Let’s be real: most people think catching the ferry boat from Port Angeles to Victoria is just a simple "show up and drive on" situation. Honestly, if you try that on a Saturday in July, you’re probably going to be sitting in a parking lot eating lukewarm fries while the boat sails away without you.
The MV Coho isn’t just a boat; it’s a time capsule. It’s been running since 1959, and while it’s meticulously maintained, it has a specific rhythm you have to learn if you don't want to get stuck.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
You’d think a ferry running since the fifties would have a static schedule, but it shifts constantly based on the season.
Right now, if you're looking at early 2026, there is one massive detail you cannot miss: the ship is totally out of service for annual maintenance from January 5th through February 18th, 2026. If you show up at the Port Angeles terminal on February 10th, you’ll find nothing but seagulls.
Once it's back in action on February 19th, it settles into a two-trip-per-day routine. Usually, that’s an 8:20 AM and a 2:00 PM departure from Port Angeles. But come mid-May? Everything changes. They ramp up to three or even four sailings a day to handle the summer crowds.
- Winter/Spring (Feb 19 - May 13): Two sailings (8:20 AM, 2:00 PM).
- Summer Peak: Up to four sailings, including late-night runs.
- Fall Transition: Back to three, then two as the weather turns.
The Passport Problem (It's Not Just a Driver's License)
I’ve seen people get turned away at the toll booth because they thought a standard "REAL ID" was enough. It isn’t. Since you’re crossing an international border into Canada, the rules are rigid.
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Basically, you need a Passport, a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). Note the word "Enhanced." If your license just has a star in the corner for REAL ID compliance, that works for domestic flights, but it won’t get you into Victoria. Washington State residents are lucky because they can get the EDL, but if you’re visiting from Oregon or California, you better have that blue passport book ready.
Traveling with Kids and Pets
If you’ve got kids under 16, they generally only need a birth certificate.
And yeah, the Coho is legendary for being pet-friendly. Your dog can actually hang out with you on the ship in designated areas, which is a huge relief compared to other ferries that force pets to stay in the car. Just make sure you have their rabies vaccination certificate handy. The border agents don't always ask for it, but when they do, they really mean it.
The Art of the Arrival Time
The Black Ball Ferry Line folks are pretty strict about their cutoff times. If you have a vehicle reservation, you must be at the terminal 60 to 90 minutes before departure.
Why so early? Because Port Angeles is where the staging happens, but the actual Customs and Immigration happens after you disembark in Victoria. They need time to scan every car, check every ID, and get everyone squared away in the lanes.
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If you're a walk-on passenger, you can cut it closer—usually 30 minutes is the "safe" zone. But honestly, Port Angeles is a cool little town. Grab a coffee at one of the shops on Front Street and just get to the terminal early. Stressing over a 5-minute delay at a stoplight isn't worth missing the boat.
Life Onboard: Chowder and Views
The crossing takes about 90 minutes.
Most people rush to the solarium on the top deck. It’s covered and heated, which is a godsend because the Strait of Juan de Fuca is notoriously windy, even in August. If you want the "insider" experience, head straight to the coffee shop.
- The Food: They serve Ivar’s Clam Chowder. It’s a Pacific Northwest staple. Get it in a sourdough bowl.
- The Vibe: It’s mid-century maritime. Wood paneling, cushioned benches, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- The Duty-Free: You can buy high-end booze and perfumes once you’re in international waters. Just remember you have to declare that stuff when you land.
Navigating Victoria Once You Land
The best part about the ferry boat from Port Angeles to Victoria is where it lands. You don’t drop off in some industrial wasteland; you sail right into the Inner Harbour.
When you drive off the ramp, you’re literally staring at the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. It’s one of the most beautiful arrivals in the world.
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Parking Realities
If you left your car in Port Angeles, you’re walking right into the heart of downtown. Victoria is incredibly walkable.
If you brought your car, be prepared: Victoria parking is expensive and tight. Many of the historic hotels have tiny parking garages built for 1920s-sized cars. If you’re just doing a day trip, consider leaving the car in the private lots near the Port Angeles terminal (usually $10-$15 a day) and just walking on.
Pricing and Reservations for 2026
Expect to pay around $22 to $25 USD for a walk-on adult ticket. Bringing a standard car? You’re looking at roughly $75 to $80, which includes the driver.
Pro Tip: Always, always book a reservation for your vehicle. They only hold a certain amount of "drive-up" space, and it disappears instantly. The reservation fee is usually around $20, but it’s the only way to guarantee you’re getting on the boat you want.
Actionable Strategy for Your Trip
- Check the Dry Dock: Ensure your travel isn't between Jan 5 and Feb 18, 2026.
- Verify Your ID: Double-check that you have an EDL or a Passport, not just a standard license.
- Book Early: If you’re taking a car, book your spot at least three weeks in advance for summer travel.
- Arrival Window: Set your GPS to arrive in Port Angeles 90 minutes before sailing to account for local traffic.
- The Return Trip: Remember that US Customs happens in Port Angeles when you return. If you're catching a flight out of SEATAC later that day, give yourself a massive 4-hour buffer for the drive and potential border delays.
The ferry is more than a commute; it's the most scenic 90 minutes you'll spend in the Pacific Northwest. Just handle the paperwork and the timing beforehand so you can actually enjoy the view of the Olympic Mountains disappearing behind you.