In a region dotted with maze after maze of islands and mainland regions only accessible by boat (or plane), ferry routes serve as extensions of highway systems. They are essential for people who live in those communities to commute from point A to point B.
For the rest of us, ferries are fun. They add an exciting, unique element to road trips and getaways. And in some cases, the ferry journey is the main attraction. Here is a list of seven ferry road trips that offer stunning scenery, the possibility of spotting marine and bird life, and fascinating destinations ripe for exploring.
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Waterfront View
Anacortes | San Juan Islands
Washington
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway includes the ferry route from the city of Anacortes to three islands served by ferry: San Juan, Orcas and Lopez. The starting point of Anacortes is a historic and charming city that’s considered the gateway to the San Juan Islands. At a minimum, give yourself a few extra hours to explore Commercial Avenue’s shops, antique stores and galleries, and grab a meal at one of the many eateries on the avenue. Ideally, spend a night in Anacortes to absorb the full vibe of this maritime city before boarding the ferry the next day.
The ferry sails on the pristine waters of the Salish Sea between forested islands with rocky shores. This route is one of the most beautiful of the entire state ferry system. The three island destinations each have their own character. Lopez is rural with a small village feel. Farms, sheep, beaches, forests and an excellent bakery in the village are what you’ll discover. If you brought bicycles, the sparsely trafficked rural roads are perfect for exploring on two wheels.
From the air, Orcas Island is shaped like a horseshoe with a long sound splitting the two sides and the village of Eastsound at the top. Eastsound is rich with fine restaurants, independently owned shops and galleries full of local artisan creations, and luxury lodging. Exploring the island is a joy with new discoveries around every bend, like Moran State Park with Mt. Constitution and its panoramic views of the islands. At the risk of romanticizing, Orcas emanates a distinctly magical vibe. If fairies exist, they surely call this island home.
San Juan Island is home to the largest town in the archipelago: Friday Harbor. You could spend the entire visit in town checking out the shops, galleries, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art and the Whale Museum. The food scene highlights locally produced foods from sea to farm. Venture out of town to explore historic Roche Harbor, the San Juan Islands National Historical Park, and Lime Kiln Light Point State Park for the opportunity to spot orcas.
Anacortes: anacortes.org
San Juan Islands: visitsanjuans.com
Insider Tip
It would be a crime to visit Orcas Island without stopping at one of the best bakeries on the West Coast, located in Eastsound—Brown Bear Baking—operated by two gentlemen, both graduates of the prestigious San Francisco Baking Institute.
Seattle | Bainbridge Island
Washington
This is the most heavily trafficked ferry route in the state, and for two good reasons: Seattle and Bainbridge Island. Seattle speaks for itself as a world-class destination. The 30-minute ferry ride provides a refreshing respite from the excitement of the city as soon as you walk or drive on board. The crossing showcases the city skyline in one direction and the rural island framed by the Olympic Mountains (on a clear day) in the other direction.
Bainbridge Island is home to the walkable, browsable and infinitely captivating town of Winslow. Take a driving tour of the island’s nooks and crannies. Reserve a visit to the world-renowned gardens at the Bloedel Institute. Pop into the Bainbridge Island Art Museum. Take a tasting tour of the island’s collection of wineries.
The island is also the gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympic Peninsula beyond, both worth days of exploring to unearth new discoveries.
Seattle: visitseattle.org
Bainbridge Island: visitbainbridgeisland.org
Insider tip
Pia the Peacekeeper is a giant troll who lives on Bainbridge Island. Pia is one of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s six wooden troll installations in the Northwest. Stop by and take a photo with Pia. You’ll find her at Sakai Park.
Mukilteo | Whidbey Island
Washington
North of Seattle, the waterfront town of Mukilteo, with its often-photographed lighthouse, is the jumping-off point for the state’s longest island: Whidbey. The ferry crossing only takes 20 minutes, and once on land, the entire island is easily explored, as the drive from south to north is about 55 miles. Whidbey is home to five towns, each unique: Clinton (location of the ferry terminal), charming Langley, Freeland, historic Coupeville (the state’s second oldest town) and Oak Harbor (the largest, home to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station).
Between the towns, discover forests, farms, state parks—including Deception Pass, the state’s most visited state park with its famous scenic bridges—beaches, historic sites and much more. Plan at least a weekend for a visit to Whidbey Island; a day trip is not enough time to take it all in.
Mukilteo: discoversnohomishcounty.com/visitor-regions/salish-sea/mukilteo/
Whidbey Island: whidbeycamanoislands.com
Insider Tip
One of the most scenic spots in the state is Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve near Coupeville. Spend some time exploring the historic area; walk its trails, visit the beach, visit the blockhouses built in the 1850s, and take in the expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Sourdough Willys
Edmonds | Kingston
Washington
You could drive right to the ferry line to wait to board, or you could detour into Edmonds to enjoy its downtown and waterfront. Stop by the Cascadia Art Museum, browse Main Street shops and galleries and duck into The Crumpet Shop for a cuppa and a crumpet. Then drive to the ferry line.
