The Victoria, BC to Port Angeles, Washington ferry known as the Coho or Blackball ferry has been running now for 48 years. Although it is not the most beautiful ship, it has a long history some of which include famous hit songs, of sailing into the Victoria harbour.
The ferry makes its way year-round (except for two weeks of drydock in the winter) between the two cities anywhere from two to three roundtrips daily. The Coho ferry now accepts vehicle reservations which alleviates the question as to weather or not you will make it onto the boat in the busy summer months. If you miss this ferry, it is a long 8 hours to Victoria on the only alternate route using the BC Ferries.
The ride on the Coho is comforable, complete with a basic concession area. Furnishings take you back to the 70’s with old leather seats and melamine tabletops while the atmosphere onboard has more of a “small town” friendly flavour. Many of the Coho passengers in the winter months seem to be the regulars that go back and forth regularly from Vancouver Island to the Pacific Northwest.