Frequently Asked Questions
About Clipper Vacations Travel Information
What’s the check-in and boarding process like? | What kind of identification do I need to bring with me? | What could prevent me from getting into Canada? | Is there parking near the terminals? | Where are the terminals located? | Can I take my car on the ferry? | Can I check a bag? | Can I take my bike on the boat? | What about my pet? | I get motion sickness. Should I be worried about taking the Clipper? | How long does it take to get to Victoria? The San Juans? | Is there food or drinks available on the boat? Can I bring my own food and beverages? | Links for more information
What’s the check-in and boarding process like?
You can check in at the Seattle or Victoria terminal up to 7 days in advance, where you will be issued a boarding pass and a boarding group number. Boarding group numbers are assigned on a first come, first serve basis which means people who check in 7 days in advance will be in an earlier boarding group than those who check in on the day they are traveling. When both legs of travel are within 7 days, both boarding passes will be issued at the same time. If you are traveling and can’t check-in in advance, don’t worry, you are guaranteed a seat on the boat, but we recommend arriving at least one hour before your boat’s departure and final boarding is 15 minutes before departure. If you are not on the boat 15 minutes before the boat is scheduled to leave, you forfeit your fare.
On the day you travel, after you check in, one of our agents will direct you to the waiting area where they will ask to see your ID and ask if you have any felonies that could prevent entrance into Canada. In Seattle, boarding starts 45 minutes before your boat is scheduled to leave. Boarding group numbers will be announced and when yours is called, you will be free to board the vessel and choose your seat. Pre boarding is available for those that might need a little more time to settle in, such as families traveling with children and those with difficulty walking. Learn more about check-in and boarding.
What kind of identification do I need to bring with me?
For US and Canadian citizens, a Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID) is required to cross the US/Canadian border. If you are flying on either end of your trip, keep in mind that you will need to bring your passport because a Passport Card or EDL/ID is not valid for air travel. More information on crossing the US/Canadian border.
If parents are traveling with children under age 16 or infants, proof of citizenship is required for each child. This could be a Birth Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate or Citizen Card. Also, if both birth parents are not traveling, you will need written authorization from parent/s or proof of custody or you may be denied entrance to Canada. More information on traveling with children.
What could prevent me from getting into Canada?
Felonies could prevent you from entering Canada. This means anything that’s considered a felony in Canada, even if it’s not a felony in the US (such as a DUI/DWI). Even though these may not be considered felonies in the United States, a DUI/DWI could result in being denied entrance into Canada. More information on crossing the US/Canadian border.
Is there parking near the terminals?
Yes. In Seattle, there are two nearby garages that offer parking for $10 per calendar day. Keep your ticket stub, as you will need to present it when you leave the garage to get the Clipper rate. In Victoria, daily pay parking is available at the terminal and overnight pay parking is available at the Hotel Grand Pacific, which is about a block from the terminal. More information on directions and parking and transportation from the airport to the Victoria Clipper.
Where are the terminals located?
In Seattle, the terminal is located on Alaskan Way at Pier 69. In Victoria, the terminal is located on Belleville Street about a block from the Hotel Grand Pacific.
Directions to Seattle terminal: From I-5, take exit 167 at Mercer Street and turn right at the light. Go one block and turn left onto Valley Street. Continue on Valley Street, which turns into Broad Street, until you reach the waterfront at Pier 70. Turn left onto Alaskan Way and continue for 1/2 block. The Victoria Clipper Terminal is on the water at Pier 69, between Pier 70 and the Edgewater Hotel
Directions to Victoria terminal: The Victoria Clipper is located in Victoria's Inner Harbour at 254 Belleville Street. Make your way downtown and head south on Government Street. Then turn onto Belleville Street.
More information on directions and parking including nearby parking lots and important traffic alerts.
Can I take my car on the ferry?
No. The Victoria Clipper vessels are all passenger-only ferries. However, you can park your car at nearby parking garages before boarding the Clipper (Bell St. Garage and Seattle Trade & Technology Center near the Seattle terminal, hourly parking at the Victoria Terminal or the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria). More information on directions and parking.
Can I check a bag?
Yes. You can check up to two bags-for free! After that, you can check up to two pieces of luggage for $10 per bag. Bags must weigh less than 50 pounds and may not exceed 36” L by 10” W x28” H. You can also carry on one small piece of luggage. More information on luggage, bikes and animals.
Can I take my bike on the boat?
Yes! We will check your bike for a $20 fee for each leg of travel. There are a limited number of spaces for bikes, so it is best to reserve your bike during the booking process (online or over the phone) to make sure there’s room for it on the boat. More information on luggage, bikes and animals.
What about my pet?
Pets are charged a $20 handling fee for each leg of travel. Like bikes, we recommend booking in advance since there is limited room for pets. They must be in a hard-sided airline approved kennel (or you can rent one for an additional $10 each leg of travel) and have vaccination records for Customs. More information on luggage, bikes and animals.
Is there food or drinks available on the boat? Can I bring my own food and beverages?
You can bring food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard the boat. Alcoholic beverages cannot be taken on the boat, however the Victoria Clipper Menu has a variety of food, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard the boat. Duty free fragrance, liquor and cigarettes are also available for purchase.
Links for more information:
Currency converter and Current Weather in Victoria, BC and Seattle, WA
ADA Compliance
Clipper Vacations is ADA compliant and for details re service animals, etc., please visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-07-06/pdf/2010-15101.pdf
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