What to know before you go
- 01
You're crossing into Canada, so bring a passport. FRS Clipper's own words: "Passport, Passport Card or EDL required when crossing an international border." A REAL ID driver's license is not enough.
- 02
Children 15 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens need proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate; a photocopy won't do. Visitors from other countries need a valid passport, and some need a visa; Visa Waiver travelers need an approved ESTA before returning to the U.S.
- 03
The Victoria Clipper V is a high-speed, passenger-only catamaran. The crossing takes around two hours and 45 minutes, from Pier 69 in Seattle to the Belleville Terminal at 470 Belleville Street, on Victoria's Inner Harbour.
- 04
It sails year-round, one round trip a day, apart from a winter dry-dock break; in spring and summer some dates get a second round trip.
- 05
FRS Clipper sells Victoria day trips, such as afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, a short walk from the ferry: a morning sailing out and an evening sailing back. Not every date's schedule allows a same-day return, so check yours or plan a night in Victoria.
- 06
Check in at Pier 69 at least an hour before departure. Coming home, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Victoria before you board.
- 07
On board there's food and drink from two galleys, an outside upper deck, a gift shop and duty-free on international sailings. You can bring one carry-on and one personal item, and check up to two bags.
Schedules change by season, and there's a winter dry-dock break. Check the official FRS Clipper site for current sailings, tickets and travel document rules before you go.