip

We had talked about driving to whatever embarkation we chose and finding a park there for the night so we could get a jump start on boarding in the morning. Hoping this will be a good plan!

coupevilleDF · 05-26-2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangepeel

We had talked about driving to whatever embarkation we chose and finding a park there for the night so we could get a jump start on boarding in the morning. Hoping this will be a good plan!

There is a commercial park as soon as you enter Anacortes on highway 20 that would work for that. It is probably 15 to 20 minutes from the terminal. Fidalgo Bay Resort. We have not stayed there but it looks nice from the highway.

There is a county campground even closer but I am not sure about big size oupr how to make reservations. We may be up that way later this week and could check if you like. Note: it doesn't show camping on Allstays, but I think there is camping there.