After the 30-minute ferry ride, you will disembark in the town of Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula. This is the gateway to many attractions, like the sweeping views of the Salish Sea at the Point No Point Lighthouse; the town of Poulsbo with its Scandinavian motif; Heronswood Gardens with its trails exploring both natural and formal gardens featuring native and rare plants from around the world; and historic Port Gamble, a village that’s a 19th-century time capsule.
Edmonds: exploreedmonds.com
Kingston: explorekingstonwa.com
Insider Tip
Kingston is home to the Sourdough Willy’s, a pizzeria owned by Will Grant, a Master Pizzaiolo who is the first American to earn the Premio Follie Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pizza World Cup in Rome, Italy. Don’t leave Kingston without one of his legendary pizzas made with a 130-year-old sourdough starter from the Klondike Goldrush.
Port Angeles | Victoria
Washington and British Columbia
A private ferry company operates the MV Coho, a workhorse of a ferry that has sailed roundtrip across the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles, Washington, and Victoria, British Columbia, twice a day since 1959. You can walk on the MV Coho or bring your vehicle. If you plan to confine your visit to Victoria, walking on is advisable, as transportation in this mostly walkable city is easy.
The city of Port Angeles is largest on the Olympic Peninsula and is the gateway to the northern section of Olympic National Park. Next to the ferry terminal, visit the Olympic Coast Discovery Denter and the Feiro Marine Life Center and stroll the Port Angeles Pier and climb its viewing tower for photo-worthy views.
The crossing takes 90 minutes, and once you’re through Canadian customs, you’re ready to explore British Columbia’s capital city of Victoria. You will disembark in the heart of the city in the Inner Harbour. Where to begin? This depends on your interests. For history and culture, it’s the Royal B.C. Museum and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. For gardens, it’s Butchart Gardens, Abkhazi Garden and Beacon Hill Park. For architecture, it’s the Parliament Buildings, Craigdarroch Castle and the Fairmont Empress. For afternoon tea, head to the Fairmont Empress, Abkhazi Garden or Pendray Tea House.
Port Angeles: visitportangeles.com
Victoria: tourismvictoria.com
Insider Tip
The Canada’s oldest Chinatown is in Victoria, still vibrant with shops and Chinese eateries. Learn the history and the inside scoop of this national historic site on a guided walking tour of Chinatown with Discover the Past.
Vancouver | Sunshine Coast
British Columbia
The Sunshine Coast is an area on the mainland whose roads are only reachable by ferry. It’s split into two sections—north and south—separated by water; to explore the entire Sunshine Coast requires two ferries.
The ferry embarks in Horseshoe Bay, just outside of Vancouver, and docks at Langdale on the southern Sunshine Coast. To reach the northern Sunshine Coast, the ferry embarks at Earl’s Cove for Saltery Bay.
To fully appreciate the communities and activities on the Sunshine Coast, it’s best to plan for at least three days. The Sunshine Coast Highway follows both sections of the coast with the towns of Sechelt, Powell River and, finally, Lund and many smaller villages in between along your path. The coastal island scenery will have you pausing to take in the Salish Sea and island views along the way. And the peaks of the Coast Range rise in the east. Select from lodging along the coast from luxury wellness resorts to historic inns. Dining typically features fresh seafood from local waters and produce from local farms.
Horseshoe Bay: vancouversnorthshore.com/neighbourhood/horseshoe-bay
Sunshine Coast: sunshinecoastcanada.com
Insider Tip
Townsite Brewing in Powell River is a perfect place to wet your whistle with Belgian-inspired beers. The brewery and tasting room occupy a historic building, and the brewery is designated as an Economusée, which showcases artisans at work as they produce authentic, handcrafted products. Take a self-guided tour of the brewery as you enjoy one of their beers.
Bellingham | Southeast Alaska
Washington and Alaska
Sailing on the Alaska Ferry is one of North America’s great adventures. To say the route up the B.C. coast and into Alaska’s Inside Passage is spectacular is an understatement. While sailing aboard the fleet of four mainline ferries does not constitute a luxury cruise, passengers have all the amenities they need from staterooms to being allowed to pitch a tent on the deck. The food is good, and the views are even better. There’s even a movie lounge on board. And, yes, you can drive your vehicle on board.
The journey from Bellingham to Ketchikan, the southernmost port in Alaska, takes about one and a half days and another day from Ketchikan to Juneau. But the Alaska Ferry goes to many other ports besides those two. Planning a multi-port vacation on this ferry system is entirely possible, just be prepared to spend the necessary time in each port between sailings. For example, if you wish to visit Petersburg, the ferry stops there only once a week.
Bellingham: bellingham.org
Alaska’s Inside Passage: travelalaska.com/destinations/regions/inside-passage