“ M.V Coho Ferry ” - (Black Ball Ferry Line)
The Black Ball ferry line operates "MV Coho” (Coho Ferry). This is one of the most convenient and famous ferry lines between USA and Canada. This Big boat - “M.V Coho” is named after the famous Coho salmon found in this part of Canada and USA.
A Brief History
- Designed by Philip F. Spaulding & Associates of Seattle
- Her keel was laid Jan 12, 1959 at the Puget Sound Bridge & Dry Dock in Seattle
- The Coho made its first sailing to Victoria Harbour on Dec 29, 1959
This is an old, but famous ship with some history built into it.
Travel the Big Boat - Victoria BC to Port Angels USA
M. V Coho is a "Vehicle and Passenger Ferry” that sails between two cities, which are Victoria, BC and Port Angeles in Washington State.
It has a capacity for 1000 passengers and 115 vehicles so it's not a small boat. It’s essentially like a road that connects two cities - Victoria BC Canada and Port Angeles Washington USA.
They have four sailings from both sides during the summer, but are less frequent during the rest of the year. The ferry crossing takes around 90 minutes.
When travelling between these two cities most tourists bring their
vehicles, so they get to be in the comfort of their own vehicles.
Nevertheless, those who are visiting Victoria will find that we have an
excellent public and private transportation system as well.
The Black Ball ferry terminal is located right in center of downtown Victoria. (walking distance to Parliament building and the Empress Hotel), so it is a convenient location for all its travelers. The ferry terminal is located in one corner of downtown, and all ferry passengers can easily walk to any location in downtown Victoria such as restaurants and bus stops all within minutes.
Our First Trip on “M.V Coho” – Victoria to Port Angeles
Our home town is Victoria BC. On a beautiful sunny Saturday, during the summer we sailed the Coho ferry to USA. We have taken BC Ferries to Vancouver and driven to Seattle several times in the past, but was a quick decision that we decided to change our routine route to Seattle and try the Coho ferry route via Port Angeles to Seattle instead. We thought why not try this scenic ferry route from downtown Victoria to Port Angeles, USA and then drive to Seattle from there.
We were Drive-on Passengers
Parked in the Lineup to Coho FerryWe knew that during the summer, ferries are always busy and fill up very quickly. So Saturday morning we called the ferry line to reserve a spot. It's too bad, we couldn't buy tickets online or over the phone since all the reservation spots were sold out. However, they said there are always some spots available for non reserved vehicles and encouraged us to give it a try.
According to the ferry policy online reservations close 12 hours before the departure and phone reservations are available up to one hour prior to sailing (if spaces are available). They also mentioned to us that sometimes online reservation spots are over days before the sailing.
Remember, that there is a lineup for first come, first serve basis spots too. First come, first serve travelers have to park their vehicles in the unreserved lineup at least couple of hours ahead.
So what did we do? Quick, Quick and Hurried up…., grabbed our luggage and rode to the terminal. Hoping to see if we are lucky enough for one of those “first come first serve spots”.
We were there
at 12:30pm for the ferry sailing at 3.00pm. When we reach the
terminal, for our disappointment, we found out first come first serve
lane is also full. Yet, the friendly staff told us that they accept a
few more cars for the standby lane too. So we were glad, at least there
was a possibility. You see... Here It's bad timing and we did
everything late on a busy Saturday.
Are You a Walk-On Passenger or a Bicycle Passenger to the Ferry?
Victoria and Port Angeles, both Coho ferry terminals are right in downtowns. This makes walking and biking affordable and easy. Bicycles are loaded with walk-on passengers. So no need to reserve a spot.
Travelling Tips 1
Please remember even if you have a reservation, you should arrive at Victoria terminal 90 minutes prior to departure to go through Immigration clearance by US Customs. From Port Angeles terminal at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Please make sure you have all your travel documents ready to avoid any disappointments and delays.
Coho Ferry Docking - Victoria BCOur Trip cont....
Around 1:30pm ferry staff started walking along the lineup, checking our passports. They were very nice and helpful. Boarding started at 2:30pm.
Finally, when we made it to the ferry. We parked our vehicle right at the ferry entrance door
because our vehicle and two other vehicles were last to get in.
Travelling Tips 2
If you decide to travel first come, first serve basis, you can still call to find out how soon you need to arrive to secure a spot at non-reserved vehicle space. You can drop your vehicle and hang around the city until its time to issue tickets.
Victoria downtown is a vibrant place. During warmer months, there’s lots to see in the city. While we were waiting for the ferry, we saw “Hippo Tours” (Bus or Boat or BUSBOAT however you like to call it) a cute amphibious vehicle sailing in the water. We watched “Prince of Wales” whale watching boats coming and going.
Travelling Tips 3
When you reach the terminal and find out that all non reserved spots are gone and you need to stay on the Standby lane (this is what happened to us). This means your spot is not guaranteed till the last moment. And so I recommend holding an alternate plan B or C available to you.
Plan B and C Options
You can take the Anacortes Ferry to Anacortes, USA or take BC Ferries to Vancouver and then drive to USA.
However, If you really like to sail Coho ferry, my opinion is to buy tickets online or over the phone to reserve a spot for your vehicle.
Please note - Coho Ferry takes an annual maintenance break. Usually mid January (19th.. 20th) to first week of February 4th...5th).
Inside the Ferry
Travelling Coho is all new experience for three of us. We explored, walked around the deck and inside.
Cafeteria
Feeling hungry, next we entered the ship’s cafeteria. It is a nice place to sit down and take the lunch, dinner or a snack.
Coho Ferry Cafeteria
Lunch Time - We had an Absolutely Delicious Clam Chowder and a Fish and Chips MealPrices are affordable too. Hot Hot chili and their famous clam chowder look mouth watering. We didn't buy chili because our daughter Lapaly doesn't like to eat chili. We ordered clam chowder, Chicken strips, fish and chips…. Yummy yummy stuff.... We were totally happy and enjoyed our meals.
Delicious Food and Scenic ViewDuty Free & Gift Shops
Coho has a duty free shop that sells liquor. There is also a gift shop with nice goodies to make your gift ideas memorable or just something to treat yourself. We noticed always there are people gathering around the duty free shop.
Scenic Tour and the Ferry Ride
View of the Olimpic Mountains from Observation Area Inside the CohoIt was a thrilling and bumpy ride crossing the Juan de Fuca Strait to Port Angeles. We don’t know if it was just another windy day or a “Perfect Storm” or perhaps the ride is always like this. This is quite a different ride compared to BC Ferry ride. The Big boat started to Sway Surge and Roll. We felt like riding a seesaw at one point. This was my daughter's favorite part of the whole journey. We enjoyed it very much too. Lots of people were gathered in front of the vessel. It is a place to enjoy the scenic view and the ride as well.
This vessel has a nice and warm observation area inside, we can see the beautiful Olympic mountain range right in front of us when reaching Port Angeles. It is such a beautiful scenic view.
90 Minutes to USA
To get to Port Angeles takes only 90 minutes. We went through customs really fast.
And here we see “ Welcome to Port Angeles USA”
Entrance to Port Angeles
