Joshua ReyFed up with the same old route from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry? Yeah, me too. After some trial and error, we believe we’ve found the perfect road trip route packed with scenic views and hidden treasures.
Whether you’re a local explorer or a visitor seeking adventure, get ready to embark on a journey that combines relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.
- Best Time to Go
- How long is the drive from Vancouver to Tsawwassen?
- How to Get to Tsawwassen Ferry
- Best Stops from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry
- Drop by North Vancouver
- Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- Wander through Richmond
- Discover Grouse Mountain
- Visit the Serene George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
- Relax at Centennial Beach
- Take a Leisurely Stroll at Delta Nature Reserve
- Savor Authentic Cuisine at the Ladner Village Market
- Make a Detour to the White Rock Promenade
- Explore Peace Arch Provincial Park
- Apps to Download for a Trip from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry
Best Time to Go
The best time to ride a ferry at the Tsawwassen Ferry is early morning or late evening sailings. If you’re walking onto the ferry, it’s good to arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
Let’s say, if you’re taking the 10am ferry, make sure to arrive around 9:30 am. In addition, the ticket cut-off is 10 minutes prior to sailing.
How long is the drive from Vancouver to Tsawwassen?
The distance from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is approximately 36 km, and typically takes 40 to 45 minutes to drive.
However, the duration may vary depending on your starting point within Vancouver. If you’re departing from downtown, make sure to leave an hour before your boarding time to ensure you arrive on time.
How to Get to Tsawwassen Ferry
By car: The Tsawwassen terminal is situated 36 km south of downtown Vancouver, at the southwest end of Highway 17 in Delta. Take BC-17 and stay in the left lane. Make a left turn, and you’ll find the terminal on your right-hand side.
By public transit: Board the 620 bus to Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Upon arrival, head to the foot passenger entrance and buy your ferry ticket from either a self-serve kiosk or the ticketing counter.
Best Stops from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry
Drop by North Vancouver
Address: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-987-7155
Before embarking on your journey to the Tsawwassen Ferry, consider making a detour to North Vancouver. This vibrant area is well worth a visit, offering stunning beaches, mountains, and an array of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
North Vancouver also boasts a lively atmosphere similar to downtown, with an excellent selection of restaurants, the bustling Lonsdale Quay Market, fascinating attractions like MONOVA, the Shipyards, and a variety of renowned local breweries.
Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7474
The beautiful Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, nestled in a lush rainforest, features an array of scenic walkways adorned with charming lights, serene ponds, and captivating animal displays.
It’s akin to an outdoor theme park, with the iconic suspension bridge as its centerpiece. The park is well-marked with informative signs, making it a rich educational experience.
You can also enjoy a lovely souvenir shop and various food and drink options. While the admission may be a bit pricey, you can easily spend an entire day exploring and enjoying everything this unique attraction has to offer.
Wander through Richmond
Address: Richmond, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-276-4000
Richmond offers a lot of things to do and is truly a hidden gem with a fascinating history and an abundance of excellent restaurants.
Unique to this area, you can visit two National Historic Sites, stroll through the charming Steveston Village, and savor a variety of culinary delights at the Richmond Night Market.
Additionally, the area is home to numerous outstanding restaurants, making Richmond a must-visit destination for history buffs and food lovers alike.
Discover Grouse Mountain
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene WayNorth Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
Phone: 604-980-9311
Grouse Mountain, standing at 1,200 meters in British Columbia, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing and hiking.
The summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of Vancouver, showcasing its downtown skyline, Stanley Park, and the Fraser Valley. To reach these spectacular vistas, you can either take the Skyride aerial tram or hike up to the peak.
Visit the Serene George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Address: 5191 Robertson Rd, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-946-6980
The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is an excellent spot for bird enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to observe a variety of cheerful birds. For just $2 a bag, you can purchase bird seed at the entrance.
The sanctuary is a delightful blend of wilderness and accessibility, making it both safe and enjoyable for visitors. Spending a few hours here is highly recommended; the longer you stay still, the more you’ll see and hear.
Relax at Centennial Beach
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Address: 570 Boundary Bay Rd, Delta, BC V4L 1N2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-520-6442
Centennial Beach, located within Boundary Bay Regional Park, boasts stunningly clear blue waters. While the hiking trail lacks shade or trees, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Baker in Washington.
The beach hike is enjoyable, and if you love swimming, it’s a perfect spot to cool off while admiring the scenic backdrop of Mount Baker.
Take a Leisurely Stroll at Delta Nature Reserve
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Address: 10388 Nordel Ct, Delta, BC V4G 1J9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-520-6442
The Burns Bog Delta Nature Reserve features wooden boardwalk trails that wind through the world’s largest domed peat bog. It’s an excellent spot for a morning stroll or a walk at any time of day, offering opportunities for walking or hiking.
As you explore, take a moment to appreciate this unique ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in flood prevention. The bog resembles a vast, natural sponge, highlighting its importance in maintaining environmental balance.
Savor Authentic Cuisine at the Ladner Village Market
Address: Ladner, Delta, BC, Canada
Phone: +1 604-946-8590
The Ladner Village Market, one of Western Canada’s largest open-air markets, spans three blocks on 48th Avenue from Delta Street to Elliott Street.
Vendors offer an array of fresh produce, flowers, fruit, bakery items, honey, cheese, apple chips, seafood, and more, including food trucks. The market’s layout is well-designed, making it easy to navigate and find your favorite vendors.
Make a Detour to the White Rock Promenade
Address: White Rock, BC, Canada
As one of the few truly scenic spots around Surrey, this location can be a “goldmine” on a good day, perfect for spending half of your day. It’s a charming beach with a vintage feel, complemented by numerous great restaurants lining the road.
The famous White Rock Pier is easily accessible from the walkway at White Rock, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a day out.
Explore Peace Arch Provincial Park
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Address: Arch Border, BC-99, Surrey, BC, Canada
Phone: +1 604-541-1217
Peace Arch Provincial Park, straddling the U.S./Canada border, is a beautiful destination featuring expansive lawns and gardens ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
The park offers a serene atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset, and is a wonderful place to visit in winter, complete with camping facilities for an extended stay.
Apps to Download for a Trip from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry
Roadtrippers: turn-by-turn navigation with pre-made travel guides in Canada. Get alerts for unique attractions, local diners, scenic points, and hotels along your route.
BC Ferries App: travel resource for planning and booking personal ferry travel. Book sailings, manage your trips, and check schedules and current weather conditions.
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and shows you prices, sends you price hike alerts and the app notifies you about deals.
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
