Commuting to lower mainland

[leftphalange]

Just wondering - does anyone studying in UVic commute to lower mainland regularly?

Not talking about daily of course.  How about visiting once a week or every other week? 

Anyone having family / partners back in lower mainland and doing that?  How's the experience like?

 

 

[Dinsdale]

Do you own a car?  How do you feel about tiny airplanes with large pontoons (and do you have lots of disposable income)?  If no, i believe the only method is bus/ferry/bus, about a four-hour trip if all goes well.

[AllWellAndGood]

I went to UVIC a few years ago and I distinctly remember the "Thursday ferry" crews. Since there were rarely classes on Fridays, usually students would carshare and drive over to Vancouver Thursday nights, five to a car, and split the ferry costs. It was an informal thing I wasn't a part of but there was a bunch of groups doing it.

[leftphalange]

15 hours ago, AllWellAndGood said:

I went to UVIC a few years ago and I distinctly remember the "Thursday ferry" crews. Since there were rarely classes on Fridays, usually students would carshare and drive over to Vancouver Thursday nights, five to a car, and split the ferry costs. It was an informal thing I wasn't a part of but there was a bunch of groups doing it.

I certainly hope that weekend travels to Vancouver is feasible and doable.

[cjs]

I go to Vancouver pretty often - usually 1-4 weekends a month.  If you can schedule your classes Mon-thurs it’s not too bad.  Harbour air gives you 50% off standby when you’re a student.  Can drive, but the ferry adds up quick if you’re crossing 8x a month.  You can take the city bus to Swartz Bay, then transit again on the other side.  There’s also the BC Ferries Connector bus which is like $80 one way and takes you from downtown Vic to downtown Van (includes ferry fare).  There’s also Island Link Bus that takes you from Vic to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) for $40 then you can walk on to the ferry (BC Ferries) to Horseshoe Bay ($20) or take the Hulu passenger ferry ($30-60) to downtown Van.  Hope this is helpful!

Edited April 3, 2024 by cjs

[chilly]

Many students go back often.

In addition to carpooling onto the ferry, folks might also carpool just to the ferry and park there. I've been told that parking for a weekend at the Vic ferry isn't too expensive.

If you live in or near downtown Vic, taking the bus to the ferry is a breeze. It's the Vancouver side that's a trickier (assuming your family/partner/friends aren't able to give you a ride).

[leftphalange]

4 hours ago, chilly said:

Many students go back often.

In addition to carpooling onto the ferry, folks might also carpool just to the ferry and park there. I've been told that parking for a weekend at the Vic ferry isn't too expensive.

If you live in or near downtown Vic, taking the bus to the ferry is a breeze. It's the Vancouver side that's a trickier (assuming your family/partner/friends aren't able to give you a ride).

Thanks.  As long as there are ways to do it we can further slowly explore the different options I believe.

 

[Bobbythehouseelf]

Current UVic law student that goes back to mainland once every two weeks or so. Full travel time takes about five hours, really varies on location.

Victoria side: You basically want the easiest access to the #70 bus. Most major routes pass by the #70 path though. The #70 is quick and included in your BC Transit bus pass. Only comes once every hour though and hits Swartz Bay at the :35 mark (ferry departs at :00). 

Vancouver side: Transit back isn't that bad, as the 620 takes you straight to Bridgeport station. If you're in Vancouver / Richmond, this makes it a bit easier depending on how close you live to the Canada line. If you don't live by the Canada line, it does make it a bit more difficult.