Explore Vancouver and Victoria via Catamaran

More than a means of transport, V2V is a beautiful nautical journey through a mystical, cultural, natural landscape like nowhere on Earth

Sailing between Vancouver and Victoria on a sleek, modern catamaran presents a quintessential British Columbia adventure for local and world travellers.

If you are planning a memorable trip to the region, the world’s most scenic city destinations – vibrant and bustling Vancouver and quaint and charming Victoria – the new V2V experience is an iconic adventure for you to experience.

V2V Empress sails daily March 15, 2019 to October 31, 2019, linking Vancouver’s cosmopolitan city life with Victoria’s historic-yet-hip allure, showcasing the stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest and South Western Canada along the way.

Vancouver’s varied shopping, stylish hotels, inventive dining and hopping cultural scene thrive in a chic but laid-back metro setting where mountains, forests and ocean meet. Victoria charms visitors with its British bent — explore the pubs and candy shops, tea houses and specialty stores — and impresses with its culturally rich museums, surprising mews, lush gardens and landscape and important institutions as the provincial Capital.

The two cities are at a distance so experiencing both destinations in a day can be ambitious. Forego lengthy transfers to ferry terminals by journeying with V2V on its high-speed catamaran service, launched in 2017. Opting to board V2V’s comfortable and premium travel service means time to unwind and be moved by stunning scenery over delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. In the safe hands of a friendly, professional and obliging service team and savvy, insightful concierge, a host of exciting day trips or extended stays in two extraordinary destinations is easy and exciting.

Worries drift away in the waves of the Pacific when relaxing aboard the convenient Vancouver-to-Victoria journey, starting and finishing in the heart of downtown. Whether commemorating a trip-of-a-lifetime or simply travelling in style, V2V is about cruising the coast in comfort and style.

The V2V Empress experience places travellers aboard a premium vessel for a personalised journey with exceptional comfort and time-saving convenience. The opportunity to voyage while learning about the region’s rich culture, tasting local cuisine and relaxing into the rare scenic beauty of Vancouver and Victoria harbours, and the Haro Straits in between, is as inspiring and memorable as it is restorative and fun.

The voyage aboard the 242-passenger high-speed catamaran, V2V Empress, takes less than three hours and thirty minutes between Victoria and Vancouver and features a concierge service to allow guests to make bookings from an exclusively curated list of cultural and authentic attractions at both destinations.

Passengers are also invited to the upper outside deck to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view. Step up and into the open air to feel the ocean wind in your hair, the excitement of a coastal journey and the thrill of unobstructed photo and video opportunities. The V2V Empress is wheelchair-accessible.

Equipped with ergonomic leather seating wired with handy USB ports and power outlets in every seat, each trip can be productive as well as pleasurable.

Convenient: Stress-free Travel

V2V offers a uniquely comfortable and convenient journey option between Vancouver and Victoria.

There are no bus transfers or lengthy cab rides needed to a ferry terminal up to an hour outside the city.

Instead, you get to enjoy a beautiful, highly personalised and authentic experience cruising in style from city centre to city centre in less than three hours and thirty minutes.

Dynamic: Downtown to Downtown

V2V is the only ferry service that transports passengers directly from the heart of downtown Vancouver right into Victoria’s historic Inner Harbour.

Departing from downtown Vancouver at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, one level above the Seaplane Terminal and Docks, on the Waterfront Walkway, the V2V Terminal is within walking distance of a variety of accommodation options, including luxury hotels such as the Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, as well as boutique properties.

In Victoria, V2V Empress departs directly from the Inner Harbour at the historic Steamship Building. The V2V dock is within walking distance of the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Hotel Grand Pacific, and pick up points to the best Victoria and Butchart Gardens sightseeing tours and activities.

Naturally Scenic

The waters of southwestern British Columbia are some of the most spectacular in the world and the V2V experience — with massive windows and outdoor decks — showcases the stunning regional coastline, waters, bays, mountains and harbours. Through the unforgettable beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands, passengers are also invited to the upper outside deck to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree moving vista and access to the sundeck perfect for wildlife watching: eagles, whales, sea lions and more have been often reported by travellers and crew.

Once docked, on Vancouver Island, you can venture further into the nature in majestic wilderness parks. Spot both black and grizzly bears, elk, deer and an abundance of feathered wildlife. In Vancouver, ride the gondola to the peak of the magnificent Grouse Mountain for stunning views and the refuge home of grizzly bears, Coola and Grinder. From there, journey north along the Sea to Sky Highway to the famous ski resort town of Whistler, where black bears are a frequent sighting.

With its natural agricultural bounty and fresh seafood, British Columbia is a culinary destination. Out of respect for the terroir and local culinary talent, V2V offers a thoughtful culinary program on board.

Delivered fresh each day from chosen local suppliers to the Vancouver and Victoria docks, V2V offers an impressive on-board menu. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible to celebrate the region’s culinary best. Culinary service is complemented by a selection BC wine, local beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.

The V2V Empress travels 74 nautical miles between Victoria to Vancouver. From Victoria, the V2V Empress departs from the downtown harbour and sails pass Ogden Point and into the Juan de Fuca Strait, navigating around Victoria and the tip of Vancouver Island. As it glides smoothly through the waters, the vessel enters through Haro Strait and the southern Gulf Islands, connecting it to the Active Pass and into the Strait of Georgia. At cruising speed, the ship heads towards Vancouver entering into English Bay, sailing close to the Stanley Park and under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge into Coal Harbour. As it rounds the corner into the harbour, the view from the vessel showcases a stunning view of Downtown Vancouver, including the unique and highly photographed Canada Place.

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